## Overview

Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake
in Carter County. Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide
a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic
facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby
forest.  

## Recreation

Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded
trail on site as well.

## Facilities

Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with electricity, a shady area,
accessible flush toilets, and several other picnic tables and pedestal grills
spread throughout. There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the
pavilion. The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills. The pavilion
and shady area are both reservable. Please make sure you are reserving the
right thing (either the pavilion or the shady area) when making your
reservation.

## Natural Features

At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in
Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management,
power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the
reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore.

## Contact Info

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

## Nearby Attractions

Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga
Point Recreation Area. Forest Service facilities within three miles include
Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting
Range.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County.  Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing.  In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest.  <br> </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with electricity, a shady area, accessible flush toilets, and several other picnic tables and pedestal grills spread throughout.  There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the pavilion.  The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills.  The pavilion and shady area are both reservable.  Please make sure you are reserving the right thing (either the pavilion or the shady area) when making your reservation.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore. </p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga Point Recreation Area.  Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.

Watauga Point Day Use Area

Watauga Point Pavilion

Watauga Point Picnic Tables

Watauga Point Recreation Area

## Overview

At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a
peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There
are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers
and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are
located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and
fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and
assist with your visit.

## Recreation

Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide
easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing
are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides
notably clean water for recreating.

## Facilities

There are 43 campsites within Cardens Bluff Campground. Each section of the
campground has flush toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house
with eight showers for use by registered campers only.

## Natural Features

Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee
Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly
across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area,
a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic
Trail within its boundaries.

## Nearby Attractions

The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground
for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the
shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas
are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry
hiking.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff.  Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There are 43 campsites within Cardens Bluff Campground. Each section of the campground has flush toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with eight showers for use by registered campers only.   </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking.</p>

Rock walls at Cardens Bluff Campground

Parking at Cardens Bluff Campground

Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

Entrance Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

Bathhouse at Cardens Bluff Campground

Cardens Bluff Campground

Bathroom at Cardens Bluff Campground

Watauga Lake

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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). </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.  </p>

Entrance Sign at Dennis Cove Campground

Laurel Fork at Dennis Cove Campground

Dennis Cove 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills.  An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.

Entrance Sign at The Laurels

Bridge over Honeycomb Creek

The Laurels Pavilion

Honeycomb Creek

The Laurels

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

## Overview

Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston
Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain
ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for
your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012
including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available
on site to answer your questions.

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat
launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake
shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and
horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads
between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for
swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout
the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the
naturalist in your group.

## Facilities

There are 69 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four
loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In
addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the
campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional
single vault toilet. The boat launch is for use by registered campers and
their guests only.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest.
Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of
wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

## Nearby Attractions

Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby
Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30
minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone
Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25
minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground.  Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There are 69 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional single vault toilet.  The boat launch is for use by registered campers and their guests only.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway.  Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia.  Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.</p>

Little Oak Recreation Area Bathhouse

Little Oak Recreation Area

Little Oak Recreation Area Beach

Little Oak Recreation Area Boat Landing

Little Oak Campground

## Overview

PLEASE NOTE: AS THE HURRICANE BANNER DESCRIBES, JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND
DAY-USE AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. READ THE NEED TO KNOW SECTION
(LOCATED UNDER FACILITY INFORMATION TAB) FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE READ IT
BEFORE MAKING ANY RESERVATIONS. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the
shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an
elevation of 1,730 ft. With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the
water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend
your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable,
including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on
site to answer your questions. There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the
Campground with a designated beach area.

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek. There is a boat
launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421. A few campsites have easy
access to the lake shore. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the
roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the
campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to
enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other
natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Jacobs Creek Shooting Range
is about 1 mile outside the campground.

## Facilities

There are a total of 29 campsites, 27 of which are available, within three
loops. Some sites are right along the water, and some sites are away from the
water. The campground has flush toilets and showers. Each site is non-
electric, and contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder. Some sites can
accommodate a travel trailer, while some sites are tent only. There is a boat
launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest.
Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of
wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

## Nearby Attractions

Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby
Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30
minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone
Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for
another campground option along South Holston Lake.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>PLEASE NOTE: AS THE HURRICANE BANNER DESCRIBES, JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND DAY-USE AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. READ THE NEED TO KNOW SECTION (LOCATED UNDER FACILITY INFORMATION TAB) FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MAKING ANY RESERVATIONS. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an elevation of 1,730 ft. With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable, including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the Campground with a designated beach area.  </p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek.  There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.  A few campsites have easy access to the lake shore.  Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.  Jacobs Creek Shooting Range is about 1 mile outside the campground.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There are a total of 29 campsites, 27 of which are available, within three loops.  Some sites are right along the water, and some sites are away from the water.  The campground has flush toilets and showers.  Each site is non-electric, and contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.  Some sites can accommodate a travel trailer, while some sites are tent only.  There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.   </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for another campground option along South Holston Lake.  </p>

Watauga Point Recreation Area

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Cardens Bluff Campground

Dennis Cove Campground

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

Little Oak Campground

Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)