Dennis Cove Campground, Unicoi, TN

Dennis Cove Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (40 min east of Johnson City, TN) with an elevation of 2,620 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $10.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.

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36.25694, -82.11049
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(423) 735-1500 (Information)
(877) 444-6777 (Reservations)
$10 - $20

Campsite Reviews (50)

4.5 out of 5

5 star		72%
4 star		14%
3 star		6%
2 star		0%
1 star		4%

@TamathaFC6D9D9 · Camped on Aug 30, 2024 at Campsite #11

Great to be able to reserve a site. Sites were level. Bathrooms were clean. Camp host very friendly. Small campground and everyone was quiet.Affordable prices. Great place to camp if you're ok with no hook-ups. The breakfast at Black Bear Resort is great!

@Elizabeth45810 · Camped on Jul 20, 2024 at Campsite #5

Our stay at the campground this weekend was not good. There were only 4 sites taken on Saturday best we could tell. A lady in a Van , appeared to be by herself she just stayed to herself and the the Camp host site and then another group of what appeared to be children and 2 aggressive dogs on the other side of campground. The site host and the children/dog site obviously were of some relation/ acquaintance they ran back and forth all weekend. The dogs were very aggressive acting , lunging and barking on the end of their ties every time I walked to bathroom. I was scared they were going to break loose. The children would be sent from the host site to scream at the dogs or throw them in a car. I was attempting to change clothes in the womens bathroom Sunday and a knock at the door was a girl , I told her I was freshening up would be a moment . She made a growling noise and walked off, she then came back beating on the door screaming there is only 1 bathroom . I quickly got dressed and came out , this is one of the children with the host inbetween the 2 sites. My husband and I packed up and left a day early . We could not enjoy the campground , between the dogs , and no respect, from the host guest or family whatever they were . There were broken glass beer bottles all around our site. We will not go back unless a host change.

@MichaelT862538 · Camped on Jul 4, 2024 at Campsite #10

The park was clean and the accommodation were great. Plenty of running water and flushable toilets. The best part was the hospitality and good nature of the camp host (Dale). Very professional and down to earth. Dale had a vast knowledge of the area for hiking and fishing. Just an all around great guy! Thanks to Dale for making our 3 day 2 night stay enjoyable!!

@DanielG6266400 · Camped on Jun 13, 2024 at Campsite #10

What a great time at Dennis Cove! Stayed for a long weekend while sons attended football camp at ETSU and took advantage of exploring the area. We have a 28ft travel trailer from Centeal VA. We stayed at site 10. Toilet house was cleaned and the campground host Dale was most helpful! So glad we choose to get off the beaten path.

@EvanL6585554 · Camped on Jun 5, 2024 at Campsite #7

We had a great stay at Dennis Cove. We stayed at sites 6 and 7, which both were on the river coming by the campground. A beautiful, small campground with very close access to the AT as well as other varied length hikes. Flush toilets and sinks were well-taken care of, cleaned daily, and worked well. Campground host was very kind and helpful. He checked in to see if we needed anything and gave great recommendations and info for the area. Couldn't have felt more thankful for our stay here, and hope to be back.

@Anastasiy6FFBE · Camped on May 26, 2024 at Campsite #4

Wonderful little campground. All of the camp sites except for 15 and 14 are rather close to each other. Great hiking and fishing nearby. Dale, the host, was welcoming and helpful with tips about the area. Bathrooms were clean and trash cans emptied regularly. If you like a rustic camping experience, away from the hustle and bustle, this is lovely.

@JessicaS159432 · Camped on May 4, 2024 at Campsite #7

I love this place. Dale was super nice. So peaceful and quiet.

@JessicaS159432 · Camped on Jul 15, 2023 at Campsite #8

Very quiet and pretty

@KellyH5593310 · Camped on Jul 1, 2023 at Campsite #15

Nice quiet (most of the time) campground (it was 4th of July weekend). The hosts were not there when we arrived and were frequently unavailable.

@JustineL025F84 · Camped on Jun 23, 2023 at Campsite #3

This was our 2nd time at this campground. The site is lovely! We go with a group and it’s perfect for our needs, which is why we returned. We hiked the Laurel Falls Trail down the road and it was lovely! However, the host has changed since last year (Dale was great last year!). I met the new guy once (Shane), but not when we checked in as he wasn’t around then - which should have been our first clue that things were “off”. This year, the bathrooms didn’t get cleaned nor trash in the bathrooms emptied while we were there (and according to the chart on the wall, hadn’t been since 6 days before our visit). There was no soap. Additionally, the host and his kids (or maybe others?) were partying until the wee hours of the morning, with some of their cars pulling out loudly at 1 and 2 in the morning. Mid-night cursing could be heard by our friends nearest his site, and most of the rest of us could hear his video game/movie from our sites. That’s not what any of us are looking for during a camping trip. It’s hard to sleep and certainly doesn’t feel safe. Mostly, his almost-complete absence is disturbing because with so many kids (and in general while camping), emergencies are always possible and there’s no cell service up there. With no known way to contact a responsible adult, it could be dangerous. Thankfully, we didn’t have any this year, but our group will have to think twice about returning next year even though we love the location and area.

