Balsam Mountain Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground offers a rare high-altitude camping experience at 5,310 feet, where cool mountain breezes and pristine wilderness create an unforgettable retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains. This secluded campground provides a tranquil escape with its lush forest surroundings, crystal-clear streams, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk sightings during spring and fall. The 46 well-maintained sites, while modest in size, are thoughtfully arranged to maximize privacy and showcase the natural beauty of the area.

Located in a remote section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Balsam Mountain Campground is accessed via a scenic 9-mile mountain road from Cherokee, North Carolina. The campground's strategic position offers easy access to several less-traveled hiking trails, including the Flat Creek Trail and the challenging Hemphill Bald-Rough Fork loop, showcasing old-growth forests and panoramic vistas.

The campground serves as an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the quieter side of the Smokies. Visitors can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in nearby streams, take in breathtaking sunsets at the Heintooga Overlook just a mile away, or embark on the picturesque 14-mile Heintooga Round Bottom Road for spectacular mountain scenery and potential wildlife encounters. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum, offering insights into the region's rich cultural history, are within a short drive, providing a well-rounded Smoky Mountain experience.