Established Camping
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
About
USDA Forest Service
Cherokee National Forest
Overview
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions is open for the 2024 season. 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. 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.
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Pets
ScoutWonderful Place
Spent a lot of time here in my younger days. Great place to take kids for picnic and to play in the Creek.
RangerNo camping
This is just a picnic site with toilets and water. There is camping nearby at Little Oak and Rock Creek. Beautiful area!
Location
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions is located in Tennessee
Directions
The Laurels is located on TN Hwy 361 near Sciota Road in Carter County. From Johnson City, take I-26 E to Okalona exit. Turn left, drive under I-26 to TN 359. Turn right onto TN 359. Travel 1.4 miles, then turn right onto TN 361 for 3.7 miles to The Laurels.__
Coordinates
36.24885556 N
82.26833333 W