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.
Flood Watch issued July 22 at 2:18AM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of east Tennessee, including the following areas, Anderson, Blount Smoky Mountains, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, North Sevier, Northwest Blount, Northwest Carter, Northwest Cocke, Northwest Greene, Roane, Scott TN, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington TN and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Lee, Russell, Scott VA, Washington VA and Wise. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected through Wednesday. Locations that receive multiple rounds or extended periods of locally heavy rainfall could experience flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
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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