Dennis Cove Campground
Open for the 2026 season from April 27 through October 13. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Gate hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Potable water is not available; campers must bring their own water supply. 14-day consecutive stay limit.
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…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Closure Continues
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
About
Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded mountain retreat in Carter County, Tennessee, nestled along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek within the Cherokee National Forest. At 2,650 feet elevation, the creekside location and dense forest canopy make it especially appealing during hot summer months. The campground offers 15 sites total, including 13 single sites (one tent-only) and two double sites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder. Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground, while upstream waters are managed as wild trout streams supporting brown, rainbow, and brook trout. The Laurel Fork Trail follows the creek for 8 miles with 26 stream crossings. The Appalachian Trail can be accessed about a mile west on Dennis Cove Road, and the Coon Den Falls Trail begins adjacent to the campground. This is bear country. All food, trash, and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers, locked hard-sided vehicles, or suspended at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from tree limbs. Non-compliance results in citations. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the campground.
Directions
From US 321/TN 67 in Hampton, turn onto Dennis Cove Road (Forest Road 50) and travel 5.0 miles. The road is steep and winding with switchbacks; plan to drive slowly.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| wataugarec@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!