Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Melissa W.
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

Away from crowds

I'm giving this campground 5 stars because you'll feel like you're in a part of the park that no one goes to. It's over an hour to get to the main part of the park, visitor centers, etc. There's still several hikes in the Balsam area so there's no need to drive to the main entrance if you don't want. However, if you do, the drive takes you along the Blue Ridge Parkway which has some amazing views. 

The campground is at about 5500 feet so expect fog, clouds, and rain (it rained every day on us even though it wasn't raining at lower elevations in the park). It's a pretty small campground and some of the sites are not great, some sit literally feet from the driveway. Surprisingly, they allow RV's at a decent number of sites which means that they're all parked in the driveway (I would hate to camp here with an RV and just park in a road). Several of the sites sit above or below the main road and offer more privacy and a more secluded feeling. Each site has a tent pad which is helpful since the campground is on top of a mountain and not level at all. All items need to be put away in your vehicle overnight since bear visits are possible. Campground host was very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms were in great condition and kept clean. 

If we were in a different campsite, I'd probably give the campground 4 stars but with a good site, this campground can be amazing.

Site37
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Melissa W., June 2, 2021