Cloud Mountain Sanitarium

For North Carolina residents who are passionate about exploring our state’s breathtaking natural landscapes, particularly the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cloud Mountain Sanitarium offers a truly distinctive and specialized experience. While its name might evoke historical images, it has evolved into a unique and remote vacation rental, functioning as an exceptional basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. This isn't a traditional public campground with individual sites, but rather a large, private property designed to accommodate groups seeking immersive adventures.

Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is envisioned as a "launching pad" for a myriad of outdoor activities, from mountain biking world-class trails in Pisgah and Dupont State Forests to fly fishing the French Broad River, climbing, hiking to Black Balsam Knob, and exploring the endless waterfalls that dot the region. The owner's vision, refined over 25 years of exploring the Pisgah area, was to create a "cycling compound" where enthusiasts of all types can literally "ride right out the front door and do 100's of routes." However, its appeal extends far beyond just cycling, embracing fly fishing, motorcycle touring, waterfall seeking, hiking, hunting, rock climbing, kayaking, bird watching, and even yoga camps. It's a place where groups can gather in solitude, reconnect with nature, and get "well" (hence the name Sanitarium) before returning to their daily lives in a better mood. For North Carolinians yearning for a secluded group adventure amidst the state's prime outdoor playgrounds, Cloud Mountain Sanitarium offers a truly unique solution.

Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is remotely located at 155 Forest Trl, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, USA. Balsam Grove is an unincorporated community nestled deep within Transylvania County, North Carolina, placing it squarely within the lush Pisgah National Forest and close to Nantahala National Forest. This region is famously known as the "Land of the Waterfalls" and is a mecca for outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

While offering a profound sense of solitude, the location of Cloud Mountain Sanitarium remains remarkably accessible for North Carolina residents seeking an immersive mountain experience. Balsam Grove, despite its remote feel, is within a reasonable driving distance from major Western North Carolina towns such as Brevard (approximately 25-30 minutes away), Hendersonville, and Asheville. Access is primarily via scenic mountain roads, which are well-maintained. Its strategic position means that guests are "only about 5 miles from Davidson River Trailhead and dozens and dozens of other trails in Pisgah and Wayahutta forests." This proximity to vast tracts of national forest and numerous trailheads makes it an ideal base for extended outdoor excursions. For locals, this means a significant mountain escape doesn't require traveling across state lines; pristine wilderness and adventure are right in our own backyard, making it an excellent choice for a dedicated outdoor group trip.

Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is structured as a private vacation rental and basecamp, offering a comprehensive suite of amenities and services designed for group lodging and facilitating outdoor activities. Its services go beyond typical campground offerings to provide a full "home away from home" experience in a remote setting:

• Large Vacation Home Rental: The primary service is the rental of a 3-bedroom house with a sleeping loft, capable of accommodating groups of up to 12 people (with future plans for expansion to 20-25).
• Fully Stocked Kitchen: The house includes a "well-stocked kitchen," allowing groups to prepare their own meals with ease.
• Multiple Fire Pit Areas & Grills: The property features "2 Firepit areas, gas grill and a charcoal grill," providing ample opportunities for outdoor cooking and campfire gatherings.
• Abundant Outdoor Seating & Bar Top: "Lots of outdoor seating and an outdoor bar top" enhance the outdoor living and social experience for groups.
• Multiple Bathrooms: The house offers "3 full baths and 1 outdoor bath/shower," ensuring comfort and convenience for larger groups.
• Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is explicitly pet-friendly, allowing "2 dogs under 50 lbs" (with an additional fee), making it ideal for those who wish to bring their furry companions.
• Bicycle Access: "Bicycles are also available for guest use," a unique amenity that supports the owner's focus on cycling.
• Linens Provided: Unlike many camping or cabin rentals where guests bring their own, "Linens are provided," adding to the convenience.
• Wi-Fi Access: Despite its remote location, Wi-Fi is available, balancing the desire for solitude with modern connectivity.
• Extensive Outdoor Recreation Launchpad: The property serves as a base for a wide array of activities including mountain biking, road cycling, gravel cycling, hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.
• Host Recommendations & Responsiveness: The owner, Scott, is noted for being "very responsive and easy to communicate with" and for providing "detailed information about local places we should check out based on our interests," enhancing the planning and execution of outdoor adventures.

