Balsam Mountain Campground

About

Balsam Mountain Campground occupies one of the most remote and peaceful sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perched at 5,310 feet elevation on the North Carolina side. The high altitude keeps summer temperatures mild, with daytime highs rarely exceeding 70°F. The 42 campsites include both standard nonelectric sites (accommodating tents, RVs, or trailers up to 24 feet) and tent-only walk-in sites. The campground provides flush toilets, drinking water, and food storage lockers at each site due to high bear activity in the area. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station. A short nature trail begins near site 43, and the Flat Creek Trail offers an easy hike through hardwood forest. More ambitious hikers can tackle the 14-mile Hemphill Bald and Rough Fork loop for outstanding views and old-growth trees. The Balsam Mountain and Straight Fork Roads provide access to some of the park's best backcountry trout fishing. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with elk commonly spotted in spring and fall. The 14-mile Heintooga Round Bottom Road offers scenic auto touring but prohibits vehicles over 25 feet.

Directions

From the North: Take I-40 Exit 20 at Maggie Valley and travel US-19 toward Cherokee. Access the Blue Ridge Parkway at Soco Gap and continue south to mile 458.2, turning right onto Heintooga Ridge Road. Enter the park at Black Camp Gap and continue 9 miles to the campground. From the South: Follow US-441/US-23 North, merge onto US-74 West/US-441 North at Dillsboro, then take exit 74 onto US-441 through Cherokee into the park. Access the Blue Ridge Parkway traveling north to mile 458.2, turn left onto Heintooga Ridge Road, and continue 9 miles to the campground.