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.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 12:00AM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
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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