Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground

Campground
A fire ring, picnic table, and gravel tent pad in the foreground surrounded by trees and grass.

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.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Reservations required. Contact NPS for availability and booking.
Reservation Window
6 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Reservations open 6 months in advance. Book as early as possible for summer and weekends. High-elevation, no-hookup setting keeps demand moderate compared to valley campgrounds.
Season Dates
May 16 – October 11

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Reservations required. Contact NPS for availability and booking.
Reservation Window
6 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Reservations open 6 months in advance. Book as early as possible for summer and weekends. High-elevation, no-hookup setting keeps demand moderate compared to valley campgrounds.
Season Dates
May 16 – October 11
Per Night Cost
$30 per site per night
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful annual pass ($80)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
43
Site Types
Tent sites, RV sites
Site Type Breakdown
19 tent-only sites, 24 RV-compatible sites
RV Max Length
24 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Group Site Capacity
None available
Hookups
No hookups
Site Features
Fire ring, picnic table, tent pad (where provided), food storage locker (seasonal). Paved driveway. No hookups or shower.
Ground Type
Tent pads (where provided). Some sites paved. Gravel and dirt in sections.
Site Privacy
Moderate. Forest setting provides visual privacy but sites are reasonably close in a 43-site campground.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets (seasonal, no lights). No showers.
Potable Water
Spigots available seasonally (May 16–October 11 operating season)
Dump Station
No dump station. Pack out waste or haul to town.
Trash Service
Trash and recycling collection (seasonal)
Camp Store
No camp store on-site. Nearest supplies in Gatlinburg, TN.
Firewood Availability
Dead and downed wood can be collected on-site. Only USDA or state-certified heat-treated bundled firewood may be brought in.
Cell Service
No cell signal. Download offline maps and inform contacts of your plans before arrival.
Nearby Facilities
Gatlinburg, TN immediately adjacent to park. Full services: fuel, groceries, restaurants, medical facilities.

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Paved access road and site driveways. Suitable for standard vehicles and RVs up to 24 ft. Keep all wheels on pavement.
Vehicle Restrictions
Maximum 2 motor vehicles or 1 vehicle with trailer per site. RV max 24 feet, trailer max 24 feet. All wheels must stay on pavement.
Clearance Needed
Standard
Gate Hours
Open all day during operating season (May 16 – October 11)
Nearest Gas Services
Gatlinburg, TN (immediately adjacent to park; full services available)
Elevation
5,310 feet
Accessibility
One accessible campsite with flat parking access. Restrooms accessible. Paved roads throughout campground.
ADA Accessible Sites
One accessible campsite with flat parking access. Restrooms accessible. Paved roads throughout campground.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
All food and equipment sealed in vehicle or solid camping structure at all times when not in use. Never leave food in tent. Food storage lockers provided seasonally.
Fire Restrictions
Campfires permitted only in designated fire rings. Heat-treated USDA or state-certified firewood only (dead/downed wood collection allowed). No other methods.
Generator Hours
Prohibited 8pm–8am
Quiet Hours
10pm–6am
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Ranger programs (amphitheater, seasonal). Stream access. Forest hiking and wildlife observation.
Trailheads Nearby
Multiple trail access within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Consult nps.gov/grsm for trailhead details and distances from this location.
Fishing Details
Streams present on site. Specific species and license requirements: contact GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov.
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears (maintain 100-yard distance), white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, chipmunks. Frequent sightings in bear country.
Stargazing Quality
Good. High elevation (5,310 ft) away from major towns. No designated dark-sky area.
Shade Coverage
Dense mountain forest providing good shade coverage throughout campground
Scenic Views
Mountain ranges and streams surrounding campground
Noise Level
Quiet mountain setting. Occasional ranger programs and daytime-only generator noise.
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.
Vibe Check
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.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ 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.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
High Country
Sites Tent Only
19
Family Friendly Notes
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.
Amphitheater
Yes (seasonal)
Boat Launch
No
Nearby Attractions
Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails and scenic areas. Gatlinburg town attractions adjacent to park. Consult canonical trail list for specific nearby hikes.
Terrain Type
Mountain. Elevation 5,310 feet.
Temperature Ranges
Summer daytime rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C); lows dip to 50°F (10°C). Spring and fall cooler. Campground closed November–May.
Snow Season
Unknown. Campground closed October 12 – May 15; snow likely occurs outside operating season.
Monsoon Season
Typical mountain thunderstorm risk summer months. Weather can change rapidly from warm to cold and rainy.
Wind Exposure
Protected by mountain terrain and forest. Reasonably sheltered but stake tents securely.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes likely June–September. Bring insect repellent.
Setup Strategy
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.
Bath Laundry Recon
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.
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will my 30-foot RV fit?

No. Maximum length is 24 feet. Longer rigs won't fit on paved driveways or access roads.

Can I get a site last-minute?

No. Reservations are required and must be made up to 6 months in advance. Zero first-come, first-served sites.

Are there bears here?

Yes—bear country with frequent sightings. Food storage lockers and strict food policies mandatory. Maintain 100-yard distance. Never leave food in tent.

Do you have showers?

No showers or hookups at this campground. It's a rustic back-to-basics experience. Bring extra water or plan creek baths.

Is it quiet at night?

Yes. Quiet hours 10pm–6am enforced. Generators prohibited 8pm–8am. A peaceful mountain setting.

What if the water is shut off?

Potable water is seasonal (May 16–October 11 operating season). Carry backup water if you arrive at season edges.

Are there campfire restrictions?

Fires allowed only in fire rings. Bring USDA/state-certified heat-treated firewood—this type only from outside. Dead/downed wood collection permitted on-site.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.