Cove Lake State Park
PARK WEATHER
  • Serene lake with misty mountains and lush greenery in the foreground.
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    Cove Lake State Park, encompassing over 630 acres, is a haven of tranquility nestled in the Cumberland Mountains. The park's centerpiece, the 200-acre Cove Lake, invites visitors to kayak, canoe, and fish in its tranquil waters. With a newly renovated campground opening in 2027 and a wealth of natural beauty, Cove Lake State Park promises a memorable outdoor experience.
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    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety

      All visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, but especially use caution during biking, hiking, boating, and other sport activities. In case of an emergency, contact 911. The park has a good two-way radio service and 911 will dispatch emergency services as needed. Each patrol vehicle is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and medical kit, and park rangers are certified in emergency medical response. Campbell County EMS/Rescue is located just one mile from the park, providing quick access to medical assistance. 

    • Accessibility

      Cove Lake State Park is consistently improving park facilities and amenities to ensure all individuals can experience the park. We offer an all-terrain wheelchair, an accessible fishing pier, pavilions, and other facilities with accessible entryways, as well as venues and overnight accommodations that are adapted to support a variety of needs. 

      More Accessibility Information

    • Responsible Recreation

      Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation — encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations.

      Find Out How

    Want to Stay Overnight?

    Park Activities

    Park Amenities

    • Bike Trails
    • Birding
    • Boat Ramp
    • Boat Rentals
    • Boat Access
    • Campground
    • Canoe Access
    • Fishing
    • Gift Shop
    • Trails
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Paddle Rentals
    • Playground
    • Swimming
    • Visitor Center
    • All-Terrain Wheelchair
    • Wheelchair-Friendly Paved Trails

    Inspiration

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    Park Venues

      • '"

      Cove Lake Lakefront Field

      Average rates: $90

      Flat grassy area behind the Recreation Building with beautiful views of Cove Lake. Must be rented with the Recreation Building.

      • Spacious wooden hall with arched ceiling and multiple tables.
      • Empty parking lot in front of a large, single-story building surrounded by trees.
      • Wood-paneled kitchen with white appliances and granite countertop.
      • Floor plan layout showing a bedroom with dimensions and furniture arrangement.

      Cove Lake Recreation Building

      Average rates: $400–$500
      Capacity: 120 guests
      The Recreation Building is a 1,764-square-foot facility with a beautiful wood interior and scenic views of the lake and mountains. It is fully equipped with central heat/air, refrigerator, sink, stove, oven, and microwave. Tables and chairs are provided and can seat up to 120 guests. Please contact the park office if booking for a wedding or large event as additional requirements and permits are required. 
       
      Rental hours are from 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
    Explore More Venues at Cove Lake
    • Outdoor pavilion with a large grill and picnic tables in a park.

    Pavilions

    Cove Lake State Park has six pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering.  

    Capacity: 50 - 65 
    Amenities: picnic tables, grill, access to restrooms 
    Nearby: Depending upon the shelter, access to a playground or a lake view. 
    Rates: $66 

    Full-day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park. 

    Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee.  

    There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees. 

    Reserve Now

    Rickard Ridge BBQ

    Rickard Ridge BBQ is a leased restaurant adjacent to the recreation building. The restaurant is open year-round and seats 115 people with outdoor deck seating also available. There is an exquisite view of Cove Lake from the restaurant.

    1-423-907-8202 

    Menu

    For Schools

    Engage your students in a hands-on learning experience with Ranger-led or teacher-led programs at Tennessee State Parks. 

    Request a Program

    Junior Ranger Camp

    Cove Lake State Park
    grass blades close together with a blue highlight

    DIAMOND

    More Sustainability Information

  • Minimize Erosion

    Installed stormwater drains in the campground to minimize erosion caused by heavy rain.  

  • Energy Efficiency

    Installed more energy-efficient gas water heaters and HVAC systems in most of the Ranger residences and track park-wide energy use.  

  • EV Charging Stations

    Installed two EV charging stations at Cove Lake State Park Visitor Center.  

  • Community Participation

    Participate in TVA’s Green Power Switch. Coordinate regular litter pickup events with Friends of Cove Lake State Park.  

  • Eco-Friendly Practices

    Rangers decrease pollution and improve the environment by doing some of their park patrolling on bicycles instead of in trucks.  

    • Gift Shops and Stores

    Park Camp Store

    Robin Ln
    Caryville, TN 37714
    United States

    1-423-494-0806
    Hours

    The Cove Lake State Park Camp Store is temporarily closed while the campground is undergoing renovations.

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    110 Cove Lake Lane
    Caryville, TN 37714
    United States

    1-423-566-9701
    Hours

    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST 

    Contact Information

    Cove Lake State Park Office

    110 Cove Lake Lane
    Caryville, TN 37714
    United States

    1-423-566-9701
    Additional Information

    Camper check-in after 4:00 PM EST 
    1-423-494-0806

    Reservations & Information
    1-888-TN-PARKS
    1-888-867-2757