Top Glamping near Balsam, NC
Looking for the best campgrounds near Balsam, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Balsam. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Balsam and user-submitted reviews.
Best Glamping Sites Near Balsam, NC (99)
1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
121 Reviews•478 Photos•1039 SavesOverview
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Recreation
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Natural Features
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Nearby Attractions
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
60 Reviews•184 Photos•3 SavesOverview
__Glamping sites are now available at Lake Powhatan! Experience nature and outdoor recreation without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of home. Choose one of 12 custom designed, fully furnished canvas platform tents in the heart of the national forest for your next mountain adventure, only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. Learn more about glamping near Asheville . To book your glamping site, click here.__ Located just minutes from the popular city of Asheville, North Carolina, Lake Powhatan has something for everyone. The campground is convenient to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including art and music venues, shopping and dining in Asheville, scenic driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous hiking trails and lakeside recreation.
Recreation
Visitors have a number of different activities to choose from. Kids love the lake's sandy swimming beach and anglers enjoy the calm waters for trout fishing. The French Broad River, popular for fishing, is also nearby. Note that use of personal watercraft is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the lake due to potential introduction of foreign material to the Lake Powhatan riprarian ecosystem. The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are located near the campground.__
Facilities
Visitors have a number of different activities to choose from. Kids love the lake's sandy swimming beach and anglers enjoy the calm waters for trout fishing. The French Broad River, popular for fishing, is also nearby. Note that use of personal watercraft is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the lake due to potential introduction of foreign material to the Lake Powhatan riprarian ecosystem. The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are located near the campground.__
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area on the banks of Lake Powhatan in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. The elevation is 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-7278.
Nearby Attractions
Among the more popular nearby destinations are Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, The NC Arboretum and the Biltmore Estate.
Charges & Cancellations
Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$43 / night
3. Greenbrier Campground
70 Reviews•225 Photos•694 SavesGreenbrier Campground TN is surrounded by the Little Pigeon River and offer RV sites, tent camping, RV rentals, cabins, and bell tents. Located only 6 miles from downtown Gatlinburg and 8 miles from the entrance to the GSMNP, we are convenient to all area attractions.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$35 - $258 / night
4. Indian Creek Campground
24 Reviews•73 Photos•491 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$26 - $37 / night
5. Cades Cove Campground
94 Reviews•533 Photos•607 SavesOverview
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
Recreation
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Natural Features
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
Nearby Attractions
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
6. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA
25 Reviews•128 Photos•128 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Table Rock State Park
54 Reviews•253 Photos•435 SavesTable Rock State Park is known for being a perfect glimpse into the scenic bliss that South Carolina's Highway 11 is known for. Most prominent to the park is the towering mountain Table Rock, where the park earns its name. This also serves as a backdrop for the 3,000 acre park, and its numerous camping facilities. Below this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can enjoy Table Rock State Park's cabins and campground, as well as lakes and various hiking trails located within. The Table Rock State Park hiking trails weave through mountain streams, babbling brooks, and rushing waterfalls to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains. The views here showcase the entirety of the region, and shouldn’t be skipped if you’re planning on visiting. That said, while the park is well known for its natural features, Table Rock also has its place in history. For example, the park’s hiking trails host the access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail, one of the most famous in the Midwest. Hikers often use this trail to travel through the extensive network of SC state parks. These trails date all the way back to the Pioneers who would use them as trade routes and for homesteading. In fact, many of the Table Rock State Park cabins and other structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps remain standing and are on the National Register of Historic Places. This park is unique in that it is one of only 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Moreover, there is even a historic CCC-built Lodge available for weddings, receptions, meetings and other special occasions. Additionally, the park features 2 park lakes: the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy. 94 standard campsites for tent or RV camping, plus 14 renovated cabins provide ample accommodation to visitors. Aside from the larger lakes, there is also an old-fashioned swimming hole complete with a high-dive that is open during the summer season. Take your family out and use one of the 4 picnic shelters available to rent for group gatherings, for a day of fun, music, and recreation. And for those wanting an event to check out, the Music on the Mountain bluegrass jam takes place each month at the Table Rock Lodge–perfect for anyone wanting to escape the outdoors for a minute.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
8. Asheville West KOA
24 Reviews•62 Photos•123 SavesWelcome to Appalachia ! Come camp with us and enjoy the best of Blue Ridge Mountains camping! Our family-run Asheville West KOA offers great accommodations for everyone from tenters to RVers. Our tent sites are beautifully wooded, and our "Big Rig" friendly 50 and 30 amp pull-through sites are large, level, and have cable TV and FREE WI-FI ! Don't have an RV, or tent camping is not for you? No problem! You can "rough it" in comfort, staying in one of our cozy cabins or lodges. Relax with us and wake to the chirping of a variety of birds, you'll enjoy their song throughout the day. Enjoy scenic North Carolina hiking on one of our wonderful nature trails , easily accessed from any of our camp sites or take a relaxing hike on a number of picture perfect trails on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. The options are endless. You'll enjoy surrounding yourself in the beauty of trees, flowers and wildlife. We are not far away from beautiful waterfalls as well! Come see what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. Children of all ages will love the pool, game room and themed weekend events. Our campground is not far from all the fun and excitement of downtown Asheville, white water rafting, gem mines, the Biltmore Estate , Pisgah National Forest , Chimney Rock, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Grandfather Mountain and many, many other attractions. Plan on camping an extra day or two- there's so much to see and do! Do you have a motorcycle? We have tons of beautiful rides to send you on! Do you need more suggestions of things to do in our area? We got you covered! Come and see us! Our KOA is family-owned and family-oriented. We hope to see you soon! The Asheville West KOA is "Going Green!" Look for the recycle barrels behind the office and next to the comfort station on the back loop. Theme Weekends - Crafts, crazy games, tournaments, t-shirt decorating, water balloon launching and more! Fun for kids of all ages. Visit our events calendar for more information on these great weekends!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9. Moonshine Creek Campground
15 Reviews•111 Photos•328 SavesCool, secluded, traditional camping is the style here. The peace and quiet of the outdoors is enhanced by the tranquil sounds of the stream behind your campsite, deck, or weather shelter. We offer a variety of campsites and rental cabins to accommodate all types of campers, from the rustic adventurers to the relaxing escapists. Our campground offers a great deal of amenities such as immaculate restrooms, a country store, cable TV, and Limited WIFI, to make your stay more comfortable. Enjoy activities such as relaxing in the cool and crisp climate, seasonal wildflower & bird watching, lawn games, cookouts, sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows, and stream fishing. As well as hiking trails and waterfalls. We are an excellent base camp to see all the local attractions the "Smokies" have to offer. Nearby find river rafting, tubing, gem mining, golf, trout fishing, and antique and craft shopping. We are an easy drive to Asheville, Cherokee, Franklin, or Maggie Valley and are only 2 1/2 miles to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
54 Reviews•90 Photos•285 SavesThis KOA campground in Pigeon Forge is perfectly located to take everything the Great Smokies has to offer. Spend the day taking in the local area attractions such as Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Wonderworks, or the Old Mill just to name a few. Pigeon forge is bursting with over 70 attractions the whole family will love. Gear up for an adventure of hiking, fishing, biking or driving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The options here are endless! For a home away from home, try our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins. Park your RV at our Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®, all with free cable and Wi-Fi. Pitching a Tent? We have beautiful waterfront sites conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful location. Explore our abundant entertainment options such as the NEW Gravity Rail, pan for fossils and gems at our Gem Mine, play at the NEW Playground, rent bikes or play in the zero-entry pool complete with a Rain Tree. There's even a safe place for Fido to play within the Kamp K9® Dog Park. As your day winds down, settle in to watch a movie at the Outdoor Cinema, sit around the Community Fire Pit or relax in the Hot Tub.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 99 campgrounds
Recent Glamping Reviews In Balsam
1053 Reviews of 99 Balsam Campgrounds
Christina R.
Scout
Greenbrier Campground
WONDERFUL
Spent Labor Day weekend there. Awesome trip! Super clean campground and showers. Lots for the kids to do. Trolley that goes into Gatlinburg. Friendly, Christian atmosphere. Great Sunday service. .
Margaret L.
Traveler
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elkmont Campground
That's a great recommendation! Elkmont Campground sounds like a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The variety of accommodation options makes it accessible to campers of all preferences. Therefore SRSLY Low Carb helps me stick to a diet and it reflects well on my body. I love active recreation. However, I always take care of my diet because I have health problems. Have a nice trip and take care of your health.
Tara C.TravelerElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautiful
We had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
- GGregory G.Traveler
Cades Cove Campground
Awesome time
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
Kaleb B.Scout
Backside Campground at Nantahala
Backside is a fitting name
This "campground" is two camp sites max being sold as like 6 "LARGE" sites. My brother and I were genuinely confused because it's essentially two group sites with individual sites being grouped together sharing a fireplace. The individual "sites" themselves are not level and barely big enough for a tent. My brother and I took one set of sites and the other person that showed up with small children took the other set of sites thankfully. I'm not trying to be crammed in with other people's small children while I'm camping. Was not expecting that to be a possibility. Any other people had shown up to the campground my brother and I would have just left. The porta potty is an absolute nightmare of spiders and insects. Don't bother opening it. No water supply
- Nadiia R.Scout
Mountaineer Campground
Awful place
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND this place. They completely do not respect their guests. I booked a half a year in advance and asked the question if they have a separate bed for each and they assured me they do. Unfortunately, my child ended up sleeping on the table. I tried to ask for an additional mattress or a partial/full refund but they didn’t want to hear me. They offered me to go to the store and buy one for myself. A complete disrespect I drove for six hours to be as disappointed as I had never been in life. Please, beware that coming here you’re going to sleep either on the floor or on the table and the staff doesn’t care about you or do not respect you. People, please do not come here.
Laura S.Scout
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pigeon Forge
Huge disappointment
Very tiny cabin, grass overgrown, far distance from pool. We paid in advance for 2 nights but checked out after 2 hours. Very gross, unkept. Because it’s pigeon forge I expected it to be good but it’s disgusting. The videos of JellystonePark show trampolines and water park like activities but this park had one small pool with no parking. Even my kids wanted to leave. Do not go here it is a Huge disappointment!
- DDoreen P.Scout
Silver Creek Campground
Peace and Quiet
I stayed October 2022. My first time at this site. At that time, it wasn't under new ownership yet. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. There was some renovations being done. But, all in all, I found it to be clean and stocked. Looking forward to my next visit.
Jason F.Scout
Lakeside Getaway on Douglas
Great place to be with family
Very quiet, secluded and private. I have been out there several times and enjoy it every time. Great people and family.
- LLaura B.Traveler
River Bend RV Resort
Great Campground
This was a perfect spot to explore the Cashiers and Sapphire area. Owners are super attentive and facilities are clean and well kept.
not weird but different
Guide
North Mills River
Close to home
We frequently visit this campground for weekend trips as it is close to us. It is easily accessible and does have areas for your garbage but there are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit. The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming.
- RRebecca R.Scout
Creek Ridge Camping
Beautiful waterfall, for sale
Lovely spot near the hot springs but it's for sale now
- RRichard T.Guide
Lakeside Getaway on Douglas
Great stopover or getaway
I was passing through on my way north and this was midway. I picked this site because it met my criteria for quick tent camping and has the awesomely easy instant book feature. More of that please!
The hosts were really great and what they’ve done with the campsite and what they are working on is amazing. The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches. There is a wash house with toilet and sink but no showers yet.
I was tent camping. There were tents/yurts for rent. A few other tent campers, a full size RV motorhome and a camper van. There was plenty of room and it was peaceful and quiet.
- CCassie L.Scout
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort
We love it here!
Very clean and well maintained. The staff is very nice and helpful. Location is perfect if you want to enjoy all Gatlinburg has to offer yet have a quiet, peaceful place to rest and relax. We have always had the pull through sites and they are very easy to pull into. The tree houses, tent sites and retro campers they have set up are adorable and perfect if you have family or friends visiting. We are coming back next month with family!
- HHolly S.Guide
Grumpy Bear Campground
Nice weekend getaway
Very nice place to camp. The bath houses are kept very clean. The owner is very friendly. The fishing is great and so is the environment. Already looking to book again.
Ashley M.ScoutYogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pigeon Forge
They don’t refund money back
Booked a place to stay for vacation and ended up having to cancel in enough time for a refund. They said they would do a full refund wait 10-15 business days. Waited the time frame and no deposit was made. Ended up calling and they told us to email someone, emailed said person and haven’t heard anything. Careful if you might end up canceling cuz they will take your money. Just seen another post where the same thing happened with someone.
- JJamesHickoxScout
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fantastic experience!
It looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a very good day!
- DDan M.Scout
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pigeon Forge
Not as advertised. Disappointed!!
