Overview Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Group Camp offers camping for up to 75 individuals. Nearby McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sandy beach and fishing from the bank. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to enjoy the beautiful mountains. Wildlife…
Overview Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Group Camp offers camping for up to 75 individuals. Nearby McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sandy beach and fishing from the bank. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to enjoy the beautiful mountains. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.Recreation Within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails including the Chilhowee Trails System. Chilhowee Group camp is an excellent location for wildlife viewing and accessing a nearby scenic waterfall. Fishing is available on the seven-acre McKamy Lake. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not.Facilities The group camp includes a large open area with picnic tables and a grill as well as an RV site with electric hook up. Camp sites are scattered through the trees surrounding the RV site. Within the group site itself, a waterless vault toilet is available year-round. During the warmer months, (typically April-October), a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers is available nearby. Both the beach and many trails are located within a short walking distance of the site. Drinking water is available near the entrance to the group site. Natural Features The campground is located near the top of Chilhowee Mountain at an elevation of 2,000 feet. It is in a mixed hardwood and pine forest and the lake is a short walk from the group camp. Nearby Attractions In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. Charges & Cancellations Goup areas must be cancelled more than 14 days from reservation date to get refund. The $8.00 service fee will still be charged for the reservation
Photos
Middle Field Camping Area — US Forest ServiceDining Area Tables — US Forest ServiceChilhowee Group Camp — US Forest ServiceChilhowee Group Camp — US Forest ServiceCamping and Dining Area — US Forest ServiceMcKamy Lake Swim Area — US Forest Service
How to Get There
From Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CHILHOWEE GROUP CAMP
Heading to CHILHOWEE GROUP CAMP? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CHILHOWEE GROUP CAMP?
No central reservation system listed for CHILHOWEE GROUP CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250024) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CHILHOWEE GROUP CAMP?
From Highway 64/411 intersection, travel east 7 miles, turn onto Forest Road 77, drive 7.5 miles to campground/recreation area.
