Chilhowee Campground

4.4·236 reviews
·Cherokee National Forest

Overview

Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers a multitude of camping opportunities for both RV and tent sites, many with electric hookups. The day-use area includes McKamy Lake, a swim area with sand beach, picnic sites, a group picnic area, and a bathhouse.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (27 of 59 campsites have Bbq)

  • Campfire Allowed

    (58 of 59 campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (42 of 59 campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 10)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (58 of 59 campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Site Access

    (10 of 59 campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Fall Color, Chilhowee Overlook - Credits: US Forest Service
McKamy Lake Trail - Credits: US Forest Service
Benton Falls - Credits: US Forest Service
Chilhowee Beach Day Use Area - Credits: US Forest Service

The Cherokee National Forest is located in eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre swath of land is Tennessee's only national forest. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes. 

Recreation

Chilhowee Campground - Credits: US Forest Service

Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent hub for hiking and mountain biking in the Chilhowee Trails System, fishing in McKamy Lake, and wildlife viewing without having to get in your car. The 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sand beach, and fishing from the bank. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. Within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. The views and lake are beautiful, especially hiking to Benton Falls via a 1.5 mile in and out moderate trail. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to see beautiful mountain settings. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly. 

Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide  

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 90ft

  • tent-Up to 90ft

  • trailer-Up to 90ft

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers.

Additional Information

Campsites