@MelanieS829936 · Camped on Jun 23, 2023 at Campsite #4

We have been to Dennis Cove in the past and had a good experience. However, our recent visit was a disappointment. The campground was not as clean as our previous visit, the bathroom smelled bad and had an empty soap container the entire weekend, and, most troubling, the campground host played loud music and laughed and talked loudly until early in the morning, with their guests driving out of the campground at 2 or 3 am. Last year there was a different host, and we can tell that things have gone downhill with the new management. What a shame. It is a beautiful and special place.

@DarinaN7815198 · Camped on Sep 4, 2022 at Campsite #3

Beautiful setting. Hospitable campground host. Quiet enough for you to do your own thing and enjoy nature.

@eugenep5947758 · Camped on Sep 2, 2022 at Campsite #10

Little campground and loved it. Camp sites are a bit close to each others though but every one is respectful and friendly There is a creek and a trail adjacent to the camp. Very nice

@AlisaP8184966 · Camped on Jun 26, 2022 at Campsite #6

The Dennis Cove road is full of hairpin turns and is quite narrow but when you arrive at the campground, you will find a very peaceful experience. The camp host, Dale, is a terrific steward of the campground and is extremely helpful. The camp is clean and well maintained although the services are minimal. We enjoyed the other campers as everyone is very respectful of the beautiful natural beauty of Dennis Cove.

@Alexander40367 · Camped on Jun 9, 2022 at Campsite #4

A perfect camping experience. The host was extremely nice and welcoming, as were the other guests. So many great hikes nearby. Very family friendly.

@MichaelD829846 · Camped on Jun 9, 2022 at Campsite #5

This is a beautiful campground, very quiet, nestled in deep woods, with excellent hiking trails very close by. I'd recommend camping here for a night or two and exploring the nearby trails. The road is windy and steep, so it takes some time to wind up to the campground from town, but it's worth it!

@StephenB287309 · Camped on May 13, 2022 at Campsite #6

Camps sites are kept clean and host is exceptionally attentive checking on our needs daily, providing FREE firewood daily and walking the grounds during the night. Only request is the addition of showers. Site fees are under priced.

@MichaelA251288 · Camped on May 13, 2022 at Campsite #7

Thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The camp host Dale was exceptional! Very knowledgeable and helpful. We will be coming again for sure. For anyone who stays make sure to ask him about local fishing and forestry regulations. There are some that specifically apply to this site (near the Appalachian trail). Overall a very comfortable, clean and very well managed campground.

@CameronM513461 · Camped on Apr 29, 2022 at Campsite #10

Lovely little gem with plenty of nearby hiking. You can walk to the Coon Den Falls trailhead and the Appalachian trails are a short 3/4 mile down the road where we hiked to Laurel Falls. The campsite itself also has a stream running behind it that you can hike along, kids loved playing in it . The host is excellent, he was very friendly and knowledgeable. He provides everyone with firewood and even cooked us a few bites of wild hog that he had. Everything was clean and well maintained. Will definitely return when we can.

@CaylaC241 · Camped on Oct 9, 2021 at Campsite #14

The person managing the site, Dale, was very welcoming and helpful! We had a great time.

@CaylaC1596527 · Camped on Oct 9, 2021 at Campsite #14

The person managing the site, Dale, was very welcoming and helpful! We had a great time.

@susannet528 · Camped on Oct 1, 2021 at Campsite #14

Absolutely gorgeous campsite! Amazing host! Dale checked us in with a wonderful Tennessee welcome , gracious, personable & very accommodating! Telling family & friends this a must place to visit!

@ChrisS589 · Camped on Oct 1, 2021 at Campsite #7

Exceptional time camping, would recommend Dennis Cove Campground to anyone!

@HeatherO654 · Camped on Oct 1, 2021 at Campsite #6

Dennis Cove is a lovely campground. The host, Dale is very welcoming and friendly. Beautiful hiking all around, peaceful creek sounds to soothe your soul, and magical star gazing at night. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be returning.

@LarryH572 · Camped on Sep 28, 2021 at Campsite #3

Dennis Cove is a magical place. Deep in the woods up a very narrow twisty turny mountain road. No cell or internet was such a needed break from life. Dale, the campground host, is such an awesome and unique person. He took great care of the campground and bathrooms. I highly recommend this campground if you are looking for a quiet getaway where you can't be reached. I'd still be there but the limit is 14 days.

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