Chilhowee Group Camp
Closed for the season. Opens April 14, 2025 and operates through October 20, 2025. Reservations available via Recreation.gov and must be made at least 4 days in advance. Group areas require cancellation more than 14 days before the reservation date for a refund.
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
Chilhowee Group Camp is located in the scenic Chilhowee Recreation Area within Cherokee National Forest, perched near the top of Chilhowee Mountain at 2,000 feet elevation. The group campground accommodates up to 75 individuals and serves as an excellent base camp for outdoor recreation in the surrounding mixed hardwood and pine forest. The recreation area features 7-acre McKamy Lake, a short walk from the group camp, offering a sandy swim beach and bank fishing opportunities. Boats are permitted on the lake, though gasoline motors are prohibited. The Chilhowee Trails System provides approximately 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, with scenic waterfalls accessible nearby. The drive up to the campground includes several observation overlooks offering stunning mountain vistas. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, making it ideal for nature observation and photography. Food storage restrictions apply, requiring all food and beverages to be stored in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers. For additional adventure, world-class whitewater rafting is available on the nearby Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers.
Directions
From Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles up Chilhowee Mountain to the campground/recreation area entrance sign and turn right.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 338-3300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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