Cosby Campground
4.48818 reviews127 Cosby Park Road
Cosby Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $30 per night for all site types during peak season (April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025). Fees include standard nonelectric tent sites, RV nonelectric, and tent-only nonelectric sites.
About this campground
Escape into the peaceful embrace of Cosby Campground, where traditional camping meets the untamed beauty of the Smokies. Each thoughtfully designed tent site offers a 16x16 ft pad nestled among towering trees, complete with your own fire ring for evening storytelling, a grill for memorable outdoor meals, and a picnic table for gathering under the canopy. While you'll find modern conveniences like flush toilets and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds, the campground maintains its authentic wilderness character without showers or electric hookups—perfect for those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience. RV campers will find limited spaces available, making this primarily a haven for tent enthusiasts.
Cosby Campground caters primarily to tent campers but also offers limited options for RVs and compact campers. There are no group campsites or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum of Southern Appalachian heritage at Cosby, where the whispers of mountain settlers still echo through the hollows. As part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this area preserves the authentic spirit of a bygone era through carefully maintained historic structures. Weathered log cabins stand as monuments to the hardy families who once called these mountains home, while restored grist mills along babbling creeks tell stories of self-sufficient communities that thrived in these remote valleys for generations.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 2,460 feet, Cosby enjoys the gentle temperament of the mid-elevation Smokies. Winter brings crisp, mild days perfect for hiking without crowds, while summer transforms the forest into a lush, humid paradise where afternoon thunderstorms often roll through like clockwork, bringing dramatic skies and the sweet scent of rain-washed earth. Evening showers are particularly common, creating a natural lullaby as raindrops dance on tent fabric—a quintessential mountain camping experience.
ElevationAt 2,460 feet above sea level, Cosby occupies a sweet spot in the Smoky Mountains' vertical landscape. This moderate elevation gifts campers with the best of both worlds: comfortable daytime temperatures that invite exploration and refreshingly cool nights that guarantee restful sleep under a blanket of stars. The elevation creates its own microclimate, where morning mists drift through the valleys and evening breezes carry the fragrance of mountain laurel and rhododendron.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the cathedral-like grandeur of an ancient Appalachian forest, where massive tulip poplars and hemlocks create a living canopy overhead. The campground serves as your basecamp for discovering a wilderness teeming with life—from black bears foraging for berries to salamanders hiding beneath moss-covered logs. Crystal-clear mountain streams tumble over smooth stones throughout the area, their gentle music providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Each season paints the landscape anew: spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor, summer brings verdant green in infinite shades, fall sets the mountains ablaze with color, and winter reveals the elegant architecture of bare trees against misty peaks.
Geological RegionCosby Campground sits within the ancient embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where some of the oldest mountains on Earth tell a billion-year geological story. These weathered Appalachian peaks, once as tall as the Rockies, have been sculpted by eons of wind and rain into the gentle, rounded summits we see today. The park's incredible biodiversity—often called the 'Salamander Capital of the World'—stems from this unique geological heritage, where varied elevations, abundant rainfall, and ancient soils create countless ecological niches. Dense forests blanket every slope and valley, earning these mountains their famous 'smoky' moniker from the natural fog that clings to the peaks like a soft, ethereal veil.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-accessible campsites include A57, A61, and G3, and the restroom facilities have accessible features. However, some campsites are accessed via stairs, which might be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeCampsites feature 16ft x 16ft tent pads, which can accommodate one large or two small tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering good tree cover and spacing, while others are closer together, particularly in the A loop.
Total Campsites96 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on Loop B offer better privacy and larger spaces. Avoid sites close to bathrooms if sensitive to light and noise.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include A20, B19, and B88 for privacy, proximity to amenities, and scenic value.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by noon following the day of arrival.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites arranged into loops (A and B), with each loop having its elevation gradient and proximity to amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025. Out of season from October 26, 2025 - May 26, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites are reservation-only.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Cancellations for one-night reservations forfeit the full amount paid. Refunds for early departures only provided if notified by check-in day.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cosby Campground offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Appalachian Trail and other well-maintained trails provide opportunities for hikers of all levels. While there are no swimming or boating facilities, the serene and forested environment is ideal for connecting with nature.
Hiking
The campground connects to several trails, including the Appalachian Trail via the Lower Gap Trail (3 miles away). Popular hikes include the Hen Wallow Falls trail and the Nature Trail, which is suitable for families. Trails range from easy to strenuous.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant in the nearby streams and rivers, which are home to trout. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is common, with sightings of turkeys, deer, and even black bears reported. The campground is a sanctuary for diverse plant and animal life.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter season, so no winter activities are available.Water Sports
No water sports are facilitated at the campground, but creeks are suitable for wading.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires limited to treated wood or downed wood collected within the park. Chainsaws prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear habitat; strict food storage rules enforced. Poison ivy is abundant in the area. Campfires restricted to treated wood only.
Active alertsBear activity reported; follow safety protocols. Firewood must be treated.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services located in Cosby, Tennessee (~5 miles away). Gatlinburg (~20 miles) offers additional facilities like hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof dumpsters are located throughout the campground for proper disposal of trash. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDrainages and creeks nearby. Hen Wallow Falls accessible by trail.
Common complaintsSome campers report noise issues due to proximity of sites. Lack of showers is a frequent complaint.
HostCamp hosts available. Reportedly very responsive and knowledgeable.
Campground Map
127 Cosby Park Road
Driving directionsFrom Cosby, TN, proceed south on TN 32 about 1.5 miles south of the junction with US 321. Turn right at Cosby sign. Campground is another 2 miles.
Accessible via paved roads, TN 32 and US 321. The roads to Cosby Campground are paved and well-maintained. No major navigation challenges reported.Nearby places
Cosby, TN: 5 miles (~10 minutes drive)
Gatlinburg, TN: 20 miles (~35 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores and fuel available in Cosby (~5 miles). Gatlinburg (~20 miles away) offers extensive options including organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.5
818 reviews
Cosby Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, cleanliness, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. While the absence of showers and cell service is noted, many visitors appreciate this as part of the rustic experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 818 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the clean bathrooms, spacious campsites, and beautiful trails. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and helpful.
Based on 818 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of showers, minimal enforcement of quiet hours, and occasional maintenance delays at restrooms. Some campsites are criticized for being too close together.
Based on 818 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Download trail maps ahead of time due to lack of cell service. Bring your own firewood as it is not sold on-site. Choose campsites further from bathrooms for more privacy.
Based on 818 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are particularly popular due to mild weather and beautiful scenery. Summer reviews note the campground's shade as a relief from heat.
Based on 818 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen." - Erin Hildebrand. "If you're looking for a quiet escape, Cosby is a hidden gem." - Ryan K. "The lack of cell service was a blessing, allowing us...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Loop B is often recommended for more privacy. Specific site recommendations include B87 for seclusion and B45 for convenience to bathrooms and trails.
Based on 818 reviewsAccessibility Features
ADA-accessible sites are appreciated, but some visitors note that stairs to certain campsites may pose challenges.
Based on 818 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Reviewers note that pets are not permitted on hiking trails.
Based on 818 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025