Dennis Cove Campground
Dennis Cove Campground is a rustic, secluded campground in Carter County, Tennessee, within Cherokee National Forest at 2,650 feet elevation along Laurel Fork Creek. It offers 15 nonelectric campsites (13 standard and 1 tent-only, with 2 double sites available) suited for tent and RV camping, each equipped with a table, fire ring, and lantern holder. The campground provides creek-side access with excellent fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and serves as a gateway to the Southern Appalachians with nearby trails including the 8-mile Laurel Fork Trail and adjacent Coon Den Falls Trail. Located 1 mile from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, it is a destination for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and wildlife observers seeking remote mountain camping. (via official site)
- Shade
- Trash Collection
- Water Spigot
- Accessible Campsites
- Creek Access
- Day Use Area
- Drinking Water
- Flush Toilets
- Grills
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Area
- Host
Key facts
At-a-glance details for Dennis Cove Campground, from its official website.
Booking & season
Pitches & accommodation
Facilities & services
Location & access
Rules & policies
Opening hours & schedules
Reception, gate and facility hours for Dennis Cove Campground.
Facilities & details
Amenities and on-site features reported for Dennis Cove Campground.
Know before you go
Practical things to prepare for a trip to Dennis Cove Campground.
- Bring cash for fees in case card payment isn't available on site.
Location
Where Dennis Cove Campground sits on the map and how to get there.
Nearby cities & towns
Towns and cities closest to Dennis Cove Campground — browse campsites near each.
What’s nearby
Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.
🏞️ Attractions
mountain in Tennessee, United States of America
park in Carter County, Tennessee, United States of America
mountain in Tennessee, United States of America
Hampton High School is a high school in Hampton, Tennessee.
park in the United States of America
mountain in Carter County, Tennessee, United States of America
Watauga Dam is a hydroelectric and flood control dam on the Watauga River in Carter County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which built the dam in the 1940s as part of efforts to control flooding in the Tennessee River watershed. At 318 feet (97 m), Watauga is the second-highest dam in the TVA river and reservoir system (behind only Fon
🛒 Amenities & services
🛒 Groceries
Roadrunner Markets- RediMart Supermarket
- QuickStop
⛽ Fuel
- Shell
Marathon- Sunoco
🍽️ Food & drink
- Street's Whiteway Grill
- Watauga Goat
- Amber's Country Cookin
➕ Medical
- Hampton Pharmacy
- Roan Mountain Pharmacy
- Roan Mountain Medical Center
🚻 Toilets & showers
- Public toilets
🎾 Sports
- Pond Mountian Shooting Range
- Baseball
- Swimming pool
🏧 ATM & bank
- Bank
- Carter County Bank
- Northeast Community Credit Union
Weather
Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.
Best time to visit
Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Dennis Cove Campground.
Good to know
Quick answers to common questions about Dennis Cove Campground.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST on your arrival day. Check-out is no later than 11 a.m. EST on your departure day. If you fail to check in by 2 p.m. EST the following day, your site will be forfeited.
Are pets allowed at Dennis Cove?
Yes, pets are allowed. All pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste must be disposed of properly.
What are the food storage requirements?
The campground is in bear country. All food, trash, and scented items must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from tree limbs.
What activities and trails are available?
Activities include camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, wildlife viewing, swimming, mountain biking, and hunting. Nearby trails include Laurel Fork Trail (#39, 8.0 miles with 26 stream crossings), Coon Den Falls Trail (#37, trailhead adjacent to campground), and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (1 mile west via Dennis Cove Road).
What are the fire regulations?
Use designated fire rings for all fires only. No additional fire rings are permitted. Do not burn plastic or non-wood materials. Charcoal is permitted in grills. Local firewood is recommended.
How much does it cost to camp at Dennis Cove Campground?
Dennis Cove Campground charges a camping fee.
Is there WiFi at Dennis Cove Campground?
No, there's no internet access on site.
How many sites does Dennis Cove Campground have?
Dennis Cove Campground has around 14 pitches.
Who runs Dennis Cove Campground?
Dennis Cove Campground is operated by US Forest Service.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dennis Cove Campground?
At Dennis Cove Campground, check-in is from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST and check-out is by 11:00 a.m. EST.
When is Dennis Cove Campground open?
Dennis Cove Campground is open Opens April 27, 2026.
What languages are spoken at Dennis Cove Campground?
Staff at Dennis Cove Campground speak English.
Reviews
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