Balsam Lake Lodge
Closed — Closed for the season. The lodge operates from early April through late November and is available by advance reservation only through Recreation.gov.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest, offering spectacular views of Balsam Lake and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Acquired by the Forest Service in 1982, the lodge has since hosted groups for meetings, recreation, and environmental activities. The facility accommodates up to 16 guests with twin beds (some bunks), linens, towels, and pillows provided. The lodge features a fully equipped accessible kitchen with all utensils and appliances, three bathrooms with flush toilets, one roll-in wheelchair shower, a fireplace, gas heat, and outdoor grills. The property includes an 8-acre lake stocked with trout, accessible via several fishing piers including a wheelchair-accessible dock. Three short trails offer easy exploration: the wheelchair-suitable Robinson Trail leads to the fishing pier, the half-mile Malonee Trail follows the lakeshore to the day use area, and the 0.3-mile Wolf Creek Trail meanders beside a stream. Non-motorized boats and kayaks are permitted on the lake, though guests must bring their own. The lodge provides firewood, cleaning supplies, and has electricity but no cell service or wifi on-site. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the Nantahala National Forest, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls including Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. This is a whole-facility rental requiring advance reservations through Recreation.gov, with no walk-in or first-come, first-served availability.
Directions
From Asheville, take I-40 west to exit 27. Go west on U.S. 23/74 to Waynesville and take exit 102. Take U.S. 276 south and turn right on NC 215 south. Take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road) and go 5 miles to the lodge (located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate). From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 south for 5 miles to SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road), then go west 5 miles to the lodge.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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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