Cove Lake State Park Tennessee (TN) RV Rentals
RV Rentals Dates
RV Rentals near Cove Lake State Park?
Introduction
Cove Lake State Park offers a fantastic destination for RV camping enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. This park boasts a rich history and cultural significance that dates back thousands of years, with Native American tribes inhabiting the area before European settlers arrived. The park’s unique geological features, including the stunning Cove Lake, were formed over millions of years by natural occurrences such as volcanic activity, glacial movements, and erosion.
The park’s weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 80°F, but RV renters should be aware of potential hazards such as sudden thunderstorms and flash floods. It’s essential to plan accordingly and pack appropriate gear for all weather conditions.
RVThereYet.com is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Cove Lake State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Cove Lake State Park.
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Camping Accommodations
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Max RV length
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Max trailer Length
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Generator use
Food storage
Sewer hookup
Dogs & cats
Transportation
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Driving/Transportation
Visitors to Cove Lake State Park have several transportation options available to them. The most convenient way to access the park is by private vehicle, as the park offers ample parking for RVs and trailers. However, visitors should be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes, with a maximum length of 60 feet for RVs and a maximum width of 12 feet. The park has several entrances, including the main entrance on Cove Lake Road, which provides easy access to the park’s campgrounds and recreational areas. Visitors can also access the park from the east entrance on Laurel Road or the west entrance on Clinch River Road.
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Parking area
RV parking is available at the park with designated areas for RVs. Overnight parking is only permitted in designated campsites. It is recommended to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods such as biking or hiking.
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Public Transportation
Public transportation options at the park include a shuttle bus service and walking paths. The shuttle bus runs seasonally while the walking paths are available year-round and offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature.
Top Campsites in Cove Lake State Park
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Reservations camping
The most popular campsites near Cove Lake State Park that require reservations are
Cades Cove Campground
This campground is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 159 sites for tents and RVs. It is open year-round and is pet-friendly. The campground has flush toilets drinking water and a dump station. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 35 feet are permitted. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Elkmont Campground
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elkmont Campground has 220 sites for tents and RVs. It is open from March to November and is pet-friendly. The campground has flush toilets drinking water and a dump station. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 35 feet are allowed. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Smokemont Campground
This campground is located near the Oconaluftee River and has 142 sites for tents and RVs. It is open year-round and is pet-friendly. The campground has flush toilets drinking water and a dump station. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted. Hiking fishing and horseback riding are popular activities.
Cosby Campground
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cosby Campground has 157 sites for tents and RVs. It is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. The campground has flush toilets drinking water and a dump station. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 35 feet are allowed. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
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First-come first-served
The following campgrounds/campsites in Cove Lake State Park are first-come-first-served
Hemlock Hollow Campground
This campground has 36 sites for tents and RVs. It is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 35 feet are permitted. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Cane Creek Campground
This campground has 50 sites for tents and RVs. It is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 35 feet are allowed. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Lake View Campground
This campground has 60 sites for tents and RVs. It is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted. Hiking fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
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Alternate camping
If the campsites inside Cove Lake State Park are full RV renters can consider the following alternative camping options nearby
Private Campgrounds
There are several private campgrounds near Cove Lake State Park including Pine Mountain RV Park which has 60 full hookup sites and Norris Dam State Park Campground which has 75 sites for tents and RVs.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is available in the nearby Cherokee National Forest. Permits are required and can be obtained from the forest service. Campers must hike to their campsite and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas of the Cherokee National Forest. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from any water source.
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General activities
Hiking at Cove Lake State Park is a popular pastime for RV campers who love the great outdoors. With over 11 miles of hiking trails there’s something for every skill level. The Cove Lake Trail is the most popular offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a 3.5-mile loop that’s relatively easy and well-marked. Another popular trail is the Emory Road Trail which offers a more challenging hike with steep inclines and switchbacks. It’s a 2.5-mile loop that takes hikers through dense forests and offers breathtaking views of the park.
Fishing is another popular activity at Cove Lake State Park with the 210-acre lake stocked with a variety of fish including largemouth bass crappie and catfish. The park offers several fishing piers and boat rentals for those who want to get out on the water. The best time to fish is early morning or late evening when the water is calm and the fish are biting.
Biking is a great way to explore the park’s many trails and scenic views. The park offers over 8 miles of paved bike trails that wind through the forest and along the lake. The Cove Lake Loop Trail is a popular choice for bikers offering a scenic 3.5-mile ride around the lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy making it a great option for families with young children.
Cove Lake State Park is also a popular spot for bird watching with over 150 species of birds calling the park home. The park offers several bird watching spots including the Cove Lake Birding Tower which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests. Spring and fall are the best times to spot migrating birds including warblers vireos and thrushes.
