Dennis Cove Campground

Star4.45
176 reviews
4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Quick Facts

2,650 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open April 28th, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dennis Cove Campground site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dennis Cove Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fees range from $10 to $20 depending on the type of site selected (Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric). Additional reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
423-735-1500wataugarec@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 176 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationhiking

"Dennis Cove Campground receives mixed reviews, with many users praising its natural beauty, proximity to trails, and the helpfulness of its campground hosts, especially Dale. However, some complaints highlight maintenance issues, the challenging access road, and occasional noise disturbances."

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Campground Map

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Dennis Cove Campground

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Driving directionsTake 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.
Dennis Cove Road is steep and contains hairpin turns, making driving challenging. It is not recommended for large RVs or trailers due to narrow widths and drop-offs.
Nearby places
Hampton, TN (approximately 5 miles away, 10–15-minute drive). Elizabethton, TN (approximately 6 miles away, 15-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Black Bear Resort offers firewood, refreshments, and light snacks, but does not carry groceries. The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Hampton, TN, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dennis Cove Campground

From April through October, Dennis Cove transforms into a mountain sanctuary where nature controls the thermostat. July brings Southern humidity that clings to the forest floor by day, but as evening approaches, the mountain works its magic—temperatures plummet 10-15 degrees below the sweltering valleys below. Visitors often find themselves reaching for an extra layer as the sun dips behind the ridgeline, a refreshing surprise after warm afternoon adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool, shaded evenings praised in summer though daytime humidity and peak-season maintenance issues noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall foliage highlighted by reviewers; scenic vistas and crisp mountain air make fall a top season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens late April; spring brings cool, verdant conditions and access to trails.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside Apr 28–Oct 13; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 28th, 2025 - October 13th, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 28th, 2025, through October 13th, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Construction activities near the campground (e.g., bridge replacement) may cause noise disturbances.

About Dennis Cove Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Dennis Cove Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where Laurel Fork Creek whispers through a canopy of ancient trees. At 2,650 feet elevation, this rustic hideaway provides a natural air-conditioned escape from summer's heat, where campers wake to misty mornings and fall asleep to the symphony of rushing water and rustling leaves.
Dennis Cove Campground is a small, rustic campground catering primarily to tent camping and small RVs. It emphasizes a simple, back-to-nature experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is between 2 PM and 10 PM EST.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11 AM EST.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Dennis Cove Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to nearby trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Coon Den Falls Trail. Laurel Fork Creek provides opportunities for trout fishing and is a notable feature of the area.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Laurel Fork Trail (#39), which spans eight miles and includes 26 stream crossings. The Appalachian Trail is accessible one mile from the campground. Additionally, the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail offers a shorter and scenic hike.
FishingLaurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout downstream of the campground. The creek and its tributaries upstream are managed as wild trout streams, supporting species such as brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Anglers need proper licenses, and fishing regulations apply.
SwimmingCampers often enjoy wading and splashing in Laurel Fork Creek. There are no designated swimming areas, and creek access is informal.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's remote location in the Southern Appalachians provides ample opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and possibly black bears.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep, narrow roads leading to the campground pose challenges for RVs and trailers. Wildlife, including bears, requires adherence to strict food storage rules.
Active AlertsConstruction activities near the campground (e.g., bridge replacement) may cause noise disturbances.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dennis Cove Campground

Reviews

4.5
176 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Dennis Cove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Dennis Cove Campground receives mixed reviews, with many users praising its natural beauty, proximity to trails, and the helpfulness of its campground hosts, especially Dale. However, some complaints highlight maintenance issues, the challenging access road, and occasional noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 176 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the tranquility of the location, access to hiking trails, clean bathrooms, and the attentiveness of the host. Many reviews specifically commend Dale for his exceptional...
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Based on 176 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include the steep and narrow access road, lack of showers, maintenance lapses in the bathrooms, and occasional noise from generators or other campers.
Based on 176 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving prepared with all essentials due to the remote location, choosing creekside sites for the best experience, and being cautious on the winding access road. Bear safety is...
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Based on 176 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often note the campground's cool evenings and shaded sites, while fall reviews highlight the beauty of the foliage. Maintenance issues are more frequently reported during peak seasons.
Based on 176 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Dale - campsite host - went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, chat with the guests, help with firewood, etc." — Berend van Roijen. "The campsites are roomy and private from each other." —...
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Based on 176 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 6, 7, and 15 are highlighted for privacy and proximity to the creek. Site 4 has been noted for road proximity and noise.
Based on 176 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, and the flat terrain supports mobility. The lack of showers and limited restroom facilities may pose challenges for some.
Based on 176 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Clean-up and proper disposal of pet waste are required. No specific pet-friendly features are mentioned.
Based on 176 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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