Bays Mountain Recreation Area

The Eastman Bays Mountain Recreation Area is provided for the use and enjoyment of Eastman employees, retirees and contract employees who are members of the Eastman Recreation and their guests.

Guidelines

Please help us maintain the area by observing the following guidelines:
  • The person who reserves the picnic shelter must be present during the reserved time, and that person is responsible for guests’ actions and ensuring they are aware of these guidelines.
  • Firearms and fireworks are not permitted on Eastman property.
  • Picnic shelters must be reserved in advance. Cancellations should be made ahead of the reservation date.
  • Please check in using the QR code at the registration stand before using the picnic units.
  • Beer and wine are permitted in the picnic area and restricted to your reserved picnic shelter.
  • Fires are permitted only in fireplaces or grills. Be sure to extinguish them before you leave.
  • The park speed limit is 10 miles per hour.
  • All unlicensed motorized vehicles are prohibited. This includes golf carts, scooters (gas or electric), etc.
  • Pets are NOT allowed in the picnic area.
  • Bagged ice is available at Comfort Station 1 for a nominal price. Place money in the box next to the freezer. Please do not take ice from the park.
  • Report any damage, loss or accidents to the caretaker before leaving the premises.
  • Please clean your picnic area and place all garbage in the can provided before leaving. During peak bear season, please take your trash to the dumpster located in the gravel lot near the Lodge.
  • Please use facilities (e.g., grills, tables, etc.) only on the unit you have reserved. Do not move tables and benches from other shelters.
A family with two small children eats dinner at their campsite.

Reservations

Eastman Recreation is excited to offer online reservations for picnic shelters and camping sites. Reservations can be made 24/7, 365 days a year from any computer or mobile device, and you will automatically receive an email confirmation. Click the "Make A Reservation" button to begin. Refer to the instructions and let us know if you have any questions. Click here to see the picnic shelter map. New time frames for the picnic area are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Registration is required to make an online reservation. If you have not yet registered, call the Eastman recreation office at 423-229-3771 during normal business hours. Only Eastman employees and Eastman Recreation members are eligible.

The picnic area and campground at Eastman’s Bays Mountain Recreation Area will re-open Monday, August 24.

The facilities were closed for several weeks in an effort to deter bear activity.  The bears appear to have moved out of the area, and we believe we can safely re-open.

We are in the process of installing bear-proof trash cans; however, when visiting the picnic area and campground, please follow these guidelines for your safety: 


1. Recreation staff will provide a trash bag at your shelter.
2. Properly dispose of any food scraps and trash. Staff will be patrolling regularly and will collect bagged trash. If you prefer, you may also take your trash with you when you leave.
3. After eating, immediately clean up and store any unused food out of sight in your vehicle with windows completely closed and doors locked.
4. If you were to see a bear, do not feed or approach it.  Never run or climb a tree.·
Visit www.bearwise.org for bear safety information and resources.