C
Colin G.
Scout
ScoutSunburst Campground
Parking Lot
Absolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
Camping near Balsam Grove, NC
570 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds in the Balsam Grove area of North Carolina provide access to mountain forest camping in the Pisgah National Forest region. Davidson River Campground, located near Pisgah Forest, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with most sites available from March to November. Lake Powhatan and North Mills River campgrounds provide additional developed camping options within reasonable driving distance, featuring varying levels of amenities including electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities. The surrounding national forest lands contain both established sites and more remote camping areas.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Davidson River Campground typically operates from March 15 to November 1, while Mount Pisgah Campground has a shorter season from May to late October. A camper noted, "Western North Carolina is hard to beat for natural beauty. The campground is rarely full these days which surprises me since we could never get in when I was a kid." Roads through this mountainous terrain can be challenging, with several campgrounds requiring travel on twisty, hilly roads through residential areas or forest service routes. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas providing limited to no connectivity.
The region's campgrounds feature access to creeks, rivers, and lakes as notable highlights. Many sites are positioned near waterways, with Davidson River offering creekside camping that campers particularly value. According to reviews, "The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal. There is no cell service but this is also a great opportunity to disconnect." Tent campers often find well-drained gravel tent pads at established sites, though some reviews mention these make staking tents more challenging. Privacy between campsites varies significantly, with some campgrounds like Lake Powhatan featuring vegetative screening between sites, while others have more open layouts. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain clean restroom facilities, though shower availability is limited at some locations.
Best Campgrounds near Balsam Grove (570)
1. Davidson River Campground
"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."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability2. Mount Pisgah Campground
"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’."
"Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Table Rock State Park Campground
"The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."
"One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "
4. Devils Fork State Park Campground
"We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."
"This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."
5. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."
"PROS Discounted camp fee with senior pass
Reserved 169 days prior to arriving
Friendly and helpful gate attendant
Nearly 100% shade at each site
Excellent dark sky viewing
Private sites with"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability6. Lazy J Campground
"We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."
"We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. North Mills River
"Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."
"State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability8. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
"**
The location is incredible!""A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Some sites in Riverbend offer more privacy. Can’t beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground."
from $32 - $71 / night
Check Availability9. Black Forest Family Camping Resort
"The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."
"Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."
10. Gorges State Park Campground
"This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."
"There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 45 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 52 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Balsam Grove, NC
1211 Photos of 570 Balsam Grove Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Balsam Grove, NC
2717 Reviews of 570 Balsam Grove Campgrounds
Jackie J.ScoutTate Branch Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
A great spot!!
Tate Branch is gorgeous and has several riverside sites. Sites 5 and 7 are the best (IMO) and the whole campground is super shaded. Most of the fire pits have grates.
There are three pit toilets and a water pump. The forest service road to get to the campground is not bad and is super enjoyable as it runs along the river. We took our jeep AND our minivan and had zero issues. I also saw a UPS truck. Lots of people fishing and enjoying views along the road.
Jeff A.
RangerTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Great Summer Trip
We just had to get out of the Florida heat that we call home for a bit and decided on Tallulah Gorge. We’d both been here before but never to camp. There is so much to do! The gorge itself honestly would take a couple of days to do the entire hike up and down. The interpretative center has some fascinating history of the area. We explored the area where the ‘old downtown’ once stood. All that is left is an old general store and a great sandwich shop (check out Tallulah 1882). We biked and hiked the old short line trail. Also found the time to have date night in Clayton where you’ll find a fantastic walkable downtown.
Starlink: No too much tree cover Cell (Verizon): 2 bars/5 with booster
- KKim Q.Scout
Moonshine Creek Campground
Didn’t want to leave
Just what I needed to unwind. Large tent site with a shelter, picnic table and fire ring. Rhododendrons and trees surround the campground. Creek bubbling and birds singing. Quiet campers during our visit. Clean bath house.
- JJeannie B.Scout
Red Gates RV Park
It’s clean and convenient 🤷🏻♀️
Red gates campground is pretty, clean and in a convenient place for what we need. It is full hook up, but also provides bath house and Pay as you go laundry facilities. However, tear is little to no privacy at any of the sites. If you’re looking to make this a destination camp ground, you will be disappointed. But it is a great spot to stay as a base to explore around western North Carolina.
