Norris Lake Front Rentals

State Parks

 

Cove Lake State Park

 

The 667 acre Cove Lake State Recreational Area and its nearby sister parks, Big Ridge and Norris, Were established in the 1930’s as recreational demonstration areas by the Tennessee Valley Authority, The National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corps. This park was established on the shores Of Cove Lake, an arm of Norris Lake created by an auxiliary dam at Caryville, Tennessee. The Federal Government deeded it to the State of Tennessee in 1950. Cove Lake is situated in a picturesque Valley surrounded by the towering Cumberland Mountains, and it is the winter home for some four hundred (400) Canada geese. The geese are attracted by quiet inlets, marshes, and fields of this area. They come in late fall and stay through early spring. Many visitors come to the park during the winter time just to see the geese. This serene valley was once inhabited by ancient Americans. Mound builders, as they were called, prospered along Cove Creek from 1000 to 1200 A. D. The University Of Tennessee excavated their mounds and habitation sites in 1937. Raised earthen remnants of one Mound are still visible at the end of “Duck Island”. Cove Lake State Park is located in East Tennessee’s Campbell County, 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. On U. S. 25-W and I-75.

 

The Cove Lake visitor is served by ninety-seven (97) campsites. All sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and most with grills and tables. A dump station is available, as are modern bathhouses containing hot showers, commodes and lavatories. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are accepted and stay limit is two (2) weeks.

 

Restaurant

 

Cove Lake restaurant is open year-round, featuring good southern cooking at reasonable prices.(http://www.rickardridgebbq.com) It seats one hundred fifteen (115) persons, and has become a favorite meeting place for groups and families. There is also a recreation lodge featuring a large banquet/meeting room.

 

Swimming

 

The park pool provides ample space for sunbathing. The pool is Olympic-sized, and there is a kiddie pool, a bath house and a convenient concession stand.

 

Picnics in the Park

 

There are one hundred twelve (112) picnic tables and grills to serve the Cove Lake day users.

 

Maps