Chilhowee Campground

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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.

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Chilhowee Campground Reviews

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Top Spots in or near Benton

Hike to Benton Falls

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3.2 mi / 318 ft gain

Start this hike from the parking lot of the Chilhowee Day Use Area (here you must remember to bring $3 cash to pay the day use fee). To begin, walk along the path to the left of the facilities until you come to the trailhead. Start here continuing along the left-side of the lake. After passing the lake, you will soon come to a fork in the trail with a sign that points left to the Benton Falls ...

Watch the Sunset from Sugarloaf Overlook

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The overlook is easily accessible from a parking circle located off Oswald Road. Follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 2.5 miles until you encounter the overlook on your left. The overlook will be clearly marked with signage. The overlook is located directly behind the parking circle. There are trees perfect for hanging a h...

Take in the View at Chilhowee Overlook

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Catch the sunset, bring friends and a picnic, or gaze at the stars from this classic Tennessee overlook! To reach Chilhowee Overlook, follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 3.75 miles until you encounter the overlook on your right. The overlook is located parallel from a parking circle guarded by a stone wall. The aforementi...

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The middle Ocoee River offers Class III and Class IV rapids through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Those with their own vessels can put into the river just below the Ocoee #2 TVA Dam. For those who do not have a vessel, there are numerous river guide companies who offer guided adventures. The middle Ocoee is a 5 mile section that takes roughly 3-4 hours to complete.

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