The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from mid-March through October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
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.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
The Laurels has been a popular gathering place since the early days in East Tennessee, serving as a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City. The site is named for the native rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called laurel. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current facilities in the early 1930s. Today, it is a popular day-use area providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings. The facility includes two picnic pavilions, numerous tables, grills, and foot paths connecting the areas. Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days. Pavilion #1 is adjacent to the parking area, while Pavilion #2 is accessed by an uneven path and bridge that crosses the creek. The area offers a peaceful setting with limited cell phone coverage, surrounded by the natural beauty of Cherokee National Forest.
Directions
Located on TN Highway 361 near Sciota Road in Carter County. 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.
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 | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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