Chilhowee Campground in Benton, TN
Guide to Amenities and Activities
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Benton, TN GPS: 35.153751, -84.60912 Elevation: 2097′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service Fee is $20 or less |
Previous Reviews:
The road in is Paved. Chilhowee Recreation Area is Open April-November. 16 sites remain open in winter with limited facilities. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent-only sites and multiple bathhouses. The campground is usually open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. 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. Also, within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. 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.
The price is Non-electic sites (42 sites) – $12. Electric Sites (29 sites) – $20. Walk-in sites with electric (7 sites) – $15. Day use fees are $3 per vehicle per day.
About This Location
Chilhowee Campground in Benton, TN, is a solid pick if you love camping and want to dive into the outdoors without much hassle. With over 70 campsites—plenty offering electric hookups—you can pull up with your RV or just pitch a tent. The place sits tucked inside the Cherokee National Forest, so you get peaceful woods, trails, and a pond right at your doorstep.
There’s a lot to do, whether you’re itching for a hike, want to poke around the woods, or just hang out by the water. It’s an easy drive, so you don’t have to plan a whole expedition to get here. If you want a campground with decent facilities and a real-deal nature setting, Chilhowee is a strong contender.
Key Takeways
- Both tent and RV camping with electric hookups available
- Forest setting with trails and water nearby
- Easy access—no complicated directions or roughing it required
Chilhowee Campground In Benton, TN
Chilhowee Campground sits inside the Chilhowee Recreation Area of Cherokee National Forest, just outside Benton, TN. Picture yourself surrounded by Chilhowee Mountain, with lakes like Parksville Lake and Lake Ocoee not too far off.
You’ll find more than 70 sites here, ready for tents or RVs. Many sites have electric hookups and water, and the forest backdrop is pretty hard to beat. There’s a small pond and a beach close by, and you can jump right onto hiking trails from the campground.
The Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District runs this part of the forest. McCamy Lake is nearby too, so if you’re into fishing or boating, you’ve got options.
They keep the facilities clean and the campsites in good shape. You get to enjoy Tennessee’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort—or being stuck miles from civilization.
Things To Do
Chilhowee Campground throws a bunch of outdoor activities your way. If camping’s your thing, you’ll get sites with electrical hookups and water, all wrapped up in quiet forest.
Hiking is the big draw. Trails like Benton Falls Trail and Clear Creek Trail wind through forest and past waterfalls. Benton Falls itself is a favorite for a quick hike and some photos.
You can fish at McKamy Lake or Rock Creek, whether you’re into fly fishing or just want to kick back by the water. Wildlife’s around, too—keep an eye out for birds, deer, and whatever else wanders by.
There’s horseback riding and mountain biking on the local trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, kayaking and rafting are possible on nearby rivers and streams.
For a mellow walk, hunt for spots with azaleas or arbutus—those pop some color into the scenery. You’re close to a bunch of local attractions, so day trips are easy to plan.
Directions
To get to Chilhowee Campground, take Highway 64 East out of Benton. After about 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77.
Stay on Forest Road 77 for roughly 7.5 miles. The drive’s scenic, so watch for the campground sign on your right and turn in there.
Don’t trust GPS if it tries to send you down Benton Springs Road—it can get you lost or stuck. Stick with Highway 64 East and Forest Road 77 for the smoothest ride.
If you’re coming from the Ocoee Scenic Byway or Highway 30, just connect to Highway 64 East and follow the same directions: turn onto Forest Road 77, keep going, and look for the entrance.
The last stretch on Forest Road 77 climbs and winds a bit, so make sure your vehicle can handle some mountain driving. Go slow, follow the signs, and you’ll be fine.
Vehicle Access
You’ll need to drive about 7 miles up a narrow, twisty road from the Highway 64/411 intersection. Once you hit Forest Road 77, stay on it for another 7.5 miles until you reach the entrance.
If you’re eyeing the mountaintop sites, of Chilhowee Campground, bring a 4×4 or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Two-wheel drives can get stuck or damaged up there, and you’ll get hit with a $100 fee if you break the rules.
For the other sites, two-wheel drives work, but stick to the main roads and skip the rougher trails. The campground sits up on Chilhowee Mountain, so expect some steep, winding roads.
Coming from Clemmer, Tennessee? Double-check the road conditions. Some of those backroads aren’t always in the best shape.
Key points to remember:
| Vehicle Type | Access Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 / AWD | Full access to all sites | Required for mountaintop sites |
| 2WD | Access to main sites | Must avoid rough trails |
| Clemmer Access | Variable depending on road | Confirm condition before travel |
Drive smart and pick the right vehicle for the terrain—makes the whole trip smoother.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Chilhowee Campground has 78 sites that work for RVs and camping trailers. Most of these offer electric hookups, so you can run your RV’s power without a hitch.
Trailers, travel trailers—they’re all welcome at Chilhowee Campground. Sites vary, so check the length and setup before you book.
There are tent-only sites too, but they’re in separate areas. If you’re bringing a trailer, double-check the specs before you reserve.
The place opens up from mid-April through early November. Plan your RV trip in that window.
You’ll find a mix of shady and open sites. Some loops are better for bigger rigs, so think about your setup when you pick a spot.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of RV sites | 78 |
| Electric hookups | Available at many sites |
| Tent-only sites | 11 |
| Reservation required | Recommended |
| Season open | Mid-April to early November |
Weekends and holidays Chilhowee Campground fills up fast. If you want your pick of spots, it’s smart to book ahead.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Chilhowee Campground, you’ll find both non-electric and electric campsites, and yep, there’s a fee. You’ll need to pay when you book or once you show up.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Site Type | Fee per Night |
|---|---|
| Non-electric tent sites | $12 |
| Electric tent sites | $15 |
| Electric RV sites | $20 |
A handful of walk-in sites at Chilhowee Campground with electric hookups run $15 per night.
To stay overnight, you’ve got to pay—no way around it. These fees help keep the campground in decent shape.
Just visiting for the day? There’s a $3 charge per vehicle if you’re not camping.
Before you pack up, double-check availability on Recreation.gov. You can grab a reservation there, too, and honestly, it’s probably worth it.
You’ll need proof of your paid reservation (that’s your permit) when you roll in to Chilhowee Campground. Don’t forget it!
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Drinking Water Dump Station Fire Ring Restrooms Showers |
RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing Hiking Swimming Wildlife Viewing |
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