Open

Open seasonally from April 1 through November 30. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Check-in is 4:00 PM, check-out is 11:30 AM. Minimum 2-night stay, maximum 5 consecutive nights. No potable water on site.

Nantahala National Forest

Rainbow Springs Road closed for reconstruction

Rainbow Ridge Road (NFSR 437) on the Nantahala National Forest will close on Monday, October 19, to begin permanent repairs after a large section the road collapsed during Hurricane Helene. Our contractor anticipates this work will be completed in February 2027. While repairs are underway, the…

Nantahala National Forest

Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements

The Siddie Fields Day Use Area on the Croatan National Forest is closed for a wide-ranging project to repair storm damage on sites along the Neuse River, improve access and infrastructure, and strengthen resiliency to withstand future hazardous weather events.Members of the public should avoid the…

Nantahala National Forest

Uwharrie Cave and Mine Closure Order

Entering a cave or mine on Uwharrie National Forest is prohibited.

About

Balsam Lake Lodge is a group rental facility in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, situated within the Roy Taylor Forest section of Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks the serene 8-acre Balsam Lake and has been welcoming groups for meetings, recreation, and environmental activities since the Forest Service acquired it in 1982. The lodge accommodates up to 16 overnight guests (20 daytime visitors) with 16 twin beds arranged in bunks, a full kitchen with microwave and utensils, and three bathrooms featuring flush toilets. One roll-in wheelchair accessible shower is available. The facility has electricity, gas heat, and a fireplace with firewood provided. Outside grills are available for cooking. Guests must bring their own drinking water, linens, towels, blankets, and toiletries. Three hiking trails surround the lake: the wheelchair-accessible Robinson Trail leads to a dock and fishing pier, the half-mile Malonee Trail connects to the day use area, and the 0.3-mile Wolf Creek Trail follows a stream. The lake offers trout fishing and non-motorized boating.

Directions

From Asheville, take I-40 west to exit 27, then west on US 23/74 to Waynesville and exit 102. Take US 276 south and turn right on NC 215 south. Turn onto SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road) and continue 5 miles to the lodge on the left at the Forest Service sign/gate. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 south for 5 miles to SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road), then west 5 miles to the lodge.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store —
Price $170

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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