
Chilhowee Campground
Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
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As of October 2026, Chilhowee Campground is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee with 59 campsites. Chilhowee Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Chilhowee Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Chilhowee Campground is located at 35.1538° N, 84.6091° W.
- people allowed on 58 of 59 sites
- 5
- people allowed on the largest site
- 10
Chilhowee Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum stay: 13 nights
Published by Recreation.gov for Chilhowee Campground, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Chilhowee Campground
- RV 48
- Tent 11
- Hookups 33
What an RV fits
- 20–24 ft1 site
- 35–39 ft1 site
- 40–44 ft3 sites
- 45–49 ft1 site
- 50–54 ft3 sites
- 55–59 ft3 sites
- 60–64 ft4 sites
- 65–69 ft8 sites
- 70–74 ft7 sites
- 75–79 ft6 sites
- 80–84 ft5 sites
- 85–89 ft3 sites
- 90–94 ft3 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
- showers
- potable water
- dump station
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.
All sites at Chilhowee Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
| Site | Loop | Type | Sleeps | Max RV | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 40 ft | Electric |
| 02 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 38 ft | Electric |
| 03 | A Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
| 04 | A Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
| 05 | A Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
| 06 | A Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
| 07 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 60 ft | Electric |
| 08 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 20 ft | Electric |
| 09 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 90 ft | Electric |
| 10 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 90 ft | Electric |
| 11 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 85 ft | Electric |
| 12 | A Loop | RV | 5 | 45 ft | Electric |
| 14 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | Electric |
| 15 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | Electric |
| 16 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | Electric |
| 17/18 | B Loop | Tent | 10 | - | Electric |
| 19 | B Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
| 20 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 40 ft | Electric |
| 21 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 55 ft | Electric |
| 22 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 60 ft | Electric |
| 23 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | Electric |
| 24 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 80 ft | Electric |
| 25 | B Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | Electric |
| 27 | C Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | - |
| 28 | C Loop | RV | 5 | 55 ft | - |
| 29 | C Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | - |
| 30 | C Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | - |
| 31 | C Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | - |
| 32 | C Loop | Tent | 5 | - | - |
| 33 | C Loop | Tent | 5 | - | - |
| Site | Loop | Type | Sleeps | Max RV | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | C Loop | Tent | 5 | - | - |
| 35 | D Loop | Tent | 5 | - | - |
| 36 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | - |
| 37 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 50 ft | - |
| 38 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | - |
| 39 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | - |
| 40 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 90 ft | - |
| 41 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 80 ft | - |
| 42 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 80 ft | - |
| 43 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | - |
| 44 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 40 ft | - |
| 45 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 50 ft | - |
| 46 | D Loop | RV | 5 | 60 ft | - |
| 48 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | Electric |
| 49 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 85 ft | Electric |
| 50 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | Electric |
| 51 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 80 ft | Electric |
| 52 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 55 ft | Electric |
| 53 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 85 ft | Electric |
| 54 | E Loop | RV | 5 | 70 ft | Electric |
| 55 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | Electric |
| 56 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | Electric |
| 57 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | - |
| 58 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 65 ft | - |
| 59 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 80 ft | - |
| 60 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 75 ft | - |
| 61 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 50 ft | - |
| 62 | F Loop | RV | 5 | 60 ft | - |
| 63 | F Loop | Tent | 5 | - | Electric |
About Chilhowee Campground
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.
Be Aware; Do not use GPS directions: GPS coordinates will direct you up Benton Springs Rd. This route is not recommended. We recommend using Forest Service Road 77 to reach the recreation area. It's important to note, this facility requires driving 7 miles up to Chilhowee Campground on a narrow, winding road. Do not use the Benton Springs Access Road to the campground as this is an unpaved and dangerous road for RVs. Inexperienced RV drivers may have difficulties getting to and around the site.
Recreation
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
Facilities
Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts are located at each site. Bathhouses providing flush toilets and warm showers are available in each loop, as well as in the day use area. Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. An RV dump station is located at the end of E Loop. Loops A and B offer walk-in tent sites with electricity.
Be Aware; Do not use GPS directions: GPS coordinates will direct you up Benton Springs Rd. This route is not recommended. We recommend using Forest Service Road 77 to reach the recreation area. It's important to note, this facility requires driving 7 miles up to Chilhowee Campground on a narrow, winding road. Do not use the Benton Springs Access Road to the campground as this is an unpaved and dangerous road for RVs. Inexperienced RV drivers may have difficulties getting to and around the site.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers.
Rules and notices at Chilhowee Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Chilhowee Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Be Aware! Do not use GPS directions - GPS coordinates will direct you up Benton Springs Rd. This route is not recommended. We recommend using Forest Service Road 77 to reach the recreation area. It's important to note, this facility requires driving 7 miles up to Chilhowee Campground on a narrow, winding road. Do not use the Benton Springs Access Road to the campground as this is an unpaved and dangerous road for RVs. Inexperienced RV drivers may have difficulties getting to and around the site.
The campground is located on FDR 77/Oswald Dome Road.
Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings only.
Do not leave fires unattended. They will be extinguished.
Discharging firearms and fireworks is prohibited.
Pets must be on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
No lifeguards on duty; swim at your own risk.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The nearest restaurants and/or stores for purchasing supplies are about 14 miles from the campground.
Campground hosts are on site.
Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Be Bear Wise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. Store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least ten feet off the ground. Remember to use the bear resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility.
Chilhowee Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Chilhowee Campground?
Chilhowee Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 59 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.
How do I find last-minute availability at Chilhowee Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Chilhowee Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Chilhowee Campground have?
Chilhowee Campground has 59 campsites.
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