Chilhowee Campground
Open seasonally from mid-April through mid-October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov at least 4 days in advance. Some sites are first-come, first-served. Day-use area and overflow camping area remain open year-round.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
About
Chilhowee Campground occupies a scenic mountain setting within the Chilhowee Recreation Area of Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee. The campground provides over 70 sites distributed across six loops (A through F), with a mix of electric and non-electric sites for both tent and RV camping. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern post. Bathhouses with flush toilets and warm showers are conveniently located in each loop, and an RV dump station is available at the end of E Loop. The recreation area centers on 7-acre McKamy Lake, which offers a swim area with a sand beach and fishing from the bank. Non-motorized boats are permitted. Approximately 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the area, including access to the scenic Benton Falls via a moderate 1.5-mile trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and several observation overlooks along the access road provide stunning mountain vistas. Access requires a 7-mile drive up Forest Service Road 77 on a narrow, winding mountain road. GPS navigation often misdirects visitors via Benton Springs Road, which is unpaved and hazardous for RVs. Inexperienced RV drivers should exercise caution on the approach road.
Directions
From Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles and turn onto Forest Road 77. Drive 7.5 miles to the campground. Do not use GPS directions or Benton Springs Road, which is unpaved and dangerous for RVs.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 90ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 90ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 338-3300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!