Balsam Lake Lodge
Campground
North Carolina
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.
Balsam Lake Lodge
North Carolina
Data source: usfs recreation
Balsam Lake Lodge
Campground
Sunset Rock
Viewpoint
Cliff in Macon County, North Carolina, United States
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
More in HighlandsClosure in the area
There's a closure order in National Forests in North Carolina. It doesn't name Balsam Lake Lodge, so check the source for the area it covers.
Rainbow Springs Road closed for reconstruction
Agency closure covering National Forests in North Carolina · USFS · National Forests in North Carolina
Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements
Agency alert covering National Forests in North Carolina · USFS · National Forests in North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Agency alert covering National Forests in North Carolina · USFS · National Forests in North Carolina
As of · Source: USFS · National Forests in North Carolina. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Best months: March–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
49° / 26°
11 wet
Feb
53° / 28°
11 wet
Mar
61° / 34°
12 wet
Apr
70° / 42°
11 wet
May
77° / 51°
12 wet
Jun
82° / 59°
13 wet
Jul
85° / 63°
14 wet
Aug
84° / 62°
13 wet
Sep
79° / 56°
9 wet
Oct
70° / 44°
8 wet
Nov
60° / 33°
9 wet
Dec
51° / 29°
11 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cullowhee, NC, 11.6 mi away at 2,192 ft. We don't have this place's elevation, so higher spots nearby can run cooler. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Tell Roamze when you're going and who's coming. It plans the days, gear and food around this place.