Quick Facts

5,310 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service 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 Mt. Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $30/night per site during peak season (May 16 to October 13). Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
828-497-9270GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 121 reviews

139 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhiking

"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."

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Campground Map

Balsam Mt. Campground

35.5654, -83.1743

Driving directionsMore information can be found at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/.

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Mt. Campground

Nature keeps its own thermostat at Balsam Mountain, where summer days feel like autumn elsewhere. Even when the valleys below swelter, temperatures here rarely climb past a refreshing 70°F, while nights invite cozy campfires as the mercury dips into the low 50s. The mountain's moods can shift quickly—morning sunshine often gives way to afternoon mists and frequent rainfall that keeps the forest lush and streams singing year-round.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer temps (rarely above ~70°F) are a major draw; campground open May–Oct but weekends busier.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall emphasizes wildlife (elk migrations) and scenic vistas; reviews highlight excellent autumn experiences.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews highlight elk sightings and abundant wildlife; cool, pleasant conditions noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 16–Oct 13; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 16 to October 13. The campground is closed outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: Straight Fork Road and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road are closed. Visitors may still access Balsam Mountain Campground via the 9-mile paved section of Balsam Mountain Road.

About Balsam Mt. Campground

Perched high in the clouds at 5,310 feet, Balsam Mountain Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hidden gem features 42 pristine tent-only sites where the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Here, summer never truly arrives—even in July, you'll reach for your fleece as evening temperatures dance in the crisp 50s, making this the perfect refuge from sweltering lowland heat.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe campground provides easy access to the Flat Creek Trail and the Hemphill Bald Trail, which form part of a 14-mile loop hike. These trails offer both scenic views and opportunities to explore old-growth forests. A shorter nature trail is located adjacent to Site #43.
FishingHigh-quality backcountry fishing is available in the nearby streams, including along the Balsam Mountain and Straight Fork Roads. Spring fly fishing is particularly productive due to aquatic insect hatches.
BikingSome trails and roads in the vicinity of Balsam Mountain Campground are suitable for biking, although specific trail details are not provided.
Wildlife viewingElk are frequently seen in the spring and fall, and sightings of black bears and various bird species are common. The campground's remote location enhances wildlife observation opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh bear activity is reported; all food and scented items must be stored securely. Wildlife encounters with elk are also possible.
Active AlertsStraight Fork Road and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road are closed. Visitors may still access Balsam Mountain Campground via the 9-mile paved section of Balsam Mountain Road.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Balsam Mt. Campground

Reviews

4.4
121 reviews
Recommended
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

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....
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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...
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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...
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Based on 121 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #23 is frequently noted as one of the most private and secluded options. In contrast, Site #32 is criticized for being too close to the restrooms and lacking privacy due to heavy foot traffic....
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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