Private Family CampingA large part of what makes Balsam Mountain Preserve so special is the commitment to provide our owners access to a wonderful world of both man-made and natual amenities. The Dark Ridge Creek campsite is a clear testiment to this commitment. Sleeping under the stars, cooking meals over an open fire, fishing in the stream, and watching delighted children splashing in the water and discovering the outdoors - it doesn't get much better than that. And the best part is, it's all tucked away inside the gates of the community.
Sleeping accomodations include two enclosed bunkhouses, numerous private tent areas, and the large open-air pavilion, where you can tuly sleep under the stars. A recently completed horse paddock enables riders to bring their horses down for both day and overnight camping. Residents can bring their own personal gear, or they can visit the Outfitters Post at the Nature Center and borrow everything from tents and sleeping bags to pots and pans. “My favorite spot on the property is Dark Ridge camp; we can cook out and camp, and the creek widens there so you can wade or do some fly fishing. It’s simply a wonderful spot to play with the family, cooking hot dogs and making s’mores.” Joyce Ossman, Sylva, North Carolina |
The camp is truly a magical place, complete with a large covered outdoor pavilion, comfortable rockers and adirondack chairs, and several walking and riding trails that wander into the deep woods around the site. There's even a well where campers can pump their own fresh mountain water. 
