Map showing campground location near Balsam Grove, North Carolina

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Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Wind is the defining feature at Black Balsam Knob, a free dispersed camping area within Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campers have two main options: sites near the trailhead parking lot, tucked under trees with existing fire pits but no tent pads or lantern hangers, or exposed spots higher up on the bald itself. The trailhead sites sit close to the road, roughly 200 feet from regular car and foot traffic during busy months. No RVs can access this area. It is walk-in or hike-in only.

Camping near the trailhead means dealing with rooted, uneven ground that makes finding a level spot a real challenge. The upper option, on or near Sam Knob Trail, puts campers on open terrain with wide sightlines toward layered ridgelines and, on clear mornings, cloud cover sitting well below the summit. That elevation comes with a cost. Multiple reviewers report wind gusts strong enough to fold or snap tent poles, and rain compounds the exposure considerably. Freestanding tents are a practical necessity up top, as anchoring into solid rock is often the only option.

A pit toilet is available at the trailhead, and campfires are permitted. Dogs are welcome. Rangers have stepped up enforcement of the 1,000-foot buffer from the road, so site selection matters. Heidi H. notes the wind was "very intense" enough to prevent sleep, but found the sunrise views worth it. Campers wanting more shelter and a different setup can look at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites to the southwest.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Balsam Knob is located in North Carolina near Balsam Grove

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

35.3293005 N
82.89460074 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 29 min from Asheville, NC
2 hrs 2 min from Greenville, SC
2 hrs 9 min from Spartanburg, SC

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Black Balsam Knob

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted stunning mountain views and flexible camping options from roadside spots to summit locations. Wind conditions can be intense, and day hiker traffic creates noise throughout busy periods.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Heidi H.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2025

No rest, but the BEST

The coordinates tried to send us to Sam Knob, but we followed the signs to Black Balsam instead. They’re the same parking lot so it’s not a big deal. Like others have said, the wind is killer. Took a bit of time to anchor our tent poles so they didn’t fold in because of the wind. It was still very intense and I personally didn’t get any sleep. BUT. If you want to wake up to the most beautiful sunrise, the best view, and feel physically closer to God than you ever have, it’s worth all of it. I will have failed if I don’t come back here before I die. I loved it.

Month of VisitNovember

(5) View All

Voyager D.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 28, 2025

DO NOT CAR CAMP

You MUST camp outside of 1000ft from road. You WILL get investigated by park Rangers, which stepped up enforcement of this stupid, pointless law around 2 years ago.

Otherwise, wonderful, awesome spot. If you wanna ignore the rules, I advise the topmost pullout. Best sunrise views.

Celine T.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2024

10/10

I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it.

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

John R.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 17, 2023

The wind is no joke

The sunset was breathtaking and the hike was very fun but if you are camping overnight, expect wind gusts that are capable of snapping tent poles. There is very little wind coverage at the top of the mountain.

Siteoff grid

Month of VisitDecember

(9) View All

matt E.

Guide

Reviewed May. 14, 2022

Great camping spot!

Lots of places to set up camp. We set up below the mountain, but there are spots at the top as well. The clouds are amazing you are basically in them or above them. Definitely worth the trip!

Also recommend checking out skinny dipping falls it is about 5 miles away and about a mile round trip. Lots of fun and cool rocks to climb on.

Month of VisitMay

(7) View All

Peter H.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Free, easy, and beautiful

Perfect for tent camping right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campsites are next to the road under the pine trees or you can camp on top of the mountain. It’s an easy 20-30min hike to the top of the mountain with tall grass and a wide open view to see the sunrise and sunset!

Siteyou can camp anywhere

Month of VisitJune

(14) View All

Myron C.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2020

Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock.

The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great.

Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

Month of VisitAugust

(17) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What regulations apply to camping at Black Balsam Knob?

The primary regulation at Black Balsam Knob is that you must camp at least 1000 feet away from the road, a rule actively enforced by park rangers. As part of Pisgah National Forest, standard National Forest dispersed camping regulations apply, including proper waste disposal (pack it in, pack it out), and respecting natural resources. There are no formal facilities, so campers should be prepared with all necessary supplies. No reservations are required, but be prepared for other hikers and campers, especially during peak seasons.

Where are the best camping spots near Black Balsam Knob?

Black Balsam Knob offers several excellent camping locations. You can find sites under pine trees near the road (remembering the 1000-foot distance requirement), which provide some shelter from the elements. Many campers prefer the mountaintop sites that offer breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets, though these are more exposed to wind. Some spots are just a short 20-30 minute hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summit area features wide-open spaces with tall grass and panoramic vistas, but be prepared for strong wind gusts that can affect tent stability.

Is camping allowed at Black Balsam Knob?

Yes, camping is allowed at Black Balsam Knob, which is located in Pisgah National Forest. This is a dispersed camping area with no formal campground facilities. There are various sites available near the trailhead to Sam Knob in an area known as Black Balsam. Important to note that camping must be at least 1000 feet away from the road, and this rule is actively enforced by park rangers. The area is suitable for tent camping only, with no RV accommodations available.

What outdoor activities can you do around Black Balsam Knob?

Black Balsam Knob offers numerous outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. Hiking is the primary attraction with trails of varying difficulty, including access to Sam Knob. The area is perfect for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the mountain views are spectacular. Stargazing is exceptional due to the high elevation and minimal light pollution. Nearby, approximately 5 miles away, you can visit Skinny Dipping Falls (about a mile round trip hike). The Blue Ridge Parkway is also close by, offering scenic drives and access to additional trails and viewpoints.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Balsam Knob is located in North Carolina near Balsam Grove

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Contact

Drive Time

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