Forest Supervisor's Office (8a-4:30p M-F)
2800 Ocoee Street N
Cleveland TN 37312
(423) 476-9700
(423) 476-9721 (Fax) PLEASE NOTE: This is an information and administrative office located in Cleveland, TN and is not actually in the forest.
Dennis Cove Recreation Area is a secluded campground and picnic area alongside Laurel Fork Creek in Carter County. It includes a remote developed campground, popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creekside location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
This location has closed for the 2020 season. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are changing our operations to follow guidelines from our agency and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates. Please note: Bridge construction is ongoing adjacent to the campground. Be aware of heavy equipment operations and construction activities that can extend throughout the evenings.
Operational Hours:
Gates are open at 7am and closed at 10pm. Guests are asked to leave the area before the gates are closed for the evening.
Reservations:
Area Amenities:
Tent camping,Camping trailer,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees
Campsites are $10 for single site (12 sites) and $20 for double site (2 sites).
Permit Info:
A special use permit is required for groups of 75 people or more on National Forest lands. Please call the Watauga Ranger District for more information.
Open Season:
6/1/2020 - 10/12/2020
Restrictions:
Single campsites are for single families or up to 5 people and 2 vehicles. Double sites are for up to 10 people and 4 vehicles.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the campground.
No burning of plastic or other non-wood products except charcoal in campfires.
Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
Closest Towns:
Elizabethton, TN and Hampton, TN
Water:
Drinking Water
Restroom:
Flush Toilets
Operated By:
US Forest Service
General Information
Directions: From US 321/TN 67 in Hampton, turn right at Citizens Bank onto Dennis Cove Road (Forest Road #50). Travel 5.0 miles to Dennis Cove Recreation Area.
Dennis Cove offers group camping opportunities. It accommodates groups of up to 70 at 14 campsites. Maximum 5 people and 2 vehicles per campsite. All campground rules apply. The campground is on the reservation system.
The Dennis Cove campground is on the reservation system at www.recreation.gov .
Fishing
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River and Stream Fishing
Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout below the campground. Above the campground, it is managed as a wild trout stream for three trout species, Brown, Rainbow, and Brook in the tributaries. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings.
Special Designations
See TWRA licences and for rules and regulations on fishing.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
Two waterfall hikes are nearby, Coon Den Falls and Laurel Falls. Appalachian Trail passes nearby.
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