Great Smoky Mtn/Balsam Mountain Good Sam Verified Campground

The three-number rating that accompanies each campground listing in the directory gives readers an at-a-glance assessment of a campground's amenities, cleanliness and environment. All three ratings categories are measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. Less than 1 percent of parks or campgrounds receive the coveted 10 | 10 | 10 rating, which indicates superior facilities that are well maintained, clean, well-appointed restrooms and a highly appealing appearance. Campgrounds are inspected annually by dedicated RVers like you.

Completeness of facilities

The first campground rating evaluates completeness and quality of facilities. In this category we rate interior roads, sites, registration area, hookups, recreation, swimming, security, laundry, store and building maintenance.

Cleanliness of restrooms and showers

The second rating category concerns the cleanliness and physical characteristics of toilets, walls, showers, sinks/counters/mirrors and floor. If a park achieves a full point in each of the above, it receives a star ( ), indicating exceptionally clean restrooms.

Also rated are physical characteristics of restrooms, including interior construction, adequate supplies/odor free, adequate number of facilities, exterior appearance and location in relation to park spaces, and interior appearance.

Visual appeal and environmental quality

This category addresses the park's setting and site layout, function and identification of signage, overall exterior building maintenance, noise, trash disposal, litter and debris around the grounds and sites, and appearance of grounds, sites and entrance area.

Good Sam recognizes Parks that are implementing "green" practices. If a park complies with 3 or more items from the following list, a special green designation will show in their listing.

• Non-toxic cleaning products
• Natural pest control (most of the time)
• Minimized the use of styrofoam and significantly reduce the use of plastic
• Landscape managers use appropriate irrigation systems and drought tolerant and indigenous plants
• Recycling cans for the RVers
• Changed light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
• Insulated water heaters
• Lowered pool temperatures
• Installed photocells (solar)
• Use more fuel efficient vehicles
• Instead of golf carts, implemented a strategy of encouraging the use of bikes and trikes
• Tankless water heaters
• Composting

Good Sam Camping gives special recognition to RV Parks that provide family-friendly amenities, activities and services.

• No age restrictions
• Accepts all types of family oriented RVs, including tents, tent campers, camper vans and Class B motorhomes, as well as small trailer
• On-site activities for children (such as board games, arcades, ring toss, badminton, recreation for adults and children like - hiking, canoeing, bicycling, fishing, boating, horseback riding.
• Water activities/amenities such as swim pool, lake swimming, splash-ground
• Is close to Things to See & Do for families such as amusement & theme parks, zoos & animal parks, national monuments, local tours
• Offers full restrooms and bathhouses with at least 3 toilets and showers for men and women
• Family focused events on-site such as weekend events geared towards family throughout the season, themed events designed for families like Halloween or Christmas in July
• Dedicated staff to events

Call for more information 423-436-1200