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Great Smoky Mtn/Balsam Mountain
Overview
Balsam Mountain Campground offers a secluded escape within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located at an elevation of 5,310 feet, it serves as the park's highest campground, providing a cool retreat even during the peak of summer. This site is known for its primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the high-elevation hardwood forest. Unlike the busier lowland sites, Balsam Mountain offers a quieter, more intimate connection with the surrounding mountain landscape and pristine wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this campground is accessible via the incredibly scenic Heintooga Ridge Road. The surroundings are characterized by dense forests, diverse wildlife, and sweeping vistas of the Smokies. While it feels wonderfully remote, it is located approximately 11 miles from the Cherokee Indian Reservation, offering a unique blend of high-altitude wilderness and cultural proximity. Travelers should note that the access roads are winding and narrow, making the drive an integral part of the mountain experience.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Park Service facility, the focus here is on nature rather than modern luxury. The campground provides essential facilities to ensure a comfortable yet rustic stay for visitors. Key features include:
- Flush toilets and potable drinking water stations located throughout the loops.
- Individual campsites equipped with a heavy-duty fire ring and a sturdy picnic table.
- Access to high-elevation hiking trails directly from the campground area.
There are no hookups or dump stations available on-site, so RVers must arrive prepared for dry camping. Because this is active bear territory, the park enforces strict food storage regulations to protect both the campers and the local wildlife.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless exploration opportunities just minutes from their campsite. The Heintooga-Round Bottom Road offers a rugged, one-way gravel drive through spectacular scenery that is a favorite for photography. Hikers can access the Flat Creek Trail or the Hemphill Bald Trail for stunning views and birdwatching. For a change of pace, the nearby town of Cherokee, NC features the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and seasonal outdoor dramas, providing a rich historical context to the region.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prioritize tranquility and natural beauty over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking in cooler climates and don't mind the absence of Wi-Fi or electricity. If you are looking for a remote wilderness experience that serves as a gateway to the high-country trails of the Great Smoky Mountains, Balsam Mountain provides the perfect rustic basecamp for your next mountain adventure.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
steven catron
Constrained by topography, the sites are still too close to one another for comfort at times - generally when adolescents who should know better are involved. If you're riding, either get a tent only site or prepare to ask to share a bear box with someone in one of those sites. There are no public bear boxes. Bring your own soap for the bathrooms because obviously they don't want to attract bears by having it there 24/7.
Nicole Villano
Lovely and cool way to beat the heat. Got to see a spectacular display of the meteor shower last night.
Rachel Adams
Wonderful, secluded campground. The facilities were clean and the camp hosts were friendly. We have Verizon and decent cell coverage. LOTS of wildlife. Elk, deer, and bears were all spotted in our camp area while we were there. There was actually an elk in our campsite when we arrived! (Photos taken from the car to give the elk distance)
Bobby Hartman
Great quiet campground. Host was nice and checked in several times over the two nights we stayed. Bathroom was clean. Very secluded. Takes about 35 minutes to get to nearest visitor center. T Mobile service didn’t work. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Kyt M
Camp host was very sweet and helpful. Really out in the middle of no where. Perfect for a stary night get a way!