The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
Open for the 2026 season from March 16 through October 13. This is a day-use picnic area only; no overnight camping is allowed. Pavilions are reservable through Recreation.gov. No fee for general picnicking.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Peavine Sheeds Road Closure for repairs
Forest Service begins phased construction to Peavine Sheeds Road, FS 221, south of Parksville Lake in the Ocoee Ranger District. Phase 1 will disrupt access beginning July 16 from 35.0072,-84.6889 to 34.9889, -84.6339 as depicted in the graphic. Major repairs will address storm damage. Marked…
Emergency road closures due to storm damage
The Cherokee National Forest has enacted emergency closures to Hurricane Gap Road (NFSR 31) Closed on Rollins Chapel Road side from Mile Post 1.116 to Mile Post 1.665Dick Creek Road (NFSR 307)In addition HWY 395 is now closed blocking Unaka Mnt. access from Indian Gap.
About
The Laurels Picnic Area has been a popular gathering spot since the early days of East Tennessee, originally serving as a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the current facilities in the early 1930s, and the site is named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally known as "laurel." This day-use facility features two pavilions available for group reservations, each equipped with picnic tables and charcoal grills. Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is popular with visitors on warm summer days. Foot paths meander through the surrounding woods. Groups of 75 or more must contact the ranger station for a special use permit. This is a day-use area only with no overnight camping. Visitors should be aware this is bear country: all food must be stored in bear-resistant containers or vehicles, never left on tables. Alcohol is prohibited. Pets must remain on 6-foot leashes.
Directions
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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