Chilhowee Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from early April through late October. Access was temporarily disrupted in fall 2024 for road improvements and installation of bear-proof dumpster pads, with the project expected to be completed before the 2025 summer season. The overflow and day-use areas 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.
Cherokee National Forest enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service officials initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged drought. The restrictions will prohibit fires outside of developed recreation sites. Drought conditions persist across the…
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…
Access disrupted to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77
UPDATE: Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area for road construction and paving. This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases. The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and…
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
Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area of Cherokee National Forest, Chilhowee Campground provides a mountain retreat with more than 70 campsites spread across non-electric, electric, and walk-in configurations. Multiple flush bathhouses serve the campground loops. The centerpiece of the recreation area is 7-acre McKamy Lake, which offers a sand beach swimming area and bank fishing opportunities. Non-motorized boats and electric motors are permitted on the lake. The Chilhowee Trail System encompasses approximately 25 miles of trails suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. The most popular destination is Benton Falls, reached via a moderate 1.5-mile trail. Scenic overlooks along Forest Service Road 77 on the approach to the campground provide expansive mountain views. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the recreation area. Access to the campground requires driving 7.5 miles up Forest Service Road 77 from Highway 64/411, a narrow and winding mountain road. GPS directions often incorrectly route visitors via Benton Springs Road, an unpaved route not recommended for RVs. The campground sits at elevation and can be challenging for inexperienced RV drivers. Bear-proof food storage is required throughout Cherokee National Forest.
Directions
From the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 411, travel east 7 miles and turn onto Forest Service Road 77. Drive 7.5 miles to the campground entrance. Do not use GPS directions as they may route you via Benton Springs Road, an unpaved and dangerous route for RVs. Use Forest Service Road 77 only.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 - $20 |
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
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