• Ultimate Basecamp for Outdoor Enthusiasts: This is the defining feature. Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is purpose-built as a launching pad for virtually every outdoor activity imaginable in Western NC, from cycling to fishing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. It is "in the middle of 100,000's of acres of national forest."
• Secluded & Private 5-Acre Property: Offering "5 acres of solitude" in a "secluded location," it ensures privacy and a true escape from crowds, perfect for groups seeking undisturbed enjoyment of nature.
• Large Group Accommodation: With capacity for up to 12 guests (and future expansion for 20-25), it's ideal for family reunions, cycling teams, or groups of friends, providing "lots of beds" and "plenty of space."
• Unique & Well-Equipped House: The "very cool, very unique decor and furnishings" of the house, combined with a "well-stocked kitchen" and extensive outdoor living areas (fire pits, grills, outdoor bar), elevate the experience beyond a typical rental.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Welcoming dogs (with a fee) is a significant plus for North Carolinians who want to include their pets in their mountain adventures.
• Proximity to World-Class Trails & Waterfalls: Its location near Davidson River Trailhead, Dupont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and countless waterfalls is a major draw for outdoor adventurers.
• Responsive & Knowledgeable Host: The owner, Scott, provides personalized recommendations and is highly communicative, greatly enhancing the planning and enjoyment of local activities.
• "Get Well" Concept: The "Sanitarium" name implies a place for rejuvenation and healing, reflecting the idea that guests come to "get well" through outdoor activity and relaxation in nature.
• Flexibility for RV/Camper: The property also has "an RV/Camper site on the property with all hookups" that can be booked in conjunction with the main house, offering even more flexibility for groups.

Information regarding specific promotions or special offers for Cloud Mountain Sanitarium is not explicitly detailed in the provided public data. As a unique, private vacation rental designed for groups, its pricing structure typically revolves around nightly or weekly rates for the entire property, rather than individual campsite fees or frequent discounts. The value lies in the exclusive use of the extensive property and its tailored amenities.

Prospective guests are strongly encouraged to contact Cloud Mountain Sanitarium directly using the provided phone number or email (which can be found on their official website, as mentioned in search results for direct booking) to inquire about current availability, specific rental rates, any minimum stay requirements (noted as 2 nights minimum), and the terms for group bookings. It would also be advisable to ask about any off-season rates, deals for extended stays, or if custom arrangements can be made for specific group needs, as the owner mentions being able to "do custom arrangements if needed while you're there as well." Direct communication with the owner, Scott, is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing and any potential savings.

For reservations, inquiries about the property, or more information about planning your group's unique mountain basecamp adventure at Cloud Mountain Sanitarium, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 155 Forest Trl, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, USA
• Phone: (513) 800-7339

It is highly recommended to call the provided phone number to speak directly with the owner, Scott, who is praised for his responsiveness and helpfulness. This will ensure you get the most detailed and personalized information for your group's specific needs.

For North Carolina residents who are deeply ingrained in the state's vibrant outdoor culture, Cloud Mountain Sanitarium in Balsam Grove is an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination. It provides a specialized experience that caters directly to the desires of local outdoor enthusiasts and groups seeking a private, amenity-rich basecamp for their adventures.

Its core suitability for locals stems from its strategic location in the heart of Western North Carolina's prime outdoor playgrounds. Being "only about 5 miles from Davidson River Trailhead" and surrounded by "100,000's of acres of national forest" means that world-class mountain biking, road cycling, gravel routes, hiking, fly fishing, and waterfall exploration are literally at your doorstep. This eliminates the need for long-distance travel, allowing North Carolinians to maximize their time enjoying the activities they love in their home state.

Furthermore, the unique nature of the "Sanitarium" as a private, large-group vacation rental is ideal for locals planning family gatherings, friends' retreats, or team camps. The provided amenities—from a full kitchen and multiple fire pits to ample outdoor seating and available bicycles—ensure comfort and convenience, fostering a truly memorable shared experience. The pet-friendly policy is another significant draw for North Carolinians who want to include their furry family members in their adventures. In essence, Cloud Mountain Sanitarium offers a specialized, high-quality, and conveniently located private sanctuary for North Carolina locals to dive deep into the wilderness, pursue their outdoor passions, and recharge in unparalleled solitude, making it a perfect choice for their next mountain escape.