- Kathy G.Scout
Weaver Bend Road
Dispersed camping along the French broad river
We found the the best spot we have ever stayed. Big sandy beach down a 100 foot decline. Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out
- EEric H.
TravelerWash Creek Dispersed Site #1
Busy place
You can only camp at designated spots. This was full of people and bikers. People did end up sleeping on cars along the road and were left undisturbed. We were there on a Tuesday night and it was packed. It was indeed pretty and there is a creek
Susan A.
GuideConley's Creek Campground
Very special family land campground
I am sitting at campfire right next to a stream. The RV sites are all stream side. You fall asleep listening to the water. The hosts are wonderful people, so helpful and accommodating. And their roaming chickens "The Dixie Chicks" are so adorable! A small, wonderful retreat in the Smokey Mountains!
Amanda F.
LegendKeowee-Toxaway State Park
Nice place
Such a sweet state park.
Guide to Balsam Grove
Camping spots near Balsam Grove, North Carolina offer access to some of the highest elevations in the region, with nearby mountains reaching over 5,000 feet. Located in Transylvania County, the area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically in the 70s. Fall brings vibrant foliage from mid-October through early November, making it a popular season for campers.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 15-minute drive to multiple cascades from Davidson River Campground. "Looking Glass falls are just down the round into the forest and always a treat," notes Dave V., who adds that the campground has "a well-drained gravel tent pad...which makes staking your tent out a bit of a pain, but you won't endure puddling."
Mountain biking: Trail access directly from Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina. Angel K. calls it "a mountain biker's dream! Hikers too, but really, all trails allow for bikers-single track riding. The trail system goes into an experimental forest area. Ensure to print out a map before hand, I can't begin to start to explain how many small loops, links, connector trails there are."
Fly fishing: Prime spots in the North Mills River. Shannon K. notes that at North Mills River, "There are also primitive sites up two different roads. One heads back to the reservoir for some amazing fly fishing. We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing. The local Trout Unlimited group has also spent many hours upgrading the walkways and fence lines to protect the river."
Swimming holes: Natural options throughout the area. Ross B. says Davidson River Campground offers "a large swimming area, so, you could swim, fish, or just put your feet in. You are also close to Brevard. You can scoot into town to grab supplies or whatever you needed to do."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate space at Mount Pisgah Campground. According to Steven B., "Sites are decent sized and fairly private. Can get chilly since you're at higher elevation." Phillip L. adds, "This site is very quiet with a lot of privacy. When we came most of the sites were full and this was 10 in the morning."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathrooms. At Lake Powhatan, Brittany S. found "incredibly clean" grounds with "the campground hosts very friendly and helpful, and the quick access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Asheville are unbeatable." She notes that bathrooms and showers "are single use, not stalls, which I suppose could be inconvenient if there were a lot of people waiting, but it's nice to have the privacy!"
Nature immersion: Black Forest Family Camping Resort offers a natural setting. Meredith describes it as "Very clean, natural, beautiful trees, and a nice location. The sites are staggered down the hillside and gives you a sense of privacy. The bathrooms were very clean."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Balsam Grove campground?
What amenities are available at Balsam Grove campground?
Campgrounds in the Balsam Grove area offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Indian Creek Campground features creekside sites that are lush with greenery, private, and well-maintained. It has clean bathhouse facilities and a campsite store stocked with necessities. Another option, The Great Outdoors RV Resort, provides well-groomed grounds with good amenities and friendly staff. Most campgrounds in the region typically offer water access, toilets, and reservable sites, with some providing RV hookups depending on the specific location.
Where is Balsam Grove campground located in NC?
Where is Balsam Grove campground located in NC?
Balsam Grove is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, near Brevard and Rosman. The area is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest with Davidson River Campground nearby. This region offers convenient access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is situated between Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a central location for exploring the natural beauty of western North Carolina, with numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives in the immediate vicinity.
What outdoor activities can you do near Balsam Grove, NC?
What outdoor activities can you do near Balsam Grove, NC?
Balsam Grove offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby Lake Powhatan features numerous hiking trails either on the grounds or just outside, perfect for day hikes. The area is known for stunning waterfalls, with Gorges State Park offering excellent waterfall viewing opportunities. Fishing is popular in the numerous streams and rivers. Mountain biking trails crisscross the region, particularly in Pisgah National Forest. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides scenic drives with spectacular overlooks. Swimming, kayaking, and tubing are available in warmer months, making Balsam Grove an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
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