Balsam Mountain Campground
35.5654, -83.1743 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C) and lows may dip to 50°F (10°C). RV and tent sites plus flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground and the restrooms do not have lights.
- Every day
- All Day
Balsam Mountain Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation.
- Closed · Oct 12, 2026 – May 15, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 24 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 24 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Accessible campsite has flat access to parking area.
One accessible campsite. Restrooms are accessible.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings provided at each campsite.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
This campground is in the mountains and weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. Be prepared with layers and rain gear in all seasons.
All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.
Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams. Elk are common in this part of the park during the spring and fall. Balsam Mountain Campground offers 43 campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. No lights are available in the restrooms at this campground. For campers' safety, use of a flashlight, lantern or headlamp is recommended when accessing these facilities after daylight hours.
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Drive to Balsam Mountain Campground
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