How much does camping cost at Chilhowee Campground?

Camping fees at Chilhowee Campground range from $12-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chilhowee Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chilhowee Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chilhowee Campground before I book?

Yes! Chilhowee Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chilhowee Campground?

Chilhowee Campground is open May 15 to November 02. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chilhowee Campground?

Yes, Chilhowee Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Chilhowee Campground?

Cell phone service at Chilhowee Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Chilhowee Campground have?

Chilhowee Campground has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chilhowee Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chilhowee Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chilhowee Campground?

Chilhowee Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chilhowee Campground?

Popular activities at Chilhowee Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chilhowee Campground

4.38

309 reviews

3171 Highway 64 East

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Tennessee#2 Mountain Camping Tennessee#2 Beach Camping Tennessee +11 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Open from April 21, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest - US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Open from April 21, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest - US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Chilhowee Campground

$12.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC: $20.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $12.00; TENT ONLY ELECTRIC- Double Site: $30.00; TENT ONLY ELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $12.00. Plus...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-338-3300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3171 Highway 64 East

Chilhowee Campground

3171 Highway 64 East

Nearby places

Benton: 7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)

Ocoee: 14 miles (approximately 30 minutes)

Weather at Chilhowee Campground

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and peak Appalachian color — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F, especially at 2,000 ft elevation. Trails, Benton Falls, and McKamy Lake are beautiful and less buggy, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography at their peak while fishing and boating remain very pleasant. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends fill up during prime leaf season (mid–late October), but weekday camping is usually a- Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is described as the best window; peak leaf display and ideal temps at this elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 21, 2025 to October 13, 2025 during peak season. Closed outside of these dates.

About Chilhowee Campground

Chilhowee Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Benton, Tennessee, operated by the US Forest Service. The mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a dump station with access to Benton Falls hiking and swimming at McKamy Lake. Fall brings peak Appalachian color and comfortable temperatures for exploring trails and enjoying wildlife viewing.

Chilhowee Campground offers diverse camping options, including tent, RV, and group sites. Some loops provide electric hookups while others are designed for primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and peak Appalachian color — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F, especially at 2,000 ft elevation. Trails, Benton Falls, and McKamy Lake are beautiful and less buggy, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography at their peak while fishing and boating remain very pleasant. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends fill up during prime leaf season (mid–late October), but weekday camping is usually a- Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded terrain in the Southern Appalachians, where hardwood forests provide shade and the surrounding peaks show the weathered geology of one of North America's oldest mountain ranges. McKamy Lake sits within the recreation area, offering swimming and fishing access. Trails lead through the forest to Benton Falls, where water cascades over exposed rock formations. Wildlife sightings are common enough that the campground provides bear lockers at sites. Fall transforms the canopy into golds and crimsons, making it the most visually striking season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum during a visit
13 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests per site varies based on site type.

Groups

Group sites are available, accommodating multiple people and vehicles. Specific details about the number of guests or vehicles per site were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible amenities such as accessible campsites, drinking water, picnic areas, parking, showers, and grills. Trails like those leading to Benton Falls are noted to be relatively easy but may have steep descents.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and groups. Some sites are described as "spacious" with ample room for vehicles and camping equipment.

PrivacySite privacy varies by loop. "Loops E/F offer more wooded and private campsites," while "Loops A/B are well-suited for families but may be less secluded.

Total Campsites63 campsites

Recommended SitesE/F loop is recommended for more privacy and wooded settings. Sites with electricity are concentrated in loops A and B; water spigots are present but not dedicated per site.

Best CampsitesSite E-52 gets mentioned in reviews for privacy and space. B-19 earns praise for seclusion while staying close to facilities. Loops E and F generally offer more wooded, private sites compared to the more open, family-oriented A and B loops. If you're bringing an RV and want hookups, you'll be on A or B, which means less privacy but easier access.

Need help booking Chilhowee Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Chilhowee Campground offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. "Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts are located at each site." Bathhouses with flush toilets and warm showers are present in every loop and the day-use area. Water hydrants are accessible throughout the campground, and an RV dump station is available at the end of E Loop. Some loops (e.g., A and B) provide walk-in tent sites with electrical connections. However, reviews highlight some issues: "Water lasts literally 5 seconds each press of the button" in showers, and "dead bugs and mold" in some facilities. Firewood is not available for purchase on-site, and campers are advised to bring their own or collect from the woods. The campground lacks a camp store and is isolated from nearby amenities, with the nearest store 14 miles away.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chilhowee Campground provides a wide array of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. McKamy Lake, a central feature, offers a swim area with a sand beach and is a popular spot for fishing (stocked game fish available). Approximately 25 miles of trails lead to attractions like Benton Falls and scenic overlooks.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant trash receptacles are provided. Food storage lockers are encouraged due to the presence of black bears.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

309 reviews

Recommended

Chilhowee Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a scenic, family-friendly destination with activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing. While many praise the clean facilities and spacious sites, others note maintenance issues and challenges accessing the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 309 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 309 reviews.

Loop ELoved
Loop E/F is recommended for privacy; Loop A/B is noted for family-friendly layouts.
Loop CLoved
Positive comments highlight spaciousness and cleanliness at Sites 32 (Loop C) and 54 (Loop E).
Site 11Issues noted
Site-specific issues include electrical problems at Site 11 in Loop A and noise complaints near Site A-5.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently mention the "beautiful views," "clean restrooms," and "family-friendly atmosphere." Hiking to Benton Falls and swimming at McKamy Lake are standout experiences. Reviews like "Great...

Based on 309 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues, such as "showers out of order" and "overflowing trash bins." The road to the campground is described as "steep and winding," often posing challenges for...

Based on 309 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra supplies, as the nearest store is 14 miles away. Bringing firewood is advised since none is sold on-site. They also caution against using certain GPS routes,...

Based on 309 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in the summer and fall, with reviewers praising the cooler mountain temperatures. Spring and fall bring damp, cooler nights, and visitors suggest packing warm clothes. Fall...

Based on 309 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is a fun swim and the toilets with running water and showers are kept clean." "The hike to Benton Falls is worth it—gorgeous but steep and rocky." "The campground is a peaceful mountain...

Based on 309 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is noted for accessible amenities like parking, picnic areas, and trails. However, the steep descent to Benton Falls may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 309 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some campers reported seeing dogs on the beach despite posted restrictions.

Based on 309 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable Forest Service camping with modern conveniences and easy access to Benton Falls and lake swimming.

Skip if

You need quiet guarantee or have concerns about steep campground roads and RV maneuvering.

Nearby Campgrounds

3171 Highway 64 East, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Chilhowee Group Camp sits in the foothills of Cherokee National Forest near Benton, Tennessee, managed by the national forest service. This seasonal group campground offers electric hookups, flush and vault toilets, and showers alongside a sandy swim beach and access to the Benton Falls trail. The setting accommodates large gatherings with space for tents and RVs, plus activities like lake boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.