The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

A Rural campground in Tennessee

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions sits among the stunning landscapes of Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.

Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr, Aug-Oct when the weather is most comfortable .

🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.

🏕️ At a Glance

⛺ Sites: 50
🚙 Max RV: 35 feet ft
🏛️ Agency: Usda Forest Service
🚻 Restrooms: Yes
💧 Water: Yes
🐕 Pets: Allowed
🚿 Showers: No
🦅 Birding: 100/100 (Mississippi Flyway)
⏱️ Stay Limit: 14 days
💲 Nightly Fee: $20-35
📅 Reservations: Required (Recreation.gov)
🌆 Best Seasons: Apr, Aug-Oct
📍 GPS: 36.2489, -82.2683
🆔 Facility ID: 121890

💳 Booking & Fees

📅 Reservations: Required - Book on Recreation.gov →
💵 Nightly Fee: $20-35
📋 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.

⏰ Stay Limit: 14 days
💡 Tip: Book early for peak season (Apr, Aug-Oct). Sites can fill up months in advance.

💧 Water Access & Features

🏞️
Nearest Water Body
Dry Creek
Stream
🔒 PLUS+ Content
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📸 Discover the Beauty of Cherokee National Forest

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.

🌞 Apr, Aug-Oct

🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep

🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings

Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.

🔒 PLUS+ Content
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🦅 Birds🦌 Mammals🦎 Reptiles📸 Photos
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The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions located in Three Mountains, Tennessee, offering 50 camping sites.

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

A Rural campground in Tennessee

📍
Location
Three Mountains, Tennessee
💰
Fees
$20-35

Stay Limit
14 days
🚌
Max RV Length
35 feet
🐾
Pets
Available
📡
Cell Coverage
Verizon: Fair
AT&T: Fair
T-Mobile: Poor

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.

the Laurels Has Two Pavilions, Each with Picnic Tables and Grills. an Old Foot Path Meanders Through the Nearby Woods.

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.

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.Managed by: Usda Forest Service

Site Details

Campsite Information

  • Total Sites: 50
  • Hookup Types:
  • Max RV Length: 35 feet

Amenities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: Available
  • 🚿 Showers: No
  • 🗑️ Dump Station: No
  • 💧 Potable Water: Available
  • 🛝 Playground: No
  • 🧺 Laundry: False
  • 📶 WiFi: False
  • 🏊 Swimming: No
  • 🎣 Fishing: No
  • 🛥️ Boating: No
  • 🥾 Hiking: No

Map & Location

Address & Coordinates

Address:

City: Three Mountains, Tennessee

Coordinates: 36.24885556, -82.26833333

Area Type: Rural

Phone: (423) 735-1500

Activities & Attractions

Popular Activities: Picnic|water|rv

Available Activities:

  • 🎣 Fishing: No
  • 🛥️ Boating: No
  • 🥾 Hiking: No
  • 🏊 Swimming: No

Regulations & Permits

🔥 Stay Limits & Fees

Maximum Stay: 14 days

Nightly Fee: $20-35

Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)

📋 Reservations

Reservations: Yes

Book on Recreation.gov

🌤️ Weather & Climate

84.6°F
Summer High
28.5°F
Winter Low
44.85″
Annual Precip
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
Apr, Aug-Oct
Best Visit Time

📱 Connectivity

Verizon

Fair Signal

LTE

AT&T

Fair Signal

LTE

T-Mobile

Poor Signal

4G

📺 Television Reception

Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS

Signal Quality: Fair

Total Stations: 11 stations

Nearest Market: Nashville/Memphis/Knoxville

Notes: Signals FROM Nashville/Memphis/Knoxville MARKET

📻 Radio Reception

Total Stations: 24 stations (8 AM, 16 FM)

AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good

Major Formats: Country, GOSPEL, Classic ROCK

Local News: WSM 650 Am

Market: Nashville/Memphis

Notes: 8 AM, 16 FM Stations from Nashville/Memphis

🔌 EV Charging

⚡ EEDEV MILLIGAN UNIV

Distance: 3.7 miles away

Address: 200 Blowers Blvd McMahan Student Center, Johnson City, TN

Network: chargepoint-network

Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772

Essential Information

Park System Information

Park Classification & Structure

  • Park Type: National Forests
  • Parks Post Name: cherokee-national-forest
  • Parent Park Name: Cherokee National Forest
  • Correct Park Type Mapping: cherokee-national-forest

System Statistics

  • Total Campgrounds in System: 37.0
  • States Covered: Tennessee, North Carolina
  • Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service

System IDs & References

  • Parent Organization ID: 131.0
  • Parent Recreation Area ID: 1048
  • Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
  • Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1048, 1048.0

URL Slugs & Navigation

  • State Slug: tennessee
  • Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
  • Park Type Slug: national-forests
  • Parent Park Slug: cherokee-national-forest

Additional Park Information

Welcome to Cherokee National Forest! This Beautiful Destination Features 37 Campgrounds Across Tennessee, North Carolina. Managed by Usda Forest Service, This Location Offers Incredible Camping Opportunities for Every Type of Outdoor Enthusiast.

Data Reference Notes

Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service

121890 The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions