Can you reserve a site at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Yes, Balsam Lake Lodge is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are campfires allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Campfires are not allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge.

Balsam Lake Lodge, North Carolina — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

1 bookable site
1 accessible site
Up to 16 people per site
Loops: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)

Site types

1 Cabin Electric

Amenities

Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Shade
Campfires allowed — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Balsam Lake Lodge

Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)	Cabin Electric	—	Gravel	—	16	♿

Getting there

From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 west to exit 27. Go west on U.S. 23/74 to Waynesville and take exit 102. Take U.S. 276 south and turn right on NC 215 south. Take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go 5 miles to the Balsam Lake Lodge (located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate).

From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 south for 5 miles to SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go west 5 miles to the lodge (Located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate).

35.26750, -83.01944 · 35°16'3.0"N 83°1'10.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 49°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	49	53	61	70	77	82	85	84	79	70	60	51
Low °F	26	28	34	42	51	59	63	62	56	44	33	29
Precip in	4.8	4.6	4.6	4.7	4.3	5.1	5.0	4.3	4.3	3.2	4.0	5.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$170 per night. A $30 fee for each Friday and Saturday night booked.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Balsam Lake Lodge

Can you reserve a site at Balsam Lake Lodge?: Yes, Balsam Lake Lodge is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Balsam Lake Lodge have?: 1 site.
Does Balsam Lake Lodge have hookups?: Water, Sewer.
Are campfires allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge?: Campfires are not allowed at Balsam Lake Lodge.

Camping near Balsam Lake Lodge

Sunburst 8.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cove Creek Upper Group Camp 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cove Creek Lower Group Camp 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kuykendall Group Camp 14 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pink Beds Picnic Shelter 14.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
White Pine South Group Camp 15.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Davidson River 16.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Moss Knob Shooting Range 10.6 mi · Activity pass
Cove Creek Group Campground 11.5 mi · Campground
Cradle of Forestry In America Heritage Site 14.7 mi · Facility
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 451.2) 15 mi · Facility
Black Mountain / South Toe River Area 16.8 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 828-524-6441
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Balsam Lake Lodge