BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview 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. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Balsam Mountain area features several trails that are less heavily used compared to other areas of the park. The campground offers a short natur
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
35.56544, -83.17430
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:17 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Maggie Valley, NC.
Today
75°F
Sunny
2% rain · wind 6 mph
Tonight
58°F
Partly Cloudy
2% rain · wind 6 mph
Friday
74°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54% rain · wind 2 to 6 mph
Friday Night
59°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51% rain · wind 2 to 6 mph
Saturday
70°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
92% rain · wind 5 mph
Saturday Night
58°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
80% rain · wind 5 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
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