For those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor experience Cove Lake State Park offers several picnic areas and scenic spots perfect for a leisurely lunch or afternoon nap. The park’s many pavilions offer shelter from the sun and rain and are a great spot to gather with friends and family for a picnic. The Cove Lake Dam Overlook is another popular spot offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
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Alternative activities
For those who prefer a less strenuous outdoor experience Cove Lake State Park offers several alternative activities that are just as enjoyable. One popular option is sightseeing with the park offering several scenic spots perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the area. The Cove Lake Dam Overlook is a must-see offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Another popular spot is the Cove Lake Loop Trail which offers a scenic 3.5-mile ride around the lake.
Nature watching is another great option for those who prefer a more leisurely outdoor experience. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkeys and raccoons. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds including herons egrets and ospreys. The park offers several nature watching spots including the Cove Lake Birding Tower and the nature trail that winds through the forest.
For those looking for a unique photo opportunity Cove Lake State Park offers several instagram-worthy spots. The Cove Lake Dam Overlook is a popular spot for taking in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The park’s many trails also offer great photo opportunities with scenic views and interesting rock formations. The park’s many picnic areas and pavilions are also great spots for taking family photos or group shots.
If relaxation is more your style Cove Lake State Park offers several options for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park’s many picnic areas and pavilions offer a great spot for a leisurely lunch or afternoon nap. Visitors can also take a stroll along the park’s many trails taking in the sights and sounds of nature. The park’s many benches and scenic spots offer a great place to sit and reflect taking in the beauty of the area.
Season-specific experiences in Cove Lake State Park
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Spring activities
As the snow melts and the flowers bloom Cove Lake State Park comes alive with activity during the spring season. RV campers flock to the area to take advantage of the mild weather and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are five popular recreational activities landmarks and historical places that attract RV campers in the spring
Hiking the Cove Lake Trail
This 11-mile loop trail is a favorite among RV campers for its scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the campground and is accessible for all skill levels.
Visiting the Cove Lake Swimming Beach
The swimming beach is a great place to cool off on a hot spring day. The crystal clear water and sandy beach make it a popular spot for families.
Exploring the Cove Lake Dam
The dam was built in the 1930s and is a marvel of engineering. RV campers can take a guided tour to learn about its history and construction.
Fishing for Rainbow Trout
Cove Lake is stocked with rainbow trout making it a popular spot for fishing. RV campers can fish from the shore or rent a boat from the marina.
Visiting the Historic Crosby House
The Crosby House was built in the 1800s and is a great place to learn about the history of the area. RV campers can take a self-guided tour of the house and grounds.
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Summer activities
As the temperature rises and the days get longer Cove Lake State Park becomes a summer playground for RV campers. Here are five popular recreational activities landmarks and historical places that attract RV campers during the summer
Boating on Cove Lake
The lake is a popular spot for boating with rentals available at the marina. RV campers can spend the day on the water fishing swimming or just enjoying the scenery.
Hiking the Devil’s Racetrack Trail
This challenging trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. RV campers should be prepared for a strenuous hike but the payoff is worth it.
Visiting the Norris Dam State Park
Located just a few miles from Cove Lake the Norris Dam State Park offers hiking boating and fishing. RV campers can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history.
Playing Miniature Golf
The miniature golf course at Cove Lake is a fun activity for the whole family. RV campers can enjoy a round of golf while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Attending the Cove Lake Bluegrass Festival
Held every summer the Cove Lake Bluegrass Festival is a popular event for RV campers. The festival features live music food and craft vendors.
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Fall activities
During the fall season Cove Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular attraction is the annual Fall Festival which takes place in mid-October and features live music food vendors and local crafts. The festival is held at the park’s amphitheater which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Another must-see is the historic Cove Lake Dam built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The dam is a marvel of engineering and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and construction.
For those looking to get out on the water the park offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided tours of the lake. The fall foliage makes for a stunning backdrop and visitors can spot a variety of wildlife including deer turkeys and bald eagles.
Hiking is another popular activity at Cove Lake State Park with trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Cove Lake Loop Trail is a popular choice for fall hikers as it offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forests. The trail is 4.5 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Finally no trip to Cove Lake State Park would be complete without a visit to the park’s nature center. The center offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits including live animals interactive displays and hands-on activities for kids.
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Winter activities
When the winter months roll around Cove Lake State Park transforms into a winter wonderland with a variety of recreational activities for RV campers to enjoy. One popular activity is ice fishing on Cove Lake which is stocked with trout and other fish species. Visitors can rent ice fishing equipment from the park’s office and fish from the shore or from the ice.
Another popular activity is cross-country skiing with over 5 miles of groomed trails that wind through the park’s forests and meadows. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels from easy to challenging and are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
For those looking for a more relaxed winter activity the park offers guided snowshoe hikes led by park rangers. The hikes are a great way to learn about the park’s winter ecology and wildlife and offer breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.
Ice skating is another popular winter activity at Cove Lake State Park with a large ice rink located near the park’s office. Visitors can rent skates from the park’s office and enjoy a fun day on the ice.
Finally no winter trip to Cove Lake State Park would be complete without a visit to the park’s nature center. The center offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits including live animals interactive displays and hands-on activities for kids. During the winter months the center offers special programs on winter ecology and wildlife as well as crafts and games for kids.