How much does camping cost at Chilhowee Group Camp?

Camping fees at Chilhowee Group Camp are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chilhowee Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Chilhowee Group Camp 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 Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Chilhowee Group Camp has 7 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 Group Camp?

Chilhowee Group Camp is open May 15 to October 20. 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 Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Chilhowee Group Camp have?

Chilhowee Group Camp has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chilhowee Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chilhowee Group Camp. 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 Group Camp?

Chilhowee Group Camp 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 Group Camp?

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

Chilhowee Group Camp

3.83

30 reviews

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

Great for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Chilhowee Group Camp

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

423-338-3300

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Benton: 7 miles, approximately 15 minutes. Ocoee: 14 miles, approximately 25 minutes.

Weather at Chilhowee Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most memorable experience — crisp, clear days (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s) and peak foliage that transforms the ridge into brilliant reds, golds, and oranges. Trails and lake access are excellent for hiking, wildlife viewing, and late-season fishing, and the cooler temperatures make group activities and camp cooking comfortable. Expect moderate crowds on weekends (book early for October weekends) but quieter weekdays and a Peak months: October, May, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Described as best season: crisp days, peak foliage and memorable experiences in fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 21, 2025 - October 20, 2025. Reservable starting June 25, 2025.

About Chilhowee Group Camp

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most memorable experience — crisp, clear days (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s) and peak foliage that transforms the ridge into brilliant reds, golds, and oranges. Trails and lake access are excellent for hiking, wildlife viewing, and late-season fishing, and the cooler temperatures make group activities and camp cooking comfortable. Expect moderate crowds on weekends (book early for October weekends) but quieter weekdays and a Peak months: October, May, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across Chilhowee Mountain's weathered ridges, where oaks and maples mix with pines in the kind of dense Appalachian canopy that filters afternoon light into shifting patterns on the forest floor. McKamy Lake sits close enough for a short walk to the beach. Benton Falls is a popular nearby hike. Mornings bring deer and wild turkeys through camp. The mountain's mineral-rich soils support thick understory growth, which means good shade but also means the place can turn swampy after heavy rain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or accommodations are explicitly available at Chilhowee Group Camp.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned in the available materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group camp accommodates up to 75 individuals.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 75 individuals. Jennifer Reynolds noted: 'There is plenty of space for over 10 large tents, many hammocks, and one RV.' This indicates ample room for group events.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by phone through the contact center.

Site SizeThe group camp accommodates a large number of campers, with enough space for over 10 large tents, several hammocks, and one RV. Karen S. mentioned the site is 'almost terraced,' indicating variable terrain levels.

PrivacyCampsites are described as 'scattered through the trees surrounding the RV site,' which provides partial privacy. However, some reviews noted issues with the public wandering into the group camp area.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Benton Springs Rd due to hazardous driving conditions; opt for Forest Service Road 77 instead.

Need help booking Chilhowee Group Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Chilhowee Group Camp offers a blend of essential and convenient amenities suitable for group camping. As noted in the authoritative source: "The group camp includes a large open area with picnic tables and a grill as well as an RV site with electric hook up." Additionally, "a waterless vault toilet is available year-round, and during the warmer months (typically April-October), a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers is available nearby." Drinking water is conveniently located near the entrance of the site. User reviews highlight both positives and challenges with amenities. For example, Jennifer Reynolds shared, "The group camp has one bathhouse with a vault toilet (think porta potty)... this group site has extremely poor drainage." Another user noted the proximity of the nicer bathhouse (with showers) about a 1/4 mile walk away.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Chilhowee Group Camp

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Chilhowee Trail System (~25 miles) and Benton Falls trail access.

Swimming4.0/5

Sandy swim beach at McKamy Lake; users specifically note the beach and swimming.

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Tennessee

Chilhowee Trail System supports mountain biking across ~25 miles of varied terrain.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Mixed hardwood/pine Appalachian canopy creates good wildlife habitat and viewing.

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating3.5/5

Non-motorized boating allowed on McKamy Lake; lake is small and prohibits gas motors.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities were provided. However, the authoritative source advises: 'Be Bear Wise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. Use the bear-resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility.'

Cell CoverageNo explicit details about the availability or quality of cell phone service at Chilhowee Group Camp were found in the source materials.

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

Rate Chilhowee Group Camp

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From Booking Sources

3.8

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Chilhowee Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Chilhowee Group Camp

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-338-3300

Go if

You're organizing a large group gathering and want electric hookups, lake access, and proximity to Benton Falls.

Skip if

You need well-spaced private sites or want to avoid potentially swampy conditions after rain.

Nearby Campgrounds

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 Group Camp

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Chilhowee Group Camp

Campground Map

Weather at Chilhowee Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Group Camp

Planning Tips

About Chilhowee Group Camp

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chilhowee Group Camp?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Chilhowee Group Camp

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Chilhowee Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Chilhowee Group Camp

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chilhowee Group Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Chilhowee Group Camp

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews