How much does camping cost at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Camping fees at Balsam Lake Lodge are $170 - $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Balsam Lake Lodge first-come first-served or reservation?

Balsam Lake Lodge accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Balsam Lake Lodge before I book?

Yes! Balsam Lake Lodge has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Balsam Lake Lodge?

Balsam Lake Lodge is open April 01 to November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Yes, Balsam Lake Lodge has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Balsam Lake Lodge have?

Balsam Lake Lodge has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Pets are not allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Balsam Lake Lodge offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Popular activities at Balsam Lake Lodge include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Balsam Lake Lodge

Q: Can I have a campfire at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Fire policies at Balsam Lake Lodge: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.72

20 reviews

5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Asheville Boating Camping North Carolina

Quick Facts

3,783 ft

Price

$170 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,783 ft

Price

$170 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Balsam Lake Lodge

$170.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $170.00 (+$30.00 weekend). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

828-524-6441

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA

Balsam Lake Lodge

5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA

Nearby places

Tuckasegee: null miles (travel time unspecified), Waynesville is accessible via US 276 and is a nearby population center.

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 west to exit 27. Go west on U.S. 23/74 to Waynesville and take exit 102. Take U.S. 276 south and turn right on NC 215 south. Take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go 5 miles to the Balsam Lake Lodge (located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate). From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 south for 5 miles to SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go west 5 miles to the lodge (Located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate).

Weather at Balsam Lake Lodge

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information about National Forests in North Carolina
Combination for key box will be forwarded to reservation holder via email
Key box is located at the Day Use area of Balsam Lake; key must be placed in a drop slot upon departure. Note : The lodge and the Day Use are two separate locations.
Maximum capacity is 16 people per night

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Lake Lodge

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the area's signature draw — vibrant high-elevation foliage and crisp, comfortable weather ideal for hiking, photography, and lakeside relaxation. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F in October with chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, making for excellent morning mist over Balsam Lake and outstanding trout fishing. Weekends during peak color (late September to mid-October at this 3,783 ft elevation) are busier, but midweek visits still feel peaceful and offer prime wildlife- Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Fall called the best season for vibrant high-elevation foliage and ideal weather for photography/hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open early April through late November. Reservations are available during these months.

About Balsam Lake Lodge

Balsam Lake Lodge sits in the North Carolina foothills near Tuckasegee, operated by National Forests in North Carolina as a premium cabin and group camping destination. The property offers electric hookups, showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities alongside access to Balsam Lake for boating and fishing. Guests praise the spacious accommodations, provided firewood, and sweeping views, though the rustic character means occasional maintenance needs.

Balsam Lake Lodge is a rental property, focused on group accommodations rather than traditional camping setups like tent or RV sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the area's signature draw — vibrant high-elevation foliage and crisp, comfortable weather ideal for hiking, photography, and lakeside relaxation. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F in October with chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, making for excellent morning mist over Balsam Lake and outstanding trout fishing. Weekends during peak color (late September to mid-October at this 3,783 ft elevation) are busier, but midweek visits still feel peaceful and offer prime wildlife- Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation3783 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lodge overlooks Balsam Lake, an 8-acre mountain lake surrounded by mixed deciduous and evergreen forest. At 3,783 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the setting combines hardwoods with pines and hemlocks. Morning mist often rises off the lake's surface, and the water reflects the surrounding ridgelines. The forest canopy creates layered shade around the property.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodge accommodates up to 16 guests with 16 twin beds (some bunks). It includes a kitchen equipped with utensils and appliances, a fireplace, and heating. Guests must clean the property thoroughly before departure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 5 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total within each month.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 16 guests per night.

Groups

The lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, making it ideal for group visits.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov online, mobile app, and contact center.

AccessibilityThe lodge includes multiple accessibility features such as an accessible kitchen and a roll-in wheelchair shower. Additionally, one of the hiking trails (Robinson Trail) is wheelchair-accessible.

Site SizeThe lodge is suited for groups of up to 16 guests.

PrivacyAs it is a single lodge, privacy is guaranteed for the renting group.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing charcoal, aluminum foil, and non-motorized boats for recreation.

Need help booking Balsam Lake Lodge ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electrical hook ups.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Balsam Lake Lodge

Guests can engage in a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and wildlife viewing. The lodge is surrounded by scenic trails and offers direct access to Balsam Lake.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Supports non-motorized boating (canoes/kayaks); lake and docks available though boats not provided.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Three short trails nearby (incl. an accessible Robinson Trail); good for short hikes, not long backpacking.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, limited cell/internet and single-lodge privacy at 3,783 ft imply good dark-sky viewing.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must clean the lodge thoroughly after their stay, including washing and folding linens, vacuuming, mopping, and collecting ashes from the fireplace and grill. Cleaning supplies are provided on-site.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Balsam Lake Lodge

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From Booking Sources

4.7

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Balsam Lake Lodge is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Guests appreciate the lodge's scenic location and well-equipped facilities, though some mention its rustic nature and the need to clean thoroughly upon departure. The remoteness and lack of internet or cell signals are seen as both a challenge and a benefit.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments include the 'million-dollar view,' spacious accommodations, provided amenities like firewood, and the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Many guests also praise the accessibility...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the rustic nature of the lodge, the requirement for guests to complete cleaning tasks before departure, and occasional maintenance issues such as the need for pest control.

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews pertain exclusively to the lodge, with guests praising its spaciousness, amenities, and location. No specific campsite reviews are applicable.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring charcoal and aluminum foil for cooking, download maps in advance due to the lack of connectivity, and plan group activities like hiking and non-motorized boating for an enjoyable stay.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Guests generally highlight the beauty and tranquility of the lodge in spring, summer, and fall. Seasonal trends suggest the lodge's amenities and lake access make it ideal for warm-weather activities...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fun place to stay! Kinda like being at camp." - Vickie Wall "Wonderful mountain getaway, albeit rustic. Very affordable." - Rebecca Ward "The remoteness means no cell signal, so make your travel and...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight the wheelchair-accessible facilities, particularly the roll-in shower and Robinson Trail, as positives for guests with disabilities.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed; no reviews specifically address this policy.

Based on 20 reviews

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Balsam Lake Lodge

$170.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $170.00 (+$30.00 weekend). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-524-6441

Go if

You want a well-equipped group retreat or cabin stay with lake access and don't mind premium rates.

Skip if

You need budget camping or expect resort-level maintenance in a rustic National Forest setting.

Nearby Campgrounds

National Forests in North Carolina

Sunburst is a small, nine-site campground at 3,323 feet in the North Carolina mountains, known for exceptional cleanliness and a quiet, creek-side setting. Reviewers call it one of their favorite places to camp, praising the no-frills atmosphere and outstanding hosts who keep the grounds pristine and help guests settle in.

Balsam Lake Lodge

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Balsam Lake Lodge

Campground Map

Weather at Balsam Lake Lodge

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Lake Lodge

Planning Tips

About Balsam Lake Lodge

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Balsam Lake Lodge ?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Balsam Lake Lodge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Balsam Lake Lodge

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Lake Lodge

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Balsam Lake Lodge ?

Amenities available

Things to do at Balsam Lake Lodge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews