Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Christina  Z.
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Site #10. First campground experience did not disappoint

I've hiked all over the Balsam Mt and Cataloochee area of the GSM, but this was my first front country camping experience. Quaint and quiet, tent pads are flat/level. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate to cook on. The areas are large enough for a canopy to be placed over the table. The tent pads are large enough to accommodate a 1-8+ person tent. One complaint I'd heard from other folks is that their RV's and campers had to be parked right on the road, as apposed to pulling them into an actual spot (no back in or pull through spots). The two restrooms are an easy walk from any spot. No showers. There is a dishwashing station, a nice little shelter with two very large sinks to clean up your dishes. This time of year (end of July/beginning of August), the temps up there never get above 70 or 75, and the lows were in the low 50's. The sites are close together, although I never felt crowded or encroached upon. There are little worn paths between site, so you can easily visit your neighbors if you're camping with friends. The camp hosts were incredibly sweet folks, although at the time I am writing this review, these particular ones will only be there until mid August, and a new host crew will arrive. They were pleasant to chat with, and made sure to come around to warn us that a possible storm was brewing in the Cherokee area and headed our way. Restrooms were super clean!! There is electricity, so be sure to bring a lantern or headlamp. Also, although there is plenty of running water, no soap or towels, only hand sanitizer. So be sure to also bring something to dry hands off with, +/- soap if the sanitizer dispenser is empty. There are many hiking opportunities near by, a few of which are easily accessible with a short, few mile drive down the mountain, and a nature trail is accessible from CS43. An even shorter drive or nice walk up the remaining road will bring you to on of the Flat Creek Trail entrances, which has a few benches to watch the sunset from the overlook. If you venture further onto Heintooga Rd, be warned that it's 14 miles one-way, unimproved, and can be very rutted and hard on low clearance vehicles. A beautiful little drive, just not a smooth one. Your furry family members are also welcome at this campground! They are required to be on a leash or long tie-out at all times for their safety, and the safety of other pets and wild animals. Keep in mind, pets are not allowed on the trails in the GSM, so although they can camp with you, they will not be able to join you on any hikes in the area. I can't wait to stay here again, and I'm so happy that I chose this campground as my first front country experience.

  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christina  Z., July 30, 2019