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Hard to BookNational Forest

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

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As of October 2026, The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee with 2 campsites. The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground is located at 36.2489° N, 82.2683° W.

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

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

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 13 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground

Group 2

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Creek.

Things to do: wildlife.

All sites at The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the THE LAURELS PICNIC AREA PAVILIONS loop.

Site	Type
The Laurels Picnic Area - Pavilion #1	Group
The Laurels Picnic Area - Pavilion #2	Group

About The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground

Overview

The Laurels has been a popular area since the early days in East Tennessee. It was a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City, TN. 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 1930's. Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.

Recreation

The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods.

Facilities

The Laurels includes two picnic pavilions, numerous tables, grills, a bear-proof dumpster, and connected by foot paths. There is a vault toilet on site. There is no potable water.

Natural Features

Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.

Rules and notices at The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions is open for the 2026 season.

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 day-use area. Anyone not in compliance will receive a ticket.

Pavilion #1 is adjacent to the parking area. Pavilion #2 is accessed by an uneven path and bridge that crosses the creek.

There is little cell phone coverage in the area.

Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m.

If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit.

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 day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground?

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions 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 The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions 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 The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground have?

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions Campground has 2 campsites.