Nestled near the West Branch of the Sacandaga River, The Balsam Inn offers a tranquil retreat with continental breakfast and an art gallery. With free WiFi, guests can unwind by the firepit or explore nearby attractions like Kane Mountain Fire Tower and Canada Lake.
Wheelerville Bike Trails Access - 11 min drive - 14.7 km
Pleasant Lake - 11 min drive - 15.1 km
Kane Mountain Fire Tower - 21 min drive - 14.3 km
Restaurants
Pine Lake Lodge - 5 min drive
Pinnacle Restaurant and Motel - 10 min drive
Balsams Inn & Cafe - 1 min walk
Lake Front Pizza - 6 min drive
The Forever Wild Tavern
About this property
The Balsam Inn
The Balsam Inn is a great choice for a stay in Caroga Lake. Free self parking is an added perk, and guests can keep active with onsite hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and rowing/canoeing.
At a glance
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Hotel size
9 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests can choose to either self-clean the property prior to check-out, or pay an additional cleaning fee of USD 15 at check-out
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Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, up to 5 lbs per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Restrictions apply*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
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Other information
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
What to do
Archery
Hiking/biking trails
Kayaking
Canoeing
Boat tours
Boat/paddles
Cross-country skiing
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Ski area nearby
Water tubing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Services
Bicycle rentals
Water sports equipment
Romance packages
Facilities
Built in 1895
Picnic area
Television in common areas
Communal living room
Art gallery on site
Firepit
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Visual alarms in hallways
Handrails in stairways
Room amenities
Home comfort
Heating (climate-controlled)
Sleep well
Down comforter
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom (not in room)
Shower/tub combination
Hydromassage showerhead
Towels
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Mobile key entry
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
A damage deposit of USD 50 will be collected before check-in
Optional extras
Firewood is available for an extra charge of USD 15 per day
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: USD 1000 per day
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 1000 per pet (may vary based on length of stay), plus a one-time cleaning fee of USD 100
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property only accepts cash.
Also known as
The Balsam Inn Lodge
The Balsam Inn Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn Lodge Caroga Lake
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at The Balsam Inn?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a maximum weight of 5 lbs per pet. There's a charge of USD 1000 per pet, per day, and there's also a deposit of USD 1000 per day. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
Is parking offered on site at The Balsam Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Balsam Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Balsam Inn and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy onsite recreation like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and return when the snow melts for kayaking and rowing. Additional recreation onsite includes hunting. The Balsam Inn also has a picnic area.
What's the area around The Balsam Inn like?
The Balsam Inn is located a short 3-minute walk from West Branch of the Sacandaga River.
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Reviews
The Balsam Inn Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
10
Cleanliness
9.4
Amenities
10
Staff & service
9.6
Eco-friendliness
9.6
Property conditions & facilities
What guests liked
Free breakfast options included milk, juice, coffee, muffins, breakfast bars, fruit, and cereal. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Room
Ambience
Bed
Location
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 14, 2025
A smiley day!
We found our stay to be warm and friendly, it was like staying with your family.
William
William, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 23, 2025
Warm and excellent stay
The hosts were both pleasant and welcoming. We were met with an explanation and a quick tour of the Inn. Jenny provided recommendations for a local restaurant nearby, and it was great.
Ben
Ben, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 20, 2025
Home away from home!
Great discovery.. extremely friendly and hospitable. Felt like home away from home! Hope to come back during snowmobile season!
Keith
Keith, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 29, 2025
Authentic, warm, and friendly.
What a great stay. My travel was disrupted, and Jenny was kind, understanding, and communicative. The Inn is cute and authentic. The location is stunning. I only regret being able to stay just one night (cancelled flight), it was a warm and I felt welcomed.
Reed
Reed, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 28, 2025
The hospitality of the staff especially Ginny the owner of this fine establishment was very helpful and were great to chat with regarding the region of the Adirondacks. Let me not forget to mention the rooms are cozy, impeccable and lovely decorated by Ginny who is true artist. I do plan on visiting this area of the Adirondacks again and the Balsams will be base camp when exploring this beautiful area.
Paul
Paul, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 9, 2024
The owner provided outstanding hospitality, liked the atmosphere of the inn, location was great, rooms were clean and very comfortable
Ron
Ron, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 23, 2024
The spirit of hospitality is alive in this place.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jan 8, 2023
We felt like we were home away from home. Can’t wait to stay again.
lisa
lisa, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 9, 2024
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Dan
Dan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 25, 2024
Very friendly and accommodating proprietor
Jean
Jean, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 4, 2023
Amazing food in the cafe. Such great people running the place. A hidden gem
LAURA
LAURA, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 30, 2024
Very friendly owner.
Joan
Joan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 28, 2024
Property owner was very hospitable. Clean property. Nice friendly staff. Good food.
Gregory
Gregory, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2023
Great location. So many trails and fishing spots closeby. Jenn is super nice and makes the best waffles for breakfast on the planet. I can't wait to get back again.
Dirk
Dirk, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 22, 2024
Hidden Gem
Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
Glen
Glen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 20, 2024
Hidden Gem
Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
Glen
Glen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 20, 2023
Had a wonderful stay at the Balsam Inn. Jenny, the owner, is top notch and has created a real gem of a place to stay. Will certainly return.
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 10, 2024
Jenny and crew are awesome and have a sincere dedication to making guests happy. Cozy, rustic, bar downstairs with great wings and beer selection. Note: shared bathroom but I had no issues.
Chris
Chris, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 3, 2023
Loved the the place - clean, great vibe and Jenny is a star of the the place. Would recommend!
Dovydas
Dovydas, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 19, 2024
Loved the property! So unique and beautiful. Be prepared for one bathroom- but it is clean and nicely done- lots of character and charm
karen
karen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 23, 2024
Rustic meets adorable! So warm and comfortable. The beds (we had twins) were to die for. Great.having the bar below. Nice selection of beverages, great continental breakfast. Jenny and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Shared bath not a problem. Wonderful place!
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Aug 4, 2024
Balssan inn is TOPS
All aspects of my stay was excellent. accomodations were excellent and the host Jenny was superb.She was alocal who has built her busirss reputationon hard work and her guests enjoying a good tay. She is a PRO!!!!!
jjohn
jjohn, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2024
Will definitely start again. Everyone was very friendly, welcome and accommodating. Parking is easy, the rooms and bathrooms are clean and cozy, we had excellent drinks and pie downstairs in the bar/restaurant, and free breakfast (milk juice, coffee, muffins, breakfast bars, fruit and cereal) in the morning.
Danielle
Danielle, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 1, 2023
The Country charm of the Balsam Inn is invigorating. The grounds around the inn are delectable. Jenn is a top notch host and all around wonderful person. Prepare to relax, enjoy nature at its fullest, and be transported to absolute paradise. Squishy beds too.
Cortney
Cortney, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 9, 2024
nice bargain
I didn't know what to expect, and upon arrival it looked just like an old bar. But inside it had the warm feel of an old-country tavern and inn—which it was. The proprietor is personable, attentive, and concerned about your needs. For being a tavern, it is surprisingly quiet. The bed was very comfortable, and they serve hearty food. A very relaxed, informal feel with good wifi (which is important as your cell signal may not reach this remote spot). If you're looking for a bargain, this is with the (gorgeous) drive up NY Hwy 10.