Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent only sites and multiple bathhouses. The campground is open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. 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. Also, within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. 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.
Whether you’re looking for tent camping, RV-ready digs, or just some options for electricity, the 70-plus sites offered within the Chilhowee Recreation Area can accommodate any kind of camping style. The Cherokee National Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tennessee, and when it comes to staying overnight, camping at the Chilhowee Recreation Area is the way to go. There are more than 70 campsites available: some can be reserved, but some are always first-come, first-served, so there’s typically space for everyone. There are 16 sites that are open during the off-season, but facilities are limited. Chilhowee Recreation Area has nearly 25 miles of hiking and biking trails through the Cherokee National Forest, leading to overlooks that’ll give you unprecedented views of the surrounding landscape. One of the can’t-miss spots in the whole place is the waterfall on the Benton Falls Trail—a stunning 65-foot drop along an easy three-mile roundtrip hike. The recreation area is also home to the seven-acre McKamy Lake that’s perfect for splashing around, fishing, or just some relaxing beach time between hikes. With so many things to do near the campground, you’ll never have to worry about how to spend your day. Speaking of not having to worry, the recreation area offers a lengthy list of amenities: wheelchair-accessible sites, picnic areas, showers, drinking water stations scattered throughout, group sites, and flush toilets. There’s even a dump station available so you don’t have to hassle with RV maintenance on the road. One of the best things about camping at Chilhowee is the variety of camping choices that are available to suit anyone’s needs. Loops A and B have electric hookups for campers that need a charge while they’re in the great outdoors or RVs looking to get fancy, and Loops A, B, E, and F are available for reservations if you feel so inclined. Anyone who loves spending time in the beautiful outdoors will enjoy camping at Chilhowee Recreation Area. The variety of accommodations and facilities in the area make it ideal for campers of any style: you can make the experience incredibly rustic or have a glamping excursion in the forest. Hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing abound as well, so even lukewarm campers will enjoy their time in Chilhowee. Reference ~ Roots Rated
Directions: From Highway 64/411 intersection travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area entrance sign and turn right.
