The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions in TN -- Campground & RV Camping
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions in TN
CampgroundUSFS
3.9 mi from Unicoi
Official campground & reservations ↗
Road Access
- Road difficulty 1 of 5: an easy drive in.
- Recorded as maintained for passenger-car comfort, paved, pitching to 6%.
Setting
The Laurels is a historic day-use picnic area in East Tennessee, original built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as a stopover for farmers. Named for the native rhododendron growing along Honeycomb Creek, the forested site features two reservable picnic pavilions equipped with tables and grills, additional standalone picnic tables, interconnecting footpaths, a woodland walking trail, and a vault toilet. There is no potable water available on-site.
Getting there: 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.
- Moderately separated here.
- Honeycomb Creek runs 0.1 mi off.
- Honeycomb Mountain stands 1,017 ft above the map pin, 1.4 miles south.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 4, a rural sky with a glow on the horizon.
Climate averages
October normals 44–69°F, 2.8″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Starlink Radar
Open sky · Terrain & buildings · Tree canopy
Estimated horizon in eight compass directions, using 10 m USGS elevation. Sky clearance 53 of 100.