Dennis Cove Campground
Campground · Tennessee · 14 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
North Cherokee National Forest & Wildlife Management Area (National Forest/Wildlife Management Area) · Restricted Access
- 14
- Bookable sites
- up to 10
- People per site
- 6
- Accessible sites
- 2,585 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for family camping.
Recreation
Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37).
Facilities
There are 15 single campsites, including two double sites within Dennis Cove Campground. The campground has flush toilets. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.
Natural Features
Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.Nearby Attractions
The trailhead for Coon Den Falls Trail (#37) is next to Dennis Cove Campground, and the trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) is approximately one mile west of the campground on Dennis Cove Rd. Watauga Lake is approximately 25 minutes away.
The facts
- Season: 4/29/2024 – 10/15/2024 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 14 bookable sites
- 6 accessible sites
- Up to 10 people per site
- Loops: DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND
Site types
- 13 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Tent Only Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, shade.
14 campsites at Dennis Cove Campground
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Access | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 10 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 02 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 03 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 04 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 05 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | Riverfront | — | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 06 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | Riverfront | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 07 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | Riverfront | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 08 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | Riverfront | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 09 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 10 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 11 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 12 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 14 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | — | — | 5 | 🐾 |
| 15 | DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND | Tent Only Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Hike In | — | — | 5 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Take US 321/TN 67 East out of Hampton, TN. Turn right onto Dennis Cove Road and drive approximately 5 miles. Dennis Cove Road is steep with hairpin turns, so plan to drive slowly.
36.25722, -82.11083 · 36°15'26.0"N 82°6'39.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 80°F in Jul, down to 44°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44 | 48 | 55 | 65 | 71 | 77 | 80 | 78 | 74 | 67 | 56 | 48 |
| Low °F | 22 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 47 | 55 | 59 | 58 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 26 |
| Precip in | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Dennis Cove Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Dennis Cove Campground?
- Yes, Dennis Cove Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Dennis Cove Campground have?
- 14 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Dennis Cove Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Dennis Cove Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Dennis Cove Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Dennis Cove Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Dennis Cove Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Dennis Cove Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Campsites are $10 for single sites and $20 for double site (site #1).
Restrictions:
- Single campsites are for single families or up to 5 people and 2 vehicles. Double sites are for up to 10 people and 4 vehicles.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the campground.
- No burning of plastic or other non-wood products except local wood in campfires.
- Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container , your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
- It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground.
Camping near Dennis Cove Campground
- Cardens Bluff Campground 3.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Watauga Point Recreation Area 4.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions 8.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN) 15.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Watauga Lake 6 mi · Facility
- Roan Highlands 6.2 mi · Facility
- Watauga Lake Area 8.6 mi · Facility
- Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Visitor Center 9.9 mi · Visitor Center
- Carver's Gap 10.4 mi · Facility
- Unaka Mountains 13.4 mi · Facility
- Pinnacle Tower Hike 14 mi · Facility
- TN 91 Scenic Drive 16.1 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 423-735-1500
- Email wataugarec@gmail.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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