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.
High Wind Warning issued October 10 at 2:32AM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected, especially in the higher elevations. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This set up is likely to produce high winds along the eastern TN mountains and foothills. Lower terrain will likely see lesser impacts.
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…
Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) access interruption
An access interruption is now scheduled to begin on Spring Creek Rd (NFSR 27) with Phase 1 construction work beginning September 22, 2026. This will be a two-phase closure. During Phase 1, the Spring Creek Shooting Range will be accessible from Route 315 Tellico-Reliance Rd. During Phase 2, start…
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
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