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Map showing campground location near Benton, Tennessee
Camper submitted image from Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee CampgroundView 7 Photos
Map showing campground location near Benton, Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Crushed stone sites and well-spaced camping spots define this Forest Service campground in Cherokee National Forest. The campground operates seasonally from April through November, with sites accommodating RVs and trailers alongside tent camping. Access requires navigating rough roads to reach the mountaintop location.

A-loop sites provide substantial shade and level ground, with adequate spacing between campsites for privacy despite limited screening vegetation. The nearby lake offers fishing and kayaking opportunities, while campers note the overall quiet atmosphere during weekday stays. Basic amenities include restrooms, drinking water, and a dump station, though soap availability in bathhouses can be inconsistent. For additional options, see campgrounds around Benton. The no-pets policy and reservation system make this suitable for campers seeking a managed forest experience with lake access.

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Location

Public Campground

Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area.

Address

3171 Highway 64 East
Benton, TN 37307

Coordinates

35.1536111 N
84.6088889 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 3/29/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 3/29/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

K
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2022

A beautiful and quiet place

We visited this campground in July 2022. We arrived on Monday evening and stayed 3 nights. I wish we could have stayed longer. We stayed in A loop, site 7. Our site was clean, shaded and level. We had plenty of space for our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper and Outback, a pop up screen house for the dogs, and could have easily fit a tent or canopy as well. The site had lots of shade, as did most of the ones we saw in A loop. The campsite was crushed stone chips, and I suspect it would drain well after a storm. Most of the sites were well spaced and level. There is not a lot of screening vegetation between the sites, but the distance afforded a sense of privacy. Conversations rarely extended past the campsite, and overall this is easily the quietest campsite (with electric, showers, and lake access) that we have encountered to date. We stayed during the week, so I can't say whether the noise level picks up on the weekends.

The lake is beautiful and quiet. The bathrooms could be a little cleaner, and there was no soap in either bathroom during our stay. Fortunately, we brought some with us.

We will definitely be back.

SiteA7
Month of VisitJuly
Dan N.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Group camping in Cherokee National Forest

Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails. We went in the spring for a work retreat. We had about 50 people, which filled the site nicely but wasn’t cramped. We had good access to the rest of the park facilities but as a group we had a lot of privacy: our own power hookups, picnic area, bath house, water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chilhowee Campground offer group camping options?

Yes, Chilhowee Campground accommodates group camping. The site has successfully hosted groups of approximately 50 people, providing enough space without feeling cramped. Groups have good access to park facilities while maintaining a sense of privacy. For specific group reservation procedures, capacity limits, and any special group camping areas, contact Cherokee National Forest management directly.

Are there photos available of Chilhowee Campground to preview the site?

Photos of Chilhowee Campground are available through various online resources. The official Cherokee National Forest website likely features images of the campground and recreation area. Additionally, the campground's page on recreation.gov may include site photos to help with trip planning. For the most current visual representation, check these official sources or search for Chilhowee Campground on camping-focused websites to see user-submitted images that showcase the campsites, lake, trails, and scenic views.

What facilities and amenities are available at Chilhowee Campground?

Chilhowee Campground offers clean, shaded, and level campsites organized in loops (including Loop A). Each site provides adequate space for vehicles and camping setups. The campground features basic amenities in a mountaintop setting with exceptional views. While specific facility details aren't comprehensive, the campground serves as an excellent base for accessing the recreation area's amenities. For current information on restrooms, water availability, and other facilities, contact the Cherokee National Forest management directly before your visit.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Chilhowee Recreation Area?

Chilhowee Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The area features hiking trails, a mountain lake with a beach for swimming, and waterfalls to explore. The mountaintop location provides exceptional scenic views, making it perfect for photography and nature appreciation. The diverse recreational offerings make Chilhowee suitable for both relaxation and active outdoor pursuits, appealing to families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

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