Balsam Lake Lodge

Star4.71
19 reviews
5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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

ElectricShowers

Opens National Forests in North Carolina site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Balsam Lake Lodge
$170.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$170 per night from Sunday through Thursday. $200 per night for Friday and Saturday bookings. Additional fees may apply during holidays.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
828-524-6441
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What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciouswell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA

Balsam Lake Lodge

5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783, USA

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).
Accessible via paved roads from major highways such as I-40, U.S. 23/74, and NC 215. SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road) is the final road leading to the lodge. No seasonal closures are mentioned.
Nearby places
Tuckasegee: null miles (travel time unspecified), Waynesville is accessible via US 276 and is a nearby population center.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel locations are null
however, guests are advised to plan ahead due to remoteness.

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Lake Lodge

From the first wildflower blooms of spring through the golden finale of autumn, Balsam Lake Lodge basks in the Blue Ridge's famously temperate climate. Spring arrives with a symphony of birdsong and fresh green canopies, while summer days invite endless adventures with pleasantly warm temperatures ideal for hiking mountain trails and casting lines into the lake's peaceful waters. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest transforms into a painter's palette of crimson, gold, and amber, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your mountain retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm-season activities (boating, fishing, hiking) make summer attractive; open April–Nov.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 3% in NC

Autumn 'golden finale' and spectacular mountain foliage; reviewers emphasize fall beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in NC

Spring wildflowers, birdsong and pleasant temps praised; good for early-season visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Lodge is closed in winter (open early April–late November).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1st to November 29th (dates correspond to open season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open early April through late November. Reservations are available during these months.

About Balsam Lake Lodge

Hidden deep within the sprawling 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest, Balsam Lake Lodge emerges like a woodland sanctuary where comfort meets wilderness. This cherished retreat perches above the tranquil waters of Balsam Lake, offering groups an authentic mountain experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Behind its rustic facade, you'll discover 16 cozy twin beds awaiting weary adventurers, a fully-equipped kitchen ready for hearty camp meals, outdoor grills perfect for evening cookouts under the stars, modern flush toilets, and a steady supply of firewood to keep the stories flowing long into the night.
Balsam Lake Lodge is a rental property, focused on group accommodations rather than traditional camping setups like tent or RV sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
4PM
Check-out
11:30 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 5 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total within each month.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe area features three short hiking trails: Robinson Trail, suitable for wheelchairs, leads to a dock and fishing pier; Malonee Trail travels approximately a half-mile along the lake to the day-use area; Wolf Creek Trail runs 0.3 miles beside a stream.
FishingTrout fishing is available in Balsam Lake, with several fishing piers for guest use.
BoatingThe lake supports non-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking; however, boats are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant due to the lodge's location in the forested Blue Ridge Mountains.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service within 5 miles. Guests should plan ahead by downloading relevant maps.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Balsam Lake Lodge

Reviews

4.7
19 reviews
Top-Rated
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 19 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...
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Based on 19 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 19 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 19 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...
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Based on 19 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...
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Based on 19 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 19 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 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed; no reviews specifically address this policy.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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