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Dennis Cove Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Unicoi · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cherokee National Forest |
| Location | Unicoi · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest · 36.25722, -82.11083 · Map |
| Sites | 14 public sites counted from the federal listing — 13 standard nonelectric; 1 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 14 sites Water hookups at 0 of 14 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 14 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 14 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 14 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 6 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 423-735-1500 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-10-14.
From the official listing
Overview Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for family camping.
Recreation Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37).
Facilities There are 15 single campsites, including two double sites within Dennis Cove Campground. The campground has flush toilets. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.
Natural Features Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians. Nearby Attractions The trailhead for Coon Den Falls Trail (#37) is next to Dennis Cove Campground, and the trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) is approximately one mile west of the campground on Dennis Cove Rd. Watauga Lake is approximately 25 minutes away.
Directions, from the listing
Take US 321/TN 67 East out of Hampton, TN. Turn right onto Dennis Cove Road and drive approximately 5 miles. Dennis Cove Road is steep with hairpin turns, so plan to drive slowly.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · Johnson City TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceRock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
16 mi straight-line · Greeneville TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Oak Campground
18 mi straight-line · Bristol TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceJacobs Creek Campground (TN)
22 mi straight-line · Bristol TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceBackbone Rock Campground
28 mi straight-line · Shady Valley Tennessee
Trip Card — Dennis Cove Campground
Unicoi · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Unicoi · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 14 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251724 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.