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Balsam Lake Lodge

National Forests in North Carolina, North Carolina

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As of September 2026, Balsam Lake Lodge is a campground in National Forests in North Carolina with 1 campsite. Balsam Lake Lodge is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Balsam Lake Lodge is located at 35.2675° N, 83.0194° W.

people allowed on each site: 16

Balsam Lake Lodge reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum consecutive stay: 5 consecutive days
Maximum stay: 14 nights
Minimum stay: 2 consecutive nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Balsam Lake Lodge, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Balsam Lake Lodge

Cabin 1
Accessible 1
Hookups 1

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, photography.

All sites at Balsam Lake Lodge, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC) loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups	Access
001	Cabin	16	Water, Sewer	Accessible

About Balsam Lake Lodge

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.

Rules and notices at Balsam Lake Lodge

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Balsam Lake Lodge on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Pets are not allowed.

There is no cell service or wifi. Plan accordingly.

Combination for key box will be forwarded to reservation holder via email

Key box is located at the Day Use area of Balsam Lake; key must be placed in a drop slot upon departure. Note : The lodge and the Day Use are two separate locations.

Maximum capacity is 16 people per night

Click here for more information about National Forests in North Carolina

Walk-ins and first-come, first-serve use is not available for this site.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

VERY IMPORTANT! To allow time for sanitation and cleaning protocols; Check out time is 11:30am and check in time is 4 p.m.

VERY IMPORTANT! Visitors must clean the entire lodge after their own visit. This including cleaning toliets, showers, kitchen (appliances and dishes must be dried and put away), clean countertops and tables, floors vaccumed and mopped, wash, dry and fold all laundry, ash must be collected from fireplace and grill, etc. Cleaning supplies provided.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Balsam Lake Lodge FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Balsam Lake Lodge is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Balsam Lake Lodge?

Cancellations happen frequently at Balsam Lake Lodge, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Balsam Lake Lodge have?

Balsam Lake Lodge has 1 campsites.