Chilhowee Campground

Star4.59
706 reviews
3171 Highway 64 East
Summer Destination

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Cherokee National Forest - US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chilhowee Campground
$12.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $12 for tent-only non-electric sites to $30 for tent-only electric sites. Rates vary by season and do not include discounts, taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
423-338-3300
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 706 reviews

450 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

"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."

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Campground Map

3171 Highway 64 East

Chilhowee Campground

3171 Highway 64 East

Driving directionsFrom Highway 64/411 intersection travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area. Do not use Benton Springs Road for access to the mountain. GPS coordinates will direct you up Benton Springs Rd, but this route is not recommended as it is an unpaved and dangerous road for RVs.
The access road is narrow, winding, and steep, requiring 7 miles of driving up a paved road (Forest Service Road 77). Benton Springs Road is unpaved and unsuitable for RVs, with hairpin turns that can pose significant challenges.
Nearby places
Benton: 7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Ocoee: 14 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Convenience store located approximately 14 miles away
nearest restaurants and groceries in Benton.

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Campground

From April through October, Chilhowee transforms into a camper's paradise, with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and crisp evenings perfect for campfire stories, while fall paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, accompanied by cool nights that invite cozy sleeping bags. As winter approaches, the campground closes its gates, allowing the forest to rest under blankets of frost and occasional snow.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in TN

Popular in summer; cool mountain temps, swim area and full trail access make it a peak-season draw.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Praised for cooler temperatures and fall scenery; popular for foliage and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildflowers and cooler temps but can be damp; reviewers recommend warm layers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 21–Oct 13; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 21, 2025 - October 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 21, 2025 to October 13, 2025 during peak season. Closed outside of these dates.
  • Current Alerts: None specified.

About Chilhowee Campground

Nestled deep within the Cherokee National Forest, Chilhowee Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of modern comfort and wilderness escape. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling into an RV site with electric hookups, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's playground. Cool off in the refreshing swim area, explore winding forest trails, or pack a lunch for the picnic facilities before embarking on the moderate hike to the stunning Benton Falls, where cascading waters reward your journey with a spectacular display of natural beauty.
Chilhowee Campground offers diverse camping options, including tent, RV, and group sites. Some loops provide electric hookups while others are designed for primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins from 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights maximum during a visit
  • 13 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingThe campground is a hub for hiking, with about 25 miles of trails available. Highlights include the Benton Falls Trail, described as a "1.5-mile moderate in-and-out hike," and shorter trails leading to the lake. Trails are described as "easy to navigate" but may include steep descents, particularly near waterfalls.
FishingFishing is permitted at McKamy Lake, which is stocked with game fish. A Tennessee fishing license is required.
SwimmingA designated swim area with a sand beach at McKamy Lake is available. Reviews highlight the shallow waters, making it "safe for children," and benches for parents to supervise comfortably.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails described as "relaxing and challenging at different parts." Trails are accessible directly from the campground.
BoatingNon-motorized boats are allowed on McKamy Lake. Gasoline motors are prohibited.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in biodiversity. Campers frequently spot wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds. However, the presence of black bears is notable, and caution is advised.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears, venomous snakes (pygmy rattlesnake and copperheads), and occasional wild pigs. Ensure food is stored in bear-proof containers.
Active AlertsNone specified.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant trash receptacles are provided. Food storage lockers are encouraged due to the presence of black bears.

Weather at Chilhowee Campground

Reviews

4.6
706 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chilhowee Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 706 reviews

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...
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Based on 706 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...
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Based on 706 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,...
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Based on 706 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...
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Based on 706 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...
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Based on 706 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop E/F is recommended for privacy; Loop A/B is noted for family-friendly layouts. Site-specific issues include electrical problems at Site 11 in Loop A and noise complaints near Site A-5. Positive...
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Based on 706 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 706 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some campers reported seeing dogs on the beach despite posted restrictions.
Based on 706 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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