Chilhowee Recreation Area — Hotel in Etowah

In summary, I was disappointed with the support I could obtain when I had excessively loud neighbors in the campground.

I stayed in site A-5 and the problem was coming from A-1. A-1 is about 100 yards away from A-5, not even within eyesight. The first afternoon I asked the camp host for help with the noise, and he knew which site I was referring to before I specified A-1. He had noted their loud noise levels already, but wouldn't say anything to them until I complained. They were quieter after his intervention.

The next day the noise was high again, but I couldn't reach the camp host. I asked the folks at A-1 to turn it down, and they chose to argue about how loud was reasonable, and whether their $20 fee entitled them to play their music as loud as they wanted. They would not lower the volume just because I asked, and basically challenged me to call the police.

I reached the camp host for loops C&D. She said she'd try to reach the host for A&B loops; that's their domain. She would not drive over to loop A to deal with the problem, though.

I drove down the mountain and contacted one ranger in her vehicle at an overlook, and I complained at the ranger station at the bottom of Chilhowee. They appeared willing to intervene or follow up, but by then I was abandoning my trip. I don't feel secure trying to stay in a campground with belligerent neighbors.

Campsites on primitive (non-electric) loops E & F may be quieter, but even some of those sites have electricity and therefore may support loud radios. Bath houses were clean. Downed wood is extremely scarce, and some people have been cutting down live wood near the camp sites. Loop A looks fatigued...

First introduction to the Parksville/ Chilhowee campground areas. Stopped at the Ococee Ranger Station off Rt. 64, where the staff were very accommodating with an extensive assortment of “take-away”maps and reference material regarding the region.

Took Rt. 77/Oswald Road from Rt. 64 to Chilhowee. We stopped at several “overlooks” along the way. These beautiful natural vistas were only marred by the graffiti on signage, rocks and other surfaces. At Chilhowee we were going to just experience the park by hiking to Benton Falls and swim at the small lake, but had the good fortune of meeting the Campground hosts— “The Martins”— at the parking area. They first explained that our yesterday’s Parkville camping permit was good for the Chilhowee day-use permit for this day. The Martins were very friendly and being their 14th year as Chilhowee campground hosts, they were a wealth of information. They gladly provided information about the park resources and when we indicated we were actually considering a more private, primitive dispersed camping location, they recommended several alternate sites within the campground that were excellent recommendations. So for a daily cost of $6 (50% senior discount) we had use of all of the park amenities. This is a very expansive campground (63 sites , with numerous rest rooms, water hydrants/electric , trash receptacles throughout)…we were very impressed that the campground hosts (the Martins) were able to maintain this campground so well and be so cheerful. They do...

We traveled to chillhowee for a weekend camping trip. The site we reserved had electricity hook ups but no water. There is a spicket nearby for water collection. We just brought our own. Our site had a nice raised picnic and fire pit area. We really liked this feature. The lot was wooded and felt very peaceful and quiet, and was well shaded. The restrooms and shower house was close to us. They were large, clean, and well stocked. There are trails that lead from the campsites to several scenic places. One trail leads a very short walk to the beach.our children really enjoyed the beach, which has shallow waters so kids can play safely, and benches set in the shade so parents can watch comfortably. One trail leads to Benton falls, which is about w miles of a fairly easy walk, bit there is a steady decline going and a steady incline on the return. We were tired after this walk! But the falls are worth it. Gorgeous! Beware....the actual falls descent is steep and rocky. The falls itself is like a rushing rapid, not a place for letting littles swim. The Hiwassee river and Ocoee river run through this area. There are many different float and white water rafting outfitters you can reserve with. We went on a gentle 4 hour float down the hiwasee with our 4 kids. We had a great time and plan on ...