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Best Campgrounds near Balsam, NC

3,176 Reviews

The greater Balsam region in western North Carolina features numerous camping options within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas. Established campgrounds like Balsam Mountain Campground and Smokemont Campground provide traditional tent and RV sites, while private operations such as Moonshine Creek Campground and Stonebridge RV Resort offer more developed facilities including cabins and glamping options. Most campgrounds in this mountainous region are situated along creeks or streams, creating a peaceful backdrop for overnight stays while providing access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby hiking trails.

Seasonal availability significantly impacts camping options in the Balsam area, with many national park campgrounds operating only from spring through fall. Balsam Mountain Campground typically opens from May to mid-October, while several private campgrounds extend their seasons slightly longer. Winter camping is limited due to snow and ice at higher elevations, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway which experiences frequent closures. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when campgrounds regularly reach capacity. A visitor noted, "The campground is beautiful with a mountain stream flowing through the entire campground. Immaculate bathhouses and wonderful owners."

Proximity to water features prominently in camper experiences throughout the region. Moonshine Creek Campground receives consistent praise for its creek access, with sites thoughtfully arranged to maximize the sound of flowing water. Several reviews mention the soothing quality of staying near streams: "The creek was beautiful" and "Loved hearing the running creek from our tent site." While site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, many provide amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and access to clean restrooms. The mountainous terrain creates natural boundaries between some sites, though private campgrounds tend to position units closer together than those in national park settings. For travelers seeking more solitude, the national park campgrounds generally offer more spacious sites with greater privacy.

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Best Camping Sites Near Balsam, North Carolina (666)

    1. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    16 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    2. Moonshine Creek Campground

    21 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    "Minutes from the parkway for hiking, 2 miles away from a creek on the WNC fly fishing trail, and plenty of space to get out and walk around the grounds."

    "My site was right next to the stream and little covered bridge. It sounded like it was always raining. We used the pavilion for get togethers, it has a nice kitchen area with a grill."

    3. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "If you want to put some distance between you and the masses at Great Smoky NP than head to Balsam Mountain Campground. Quieter and greater chance of seeing bears and other wild life."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    4. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-4361

    $26 - $37 / night

    "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina. Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy."

    "The site was pretty large, level, and had unparalleled views and access to Bunches Creek."

    5. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    6. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

    7. Stonebridge RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-1904

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Easy access to everything needed. Tent sites were a little small. But overall very friendly management. Close to Waynesville and all the cute places in Maggie Valley."

    "Not having to walk to the bath house in the middle of the night was a welcome relief, but RV camping is not my favorite way to“camp.”"

    8. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

    9. Mount Pisgah Campground

    41 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "First of all, the location is awesome. You descend into the campground directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provides for a beautiful drive to the site."

    10. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is great if you want to explore the eastern section of North Carolina sections of the park."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

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Recent Camping Photos near Balsam, NC

1384 Photos of 666 Balsam Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Balsam, NC

3176 Reviews of 666 Balsam Campgrounds

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great Campsite, But Let’s Keep It Clean

    This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated. I was lucky to grab the last open site, and it turned out to be a perfect place to unwind. The only downside was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors; I nearly filled a bag cleaning up. A gentle reminder to future campers: please do better and respect this beautiful space. Despite that, it’s truly a gem, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort

    October in the Smokey Mountains

    This is an amazing campsite spot. Minutes outside Pigeon Forge you're close to sites, shops, and anything you need. A short drive to the park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The spaces are easily accessible with options for any setup. Incredibly affordable so great value. The best campsite bathrooms I've ever seen, seriously immaculate bathrooms. Digital processes for registration and check in made it very easy to book. Staff was super helpful and very responsive to texts if you need anything.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

Guide to Balsam

Camping near Balsam, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing. A review noted, "The lake was beautiful, and there are plenty of smallmouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor shared, "I saw some elk that reluctantly budged from the trail," highlighting the area's rich fauna.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Greenbrier Campground stated, "The bathrooms are clean and there’s a dishwashing room as well."
  • Scenic Locations: Many campgrounds are set in stunning natural surroundings. A camper at Cosby Campground said, "The campground is gorgeous, and I do recommend it."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. One family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, "Lots for the kids to do," including playgrounds and a swimming hole.

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground mentioned, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A review from Cosby Campground noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups, and no showers."
  • Bear Awareness: Bears are common in the area, so be cautious. One camper at Devils Fork State Park advised, "Make sure you bring a good headband light or strong flashlight."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Lake Powhatan said, "The lake beach is perfect for kids."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "We forgot to bring coffee, so it was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy experience. A family at Mount Pisgah Campground enjoyed, "The campground is very quiet and many of the spaces were rather private."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA noted, "The sites are close together, but it wasn't noticeable."
  • Use Online Resources: Look for campground maps and reviews before you go. A camper at Lake Powhatan said, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may have spotty cell service. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "Not much cell service, no electricity, no worries."

Camping around Balsam, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Balsam, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Balsam, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 666 campgrounds and RV parks near Balsam, NC and 55 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Balsam, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Balsam, NC is Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 53 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Balsam, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Balsam, NC.

What parks are near Balsam, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Balsam, NC that allow camping, notably Great Smoky Mountains National Park and National Forests in North Carolina.

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