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Dennis Cove Campground in Tennessee
Hard to BookNational Forest

Dennis Cove Campground

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

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As of September 2026, Dennis Cove Campground is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee with 14 campsites. Dennis Cove Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Dennis Cove Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Dennis Cove Campground is located at 36.2572ยฐ N, 82.1108ยฐ W.
people allowed on 13 of 14 sites
5
people allowed on the largest site
10

Dennis Cove Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (11 sites)Oct 5 (8 sites)Oct 6 (10 sites)

11 sites open on Oct 4 at Dennis Cove Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 21:02 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
  • Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Dennis Cove Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Dennis Cove Campground

  • Standard 13
  • Tent 1
  • Accessible 6

Amenities

  • restrooms

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, photography.

All sites at Dennis Cove Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND loop.

SiteTypeSleepsAccess
01Standard10Accessible
02Standard5Accessible
03Standard5Accessible
04Standard5-
05Standard5Accessible
06Standard5-
07Standard5-
08Standard5-
09Standard5Accessible
10Standard5-
11Standard5Accessible
12Standard5-
14Standard5-
15Tent5-

About Dennis Cove Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Dennis Cove Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Dennis Cove Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Dennis Cove Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. This campground does not have any Long-Term Camping programs.

The gate is closed at 10:00 p.m. and reopens at 7:00 a.m. The gate is only opened at night for emergencies.

An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site.

Alcohol prohibited.

All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.

You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the campground. Any campsites not in compliance will receive a ticket.

Check-out time is no later than 11 am EST on your departure day. You may check-in to the campground between 2 pm EST and 10 pm EST of your arrival date. If you have not checked-in before 2 pm EST the day after your arrival date, your site will be checked-out and will forfeit all fees.

Established quiet hours are between 10 pm EST to 7 am EST.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Use designated fire rings for all fires. Do not build additional fire rings. No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.

All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.

It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are posted at the campground.

Dennis Cove Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Dennis Cove Campground?

Dennis Cove Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Dennis Cove Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Dennis Cove Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Dennis Cove Campground have?

Dennis Cove Campground has 14 campsites.

More campgrounds in Cherokee National Forest

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All 22 Cherokee National Forest campgrounds

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