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The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
FSU.S. Forest Service — Johnson City · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cherokee National Forest |
| Location | Johnson City · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest · 36.24886, -82.26833 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group picnic area |
| 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 2 sites Water hookups at 0 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 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 10:00 AM · Out 8:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| 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 The Laurels has been a popular area since the early days in East Tennessee. It was a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City, TN. The site is named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called "laurel." The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current facilities in the early 1930's. Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.
Recreation The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods. Facilities The Laurels includes two picnic pavilions, numerous tables, grills, a bear-proof dumpster, and connected by foot paths. There is a vault toilet on site. There is no potable water.
Natural Features Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.
Directions, from the listing
The Laurels is located on TN Hwy 361 near Sciota Road in Carter County.
From Johnson City, take I-26 E to Okalona exit. Turn left, drive under I-26 to TN 359. Turn right onto TN 359. Travel 1.4 miles, then turn right onto TN 361 for 3.7 miles to The Laurels.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · Unicoi TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceRock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
9 mi straight-line · Greeneville TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Oak Campground
22 mi straight-line · Bristol TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorse Creek Recreation Area
24 mi straight-line · Greeneville TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceJacobs Creek Campground (TN)
26 mi straight-line · Bristol Tennessee
Trip Card — The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
Johnson City · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Johnson City · 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 | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/121890 · 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.