Is Balsam Mt. Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Balsam Mt. Campground 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 Mt. Campground before I book?

Yes! Balsam Mt. Campground has 24 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 Mt. Campground?

Balsam Mt. Campground is open Peak season runs from May 16 to October 13. The campground is closed outside this period.. 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 Mt. Campground?

Balsam Mt. Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Balsam Mt. Campground have?

Balsam Mt. Campground has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Balsam Mt. Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Balsam Mt. Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Balsam Mt. Campground?

Balsam Mt. Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Balsam Mt. Campground

4.35

121 reviews

Top 20% in TNFall

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,310 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,310 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Balsam Mt. Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Balsam Mt. Campground

35.5654, -83.1743

Weather at Balsam Mt. Campground

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Mt. Campground

Best season: fall. The key benefit of visiting in fall is high-elevation color and crisp, stable weather—Balsam Mountain’s leaves typically peak earlier than the lowlands, often mid-September through early October, producing spectacular ridge-line color. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, great for brisk hikes and photography without summer heat or many bugs. Fall is prime for hiking, wildlife viewing and clear-morning vistas, but note the campg Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

Best season: high-elevation color mid-Sept–early Oct and elk migration create peak conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 16 to October 13. The campground is closed outside this period.

About Balsam Mt. Campground

Balsam Mt. Campground sits high in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, operated by the National Park Service. This mid-elevation forest campground offers cooler summer temperatures and early fall foliage, with flush toilets, potable water, and tent and RV sites. Reviewers praise clean facilities, helpful hosts, and excellent hiking and wildlife viewing in quiet surroundings.

Balsam Mountain Campground supports traditional tent camping and small RV camping, providing a quiet and remote backcountry experience. The campground is particularly appealing for those seeking solitude and cooler temperatures during the summer.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. The key benefit of visiting in fall is high-elevation color and crisp, stable weather—Balsam Mountain’s leaves typically peak earlier than the lowlands, often mid-September through early October, producing spectacular ridge-line color. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, great for brisk hikes and photography without summer heat or many bugs. Fall is prime for hiking, wildlife viewing and clear-morning vistas, but note the campg Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5310 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThese weathered peaks rank among Earth's oldest mountains, their ridgelines carved by geological time. Morning clouds settle in the hollows below while pristine streams tumble through deep valleys. Ancient forests surround the campground, and elk sometimes graze nearby during spring and fall migrations. The elevation keeps everything cool and mist-shrouded. Summer temperatures rarely break 70°F even at midday, and nights drop into the 50s.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodge-like accommodations on-site. Campers are limited to tent and small RV setups.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs directly associated with the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityWhile there is no ADA-specific information provided for Balsam Mountain Campground, reviews mention that restrooms are accessible but require lighting during nighttime hours.

Site SizeSites are described as suitable for tents and small RVs. Reviews indicate that the sites include gravel tent pads and have varying levels of privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across campsites. Some sites are noted for their seclusion (e.g., Site #23), while others are described as being very close to neighboring sites.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesTent pads are gravel and accommodate one large or two small tents. Sites near the restroom (e.g., Site 32) have been criticized for proximity and lack of foliage.

Best CampsitesSite 23 gets frequent mentions for privacy and scenery. Sites 37 and 22 also offer decent seclusion. Some sites sit very close to neighbors or near the restrooms, which limits privacy. Reviewers recommend booking early if you want one of the quieter spots.

Need help booking Balsam Mt. Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Balsam Mountain Campground offers visitors a traditional camping experience with limited but essential amenities in a high-elevation environment. At an elevation of 5,310 feet, daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F, with nighttime temperatures often dipping into the low 50s, making it a cooler alternative during warmer months. The campground features 42 campsites dedicated to tent and RV camping (non-electric). Campers will find flush toilets and potable drinking water available on a seasonal basis, but no shower facilities or hookups are provided. Restrooms lack interior lighting, so campers are advised to bring flashlights or lanterns. Sites come equipped with a fire ring and grill, a picnic table, and a gravel tent pad. A dishwashing station is available for campers' convenience. There is no dump station or camp store, and firewood is not sold onsite. Food storage regulations are strictly enforced due to the presence of bears.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Balsam Mountain Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic auto touring. The remote location provides access to less crowded trails and opportunities for solitude amidst nature.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

121 reviews

Recommended

Balsam Mt. Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Balsam Mountain Campground is highly praised for its cooler high-altitude climate, cleanliness, and opportunities for solitude. Common highlights include clean restrooms, helpful camp hosts, and a peaceful setting. However, some reviewers note the lack of showers and the close proximity of certain campsites as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 121 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 121 reviews.

Site #23Loved
Site #23 is frequently noted as one of the most private and secluded options.
Site #32Mentioned
In contrast, Site #32 is criticized for being too close to the restrooms and lacking privacy due to heavy foot traffic.
Site #37Mentioned
Site #37 is favored for its slight elevation and partial seclusion.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, helpful camp hosts, cooler summer temperatures, excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, and quiet surroundings.

Based on 121 reviews

Common Concerns

Campsites are too close together in some areas, lack of showers, no firewood sales on-site, and inadequate privacy for certain sites near restrooms.

Based on 121 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood, as it is not sold on-site. Flashlights or lanterns are a must for navigating the restrooms at night. For privacy, aim for sites like #23, which is noted for its seclusion....

Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the cooler temperatures as a major advantage. Spring and fall reviews emphasize the abundant wildlife, including elk sightings. However, summer weekends can be busier, and...

Based on 121 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is an amazing place to get a break from the intense heat of the summer in NC. Nights in the 50-60s make for ideal camping." - Sebastien Pilon. "The campground host, Ron, was very helpful and...

Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms are accessible, but lighting is insufficient at night. No specific ADA-compliant sites or features are highlighted for this campground.

Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times. Reviewers have not reported significant issues related to camping with pets.

Based on 121 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want cooler summer temperatures, early fall foliage, and excellent hiking in a quieter corner of the Smokies.

Skip if

You need spacious sites with privacy or amenities like showers and hot water.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.4

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Balsam Mountain Campground

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Balsam Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Cherokee, North Carolina. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours during peak season. Visitors come for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in cooler mountain air, with fall foliage drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts to trails that empty out as summer crowds disperse.