BALSAM LAKE LODGE in Great Smoky Mountains — photo 1

Balsam Lake Lodge

Great Smoky Mountains

About this campsite

Overview

Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers
spectacular mountain views.



The lodge opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982. Since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings,
recreation and environmental activities. NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electrical hook ups. 

Recreation

Near the 8-acre lake are three short hiking trails, several fishing piers and a picnic area. The Robinson Trail, suitable for wheelchairs, leads to a dock and fishing pier. The Malonee Trail travels approximately a half-mile beside the lake to the day use area. The .3-mile Wolf Creek Trail continues beside a stream.

Anglers can fish for trout in Balsam Lake. It's also open to non-motorized boating.

Facilities

The lodge's amenities include 16 twin beds (some bunks). There are no linens, towels, and pillows available. The lodge has an accessible kitchen with all utensils and appliances,
outside grills, 3 bathrooms with flush toilets, toilet paper provided, one roll-in wheelchair shower, firewood provided, fireplace, gas heat and an available landline phone for emergencies. The lodge has
electricity. There is no cell phone service within 5 miles of the location. No wifi available. The lodge provides cleaning supplies for guests to clean the entire lodge after their stay for the next guests. None motorized boats only. Boats/ kayaks are not provided. 

Natural Features

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Balsam Lake Lodge offers a haven in the Nantahala National Forest. This mountain getaway can be reserved for weekends and weekdays from early April through late November. Reservations will be open from early April through late November. A dense forest of mixed deciduous and conifer trees hugs the shoreline of this tranquil lake.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to Balsam Lake Lodge can explore the rest of the Nantahala National Forest, which is especially known for its spectacular waterfalls. This includes Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains.

Charges & Cancellations

$170 per night sunday through Thursday. $200 per night friday and saturday.

Location

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo
TUE🌫️
21° / 10°
—
TODAY☁️
22° / 12°
💧 1%
THU☁️
24° / 13°
💧 1%
FRI🌦️
25° / 14°
💧 38%
SAT⛈️
21° / 16°
💧 82%

Common questions about BALSAM LAKE LODGE

Is BALSAM LAKE LODGE free to camp at?

Yes. BALSAM LAKE LODGE in NC is a free camp, so there is no nightly fee to stay. There is no booking system for it, so plan on first in, best dressed, especially on long weekends. We hold no facilities list for it, so go in self sufficient with your own water and a way to deal with rubbish.

Can you book BALSAM LAKE LODGE online?

We hold no online booking link for BALSAM LAKE LODGE, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is BALSAM LAKE LODGE?

BALSAM LAKE LODGE sits in NC. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

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Fire Danger
Low–Moderate
Tue
21°·39%·10km/h
No Rating
Today
22°·39%·11km/h
Low–Moderate
Tomorrow
24°·43%·8km/h
Low–Moderate
Estimated from forecast conditionsCheck local fire authority

Nearby Fuel

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BALSAM LAKE LODGE