Balsam Mountain Campground
Sites
RV Max Length
Hookups
Overview
About This Campground
Balsam Mountain Campground sits at 5,310 feet—cool nights, clear water, and working fire rings. With 43 sites (19 tent, 24 RV-compatible), it's small enough for forest peace but spacious enough for availability. Seasonal flush toilets, no hookups or showers: this is a back-to-basics mountain camp. Ranger programs, streams, and bear country make it a proper outdoor experience.
Highlights
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers seeking cool-weather mountain escape, rustic experience, peaceful forest setting. RVers with max 24-ft rigs accepting no hookups. Families with outdoor experience and self-sufficiency. ❌ SKIP IF: RVers needing hookups/showers, travelers wanting modern facilities, heat-lovers (summer highs ~70°F), anyone needing cell service, those with limited outdoor experience in remote areas.
Tent sites, RV sites
Mountain ranges and streams surrounding campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails and scenic areas. Gatlinburg town attractions adjacent to park. Consult canonical trail list for specific nearby hikes.
Family Friendly
Mountain forest setting with streams provides nature exploration. Ranger programs (seasonal) offer learning opportunities. No playgrounds. Best for families with outdoor experience and self-sufficiency. Remote location and lack of modern amenities suit adventure-minded campers.
Best Time to Visit
Seasonal. Confirm current opening and closing dates with NPS or Recreation.gov before travel. September–October can offer cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
Camping Tips
- Bring wool layers—mountain weather shifts fast, nights are cool (50°F).
- Pack rain gear year-round; mountain thunderstorms strike suddenly.
- Stake tents securely; wind can be brisk at elevation.
- ALL food in bear box or sealed vehicle, never in tent. Zero tolerance.
- Flush toilets/water shut off seasonally; arrive with full water if visiting May 16 or October 11 edges.
- Generators off 8pm–8am; quiet hours enforced 10pm–6am.
- No cell service—inform family of your plan and site number before arrival.
- Only use fire rings; no portable stoves on bare ground.
RV Driver Intel
Paved driveways suit standard vehicles and RVs up to 24 feet. Expect mix of back-in and pull-through sites. Keep all wheels on pavement—no guest parking off-pad. Sites are close together; arrive early or maneuver carefully during peak season. All tents must pitch on provided pads.
This is not a parking lot—it's a forested mountain camp with moderate privacy and rustic feel. No hookups, no lights in restrooms, nights dip to 50°F. Peaceful and quiet (10pm–6am enforced, generators off 8pm–8am). Expect close neighbors in 43-site setting, but genuine forest atmosphere.
No showers or laundry facilities on-site. Plan for creek baths or wipe-downs. Bring extra water for bathing (potable water seasonal). Nearest shower and laundry likely in Gatlinburg.
What Campers Say
Smaller, no-hookup setting appeals to tent campers and those seeking quiet mountain experience. Cool temperatures and forest atmosphere attract backcount-style campers. Lack of showers and modern amenities suits experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
More at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Recommended Gear for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →