Chilhowee Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 90 ft
- Sites
- 61
- Electric hookups
- Yes
- Pull-through sites
- Yes
- Paved access
- No
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Slight
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- 1
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
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. Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide
Before you go
Season
4/15/2024 – 11/12/2024
Fees
Non-electric 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.
Restrictions
Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported. • Maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles at each site.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.