Campground did not follow advertised online information. No escort to spot, no dog park, no food delivery, just to name a few. It also appears that with the volume of rules you are required to comply with, your camp sites of individuals staying annually should also have to follow. Sites 64, 99 and 102 were a real disappointment to see each day when leaving. The camp spots were so small to be able to park our single vehicle. We were overall disappointed and our bi annual stay in the area, will not include Jellystone.
Carolin C.GuideLakeside Getaway on Douglas
Lakefront!!
Super easy booking, great host communication. This is brand new lakefront campground with tent and RV sites. Currently there are no hookups, conveniently located off I40 and a perfect place to overnight for us. An additional 40 sites are currently being built.
Angela C.
Ranger
Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
Glamping
We had a lot of fun at our glamping campsite. The gorgeous tent was on a platform and included a large bed and decorated interior. The site had a campfire ring and was close to the bathroom. The platform had some chairs and the campfire wood was there for us.
I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night, but we both just backed away slowly. This was actually the experience that made me pro-camper with a bathroom lol.
The camp host arrived shortly after we did to check in on us and to give us the lay of the land. He fortunately also came around the next morning when our car battery was dead and gave us a jump.
The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach. It’s the perfect size for kids. Plenty of people also seem to enjoy the biking, but it’s a bit uphill for me and there can be a fair amount of cars.
Lake Powhatan is a great little getaway!
- EElie D.Traveler
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort
Terrific resort. Very well maintained
Great management. Clean grounds; level concrete pads; quiet area and very close to downtown Gatlinburg.
Alan P.ScoutElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautiful setting, but all sites without privacy
My family of five camped three nights at Elkmont the last week of March 2024. High was in the 50's and 60's and low in the 30's. It was windy and cold at nights. I did a ton of research attempting to book a"private" site at this campground--but now I'll share what I have learned-- there are none! We had site A-7, which is"walk-in", but the walk is incredibly short and not far from your car. All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them. That said, the campsite is gorgeous and I do recommend it. Despite having no visual privacy, the sound of the rushing water masks all the sounds of talking, etc. and I slept great with the rushing water. Considering the walk-in sites are no more private than any other, I think my highest recommendation would be the B sites. Otherwise try to book any site along the river.
The bathrooms were adequate--sinks and toilets and cleaned daily (no showers). We did one of our hikes from our site--the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap at it was beautiful. While the technical distance of that loop is 5 and a half miles, it was 7 miles total from our site. I recommend doing Little River Trail first, as it is a gradual uphill on a gravel road. While the wide road is not ideal, it is along the beautiful river. Cucumber Gap trail is single track with some nice views. The final portion of that loop, Jakes Creek Trail to the Elkmont Historic District is STEEP--so I was glad we were going down, not up.
Jim M.Guide
Cataloochee Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Off the Grid
This is a great campground if you like to disconnect. To road in is a narrow gravel road so be prepared if you're not used to that. If you are used to that you'll love the ride. If you come in from the north around Big Creek and down the old Chattahoochee highway you're in for a real treat. Once you get to the campground turn off your phone it won't work there!!! That's great when you're camping!!!
Art Farm .ScoutLake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
Perfect Esct
My adventure was quiet and full of stars at night. I liked the clean restroom and bike friendly space
Sean R.Guide
Keowee Toxaway State Park Campground
Beautiful lake
I stayed here many times as a student at Clemson. Only a 45 minute drive. The cabins are amazing. Very clean as well.
Kyle B.Scout
Asheville West KOA
Easy to access but very loud
Stayed a few days and everything was what you expect from a KOA. I've stayed in much nicer KOAs but this is still not bad. The interstate was particularly loud, a bridge on the interstate made for some very loud 'ka-booms' when trucks went over.
Peaches E.Traveler
South Cove County Park
Beautiful Lake Campground with a few inconveniences!
Me and a friend came camping here this second weekend in January. The campground itself was well maintained and the hook ups, dump station and bathhouses were easy to find and use. We had only 2 complaints, the gate to get in closes at 10pm, unfortunately I85 was shut down on our way up so our 3 hr drive became 6hrs. We did not make it before the gate closed and had to stay at Walmart. No code no exceptions. Secondly, there are no trashcans anywhere, on the grounds or in the bathhouses. The trash dump is in a completely different part of the park. It was inconvenient with picking up after my dog. Besides those two things, beautiful lake camping with affordable campsite prices!
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
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Balsam, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Balsam, NC is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 121 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Balsam, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 99 glamping camping locations near Balsam, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.