Chilhowee Group Camp

Star4.59
30 reviews
3171 Highway 64 East, Benton, TN, 37307, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Cherokee National Forest site

Official Website
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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 Group Camp
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group sites cost $50 per night during peak season (April 21, 2025 - October 20, 2025). Additional fees include an $8 reservation service fee (online...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
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 30 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousbeach

"User feedback for Chilhowee Group Camp is generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.14 for campground-specific reviews. Feedback highlights the scenic location, ample space for group activities, and proximity to McKamy Lake and hiking trails. Some users raised concerns about maintenance issues, vague directions, and drainage problems."

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Campground Map

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

Chilhowee Group Camp

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

Driving directionsFrom Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area. GPS coordinates provided may suggest Benton Springs Rd route, which is not recommended due to rough gravel roads with large ruts and no guardrails. Forest Service Road 77 provides a scenic and safer alternative.
Accessible via paved Forest Service Road 77, which offers a scenic drive and avoids the challenging Benton Springs Rd route. Benton Springs Rd may present difficulties for small cars or campers due to its rough gravel surface and lack of guardrails.
Nearby places
Benton: 7 miles, approximately 15 minutes. Ocoee: 14 miles, approximately 25 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Nearest grocery and camping supply stores are about 14 miles from the campground in Ocoee, TN.

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Group Camp

Experience the gentle rhythm of mountain seasons at Chilhowee, where crisp mornings give way to sun-dappled afternoons. Spring arrives in a burst of wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. With temperatures typically ranging from refreshing 32°F mornings to comfortable 47°F afternoons, the campground offers that perfect mountain climate—cool enough for cozy campfires, mild enough for all-day adventures. Clear, dry periods dominate spring and fall, creating ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor gatherings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak usage Apr–Oct; amenities (showers/toilets) operational and beach/swimming available in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn offers crisp weather and scenic foliage; reviews cite excellent fall experiences.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in TN

Spring brings wildflowers and ideal hiking weather; listed as prime season in description.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 21–Oct 20; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 21, 2025 - October 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 21, 2025 - October 20, 2025. Reservable starting June 25, 2025.

About Chilhowee Group Camp

Nestled high in the Cherokee National Forest, Chilhowee Group Camp offers an unforgettable mountain retreat where up to 75 adventurers can gather under towering pines and hardwoods. This well-appointed basecamp features everything large groups need for the perfect outdoor experience—from RV hook-ups and grilling stations to direct access to pristine hiking trails. Just a short walk away, the sandy shores of McKamy Lake beckon swimmers and anglers alike, while the surrounding wilderness promises endless exploration at 2,000 feet above the everyday world.
Chilhowee Group Camp is designed specifically for group camping in a natural, scenic setting. It accommodates both tents and RVs, with limited facilities for individual guests.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay: up to 13 nights within a rolling 30 days period. Consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Chilhowee Group Camp offers a variety of recreational activities to suit different interests. As described in the authoritative information, the area boasts approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, access to McKamy Lake for swimming and fishing, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers provide access to world-class whitewater rafting.
HikingThe Chilhowee Trail System features around 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. These trails allow exploration of the mixed hardwood and pine forest and nearby scenic attractions such as Benton Falls.
FishingFishing is permitted at the nearby McKamy Lake, a seven-acre body of water. Boats are allowed but must not use gasoline motors. User feedback does not provide additional details on the types of fish or fishing quality.
SwimmingSwimming is available at McKamy Lake, which includes a sandy beach area. As noted by Jennifer Reynolds, 'There is a sandy swimming beach' within a short walking distance of the group camp.
BikingMountain biking is supported on the Chilhowee Trail System, which features varied terrain and approximately 25 miles of trails.
BoatingNon-motorized boating activities, such as kayaking and canoeing, are allowed on McKamy Lake. Gasoline motors are prohibited.
Wildlife viewingThe mixed hardwood and pine forest creates excellent conditions for wildlife viewing. As the authoritative description notes: 'Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include poor drainage leading to muddy conditions after rain, long grass/weeds, fire ant hills, and curious intrusions from non-campers.

Weather at Chilhowee Group Camp

Reviews

4.6
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chilhowee Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback for Chilhowee Group Camp is generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.14 for campground-specific reviews. Feedback highlights the scenic location, ample space for group activities, and proximity to McKamy Lake and hiking trails. Some users raised concerns about maintenance issues, vague directions, and drainage problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the 'beautiful and serene setting,' as described by Karen S., and the spacious layout, which can accommodate large groups. Jennifer Reynolds noted the sandy swimming beach and the...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include muddy conditions during rain, long grass, and maintenance concerns such as the 'HORRENDOUS smell' of the vault toilets. Some users reported problems with fire ants, as Jennifer...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend entering via Forest Service Road 77 rather than Benton Springs Rd due to road conditions. Bringing canopies to protect picnic tables from sun/rain is also advised.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most actively used during the warmer months (April to October) when amenities like flush toilets and showers are operational. During rainy weather, the site suffers from poor...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The group camp has one bathhouse with a vault toilet (think porta potty).' - Jennifer Reynolds. 2. 'I've stayed at the Chilhowee Group Camp many times now. I'm always delighted at how wonderful...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific feedback on the group site highlights its capacity for large groups and proximity to recreational amenities. Jennifer Reynolds noted: 'There are about 15 picnic tables in 3 rows for the...
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Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility for users with disabilities was recorded in the reviews.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but they must be leashed. No specific reviews addressed pet-related experiences at the campground.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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