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Dennis Cove Campground has closed for the 2021 season, and plans to re-open on 4/25/22. 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.
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).
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.
Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.
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.
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.
Great camp ground and the host there was a very helpful person. The grounds are very clean and the camp sights are set up nice for your camping experience. But over all the host was very helpful with many things and he does a great job thanks Dale.
Clean and convenient campsite in the Cherokee forest. While we only stayed for one night it was a great experience. Dale - campsite host - went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, chat with the guests, help with firewood, etc. The restrooms were exceptionally clean and the common grass areas were mowed and gravel tracks free of debris or trash. The parking spaces are almost universally generous and close to level or just slightly sloped. Picnic tables and fire pits etc as expected. Some sites are a bit closer to the road that you might expect but there was very little traffic so not much of an issue for noise. Would definitely return on another trip. Thanks Dale!
Beautiful place to camp in a rural setting. Very quiet and trails with interviews abound. Camp is clean and well maintained, but it is rustic and simple.
Perfect for a weekend getaway or a place to visit while passing through. Be aware that road up to the camp ground has many switchbacks and it is not suitable for large RV or long camper trailers. It is remote, so no stores or restaurants up there. The Black Bear Cabins have a little snack shop with water, some beverages, and light snacks when they are open. While the little store is nice, they don't carry grocery items, so make sure you bring in your food and take the advised bear precautions for both the bears sake and yours in your campsite. This campground and recreation area is a must see for nature lovers who are ok with roughing it a little. Very well worth it.
Nice campground, quiet. No cell service. Dale the campground host was nice. The bathroom does not have showers which we knew that going in so bathed at Planet Fitness in Elizabethton which is only 6 miles away. Our campsite (#4) is literally 60 feet from the road but at night was little to no traffic. Hiking to the Appalachian trail is super close.
According to the internet they were quite a few sites available. However when I got there it was only a small handful of sites to camp. It looks like the place is under construction like they're in the process of making the camp grounds. It was huge piles of gravel, and large trees just stacked up in areas like they are in the process of making roads and doing stuff. All of the campsite said reserved even though it said that there were some available. And to top it all off the host was not there for me to ask any questions. I would wait a while before trying this place if I were you.
