Chilhowee Recreation Area
Manie D.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

July Visit

Be sure to read the instructions on the park website about how to get here! Google will lead you astray! It was raining when we arrived, and I was so grateful for the nice new road, especially after seeing the road Google wanted us to take.

My husband and I visited the first week in July. There was rain in the forecast everyday, but it only really rained one day (it was a down pour that lasted ~30 mins). It was fairly humid the rest of the time, with a random sprinkle here and there. Camper pads are crushed rock, which I think helps them to dry quickly, but did produce a LOT of mess going in and out of the camper.

We stayed in E loop, but drove the whole park. Loops A&B are closest to the lake and looked great for groups, or folks with kids. Loops E&F were a bit more secluded, and better fit for couples, dogs that don't like a lot of passersby, or people that generally want to keep more to themselves. C&D were somewhere in between.

We were here during COVID, so felt a bit nervous about using the park restrooms, but didn't have an option as our site was electric only, and we needed showers everyday after hiking/biking. The showers were clean, hot and great water pressure. Also, there was a restroom for every 6-7 sites, so not too much traffic.

Some hiking trails were cleared well, and others were overgrown. Benton falls was great, but crowded. For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls. We didn't go to the swimming beach, because dogs are not allowed. We did hang out at the lake and fish (no bites), but the water was not appealing for swimming (lots of down trees/branches and very silty). 

There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal. We also picked up 3 TV stations over the air, which was great for weather/news.

If you need a civilization break, head to Copperhill, as soon as you get to town there is a brewery called Buck Bald Brewing. Excellent craft brew, outdoor seating, and you can bring a picnic or order food delivered from several nearby restaurants. Check out the Olympic White Water runs on your way back!

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Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Chilhowee Recreation Area by Manie D., August 11, 2020