BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Biking
Hiking
Wildlife Watching
Check availability
The host has not added an availability calendar yet.
Amenities, activities and location
Activities
BikingHikingWildlife Watching
Getting there
Swain County, NC, USA, US
Good to know
- Guests per site
- Up to 6
About this campground
Overview Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park.Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Balsam Mountain area features several trails that are less heavily used compared to other areas of the park. The campground offers a short nature trail located beside site 43. The hiker only Flat Creek Trail is a pleasant walk through a hardwood forest. For the adventurous hiker the Hemphill Bald and Rough Fork trails provide a 14-mile loop hike, with outstanding views and old growth trees.
Read moreRead less
Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Anglers will agree that some of the best trout fishing in the area can be found along the Balsam Mountain and Straight Fork Roads, some of the most remote sections of the park. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures have been preserved in the park. For the auto touring enthusiast, the 14-mile Heintooga Round Bottom Road, a one-way unimproved gravel drive, offers spectacular scenery with mountain vistas and the occasional bear or elk sighting. Buses, motorhome, vans longer than 25' and any vehicle towing a trailer are prohibited on this road.Facilities Balsam Mountain Campground offers 42 campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. No lights are available in the restrooms at this campground. For campers' safety use of a flashlight, lantern or headlamp is recommended when accessing these facilities after day light hours.Natural Features Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams. Elk are common in this part of the park during the spring and fall. Located at 5,310 feet elevation, Balsam Mountain's daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees F and night time temperatures may dip into the low 50's. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include: Maggie Valley, NC, Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the Bryson City Railway and Asheville, NC
Where to book
Campertunity shows the listing information, then hands you to the campground’s available booking route.
BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Last checked Oct 2026
Book with the campground or listed provider- Review final availability and terms before paying
- Your booking is completed on the selected service
How complete and verified is this campground?
Campgrounds add and verify details to help you know what to expect. The higher the level, the more verified information you get as a camper.
BasicLevel 1Some basic info added0 – 20% completeCompleted
DetailedLevel 2More details verified52% completeCurrent level
PromotedLevel 3Most details verified80 – 100% complete
Ratings, availability, photos, and policies are more reliable as the level increases.
Nearby campgrounds
Something doesn't fit or is wrong?
Nobody has claimed this campground yet. If it is yours, claim it to keep the details up to date.
Claim this listing