How much does camping cost at Cosby Campground?

Camping fees at Cosby Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cosby Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cosby Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cosby Campground before I book?

Yes! Cosby Campground has 44 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cosby Campground?

Cosby Campground is open April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cosby Campground?

Cosby Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cosby Campground?

Fire policies at Cosby Campground: Campfires limited to treated wood or downed wood collected within the park. Chainsaws prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cosby Campground have?

Cosby Campground has 96 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cosby Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cosby Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cosby Campground?

Cosby Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cosby Campground?

Popular activities at Cosby Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cosby Campground

4.46

1.6K reviews

127 Cosby Park Road

Great Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tent Camping Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,460 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

96 campsites

Season

Open April 18, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Cosby Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,460 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

96 campsites

Season

Open April 18, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Cosby Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $30 per night for all site types during peak season (April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025). Fees include standard nonelectric tent...

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

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Provider

423-487-2683

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 1.6K reviews

434 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

127 Cosby Park Road

Cosby Campground

127 Cosby Park Road

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.

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Campground

Fall is the standout season. Daytime temps sit in the 50s and 60s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s, and leaf color peaks sometime in October depending on the year. Bugs disappear, humidity drops, and black bears become more visible at lower elevations during their pre-hibernation feeding. Weekends during peak color get busy. Midweek visits or early morning trailheads are quieter. Summer brings lush growth but also humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is mild and crowd-free, though some trails ice over. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor but mosquitoes return with them.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

Fall is standout season: leaf color peaks, mild temps, bugs drop and reviews praise autumn visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025. Out of season from October 26, 2025 - May 26, 2026.
Current Alerts: Bear activity reported; follow safety protocols. Firewood must be treated.

About Cosby Campground

Cosby Campground sits in the quieter northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 2,460 feet elevation. The 96 sites lean heavily toward tent camping, with each offering a 16x16 ft tent pad, fire ring, grill, and picnic table under a canopy of old-growth forest. The campground has flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, but no showers or electric hookups. Sites run $30 per night. Cell service doesn't exist at camp, though it returns a few miles down the entrance road.

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 Significance

The campground sits within a national park that preserves weathered log cabins and grist mills from the Appalachian settlers who lived in these valleys before the park's creation. These structures still stand along trails and creeks throughout the area, offering glimpses of self-sufficient mountain communities that farmed and milled in these remote hollows for generations.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Daytime temps sit in the 50s and 60s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s, and leaf color peaks sometime in October depending on the year. Bugs disappear, humidity drops, and black bears become more visible at lower elevations during their pre-hibernation feeding. Weekends during peak color get busy. Midweek visits or early morning trailheads are quieter. Summer brings lush growth but also humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is mild and crowd-free, though some trails ice over. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor but mosquitoes return with them.

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 SceneryMassive tulip poplars and hemlocks form a dense canopy across the campground. Mountain streams run through the area, their constant sound filtering through the understory. The elevation and old soils support the park's famous biodiversity. Black bears forage through camp seasonally, and salamanders crowd the wet leaf litter and streambeds. The forest shifts with the seasons: wildflowers in spring, deep summer green, fall color that draws crowds, and bare winter views of the surrounding peaks. Natural fog clings to the ridges above camp most mornings.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampground is shaded by towering trees. Nearby trails offer vistas including Hen Wallow Falls and Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground. Nearby towns like Cosby offer some lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNot specifically mentioned for this campground, though the park includes historic structures and museums.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are divided into A and B loops. Spacing varies. Some sites have good tree cover and separation, others feel tight, especially in the A loop. The loops follow the terrain's elevation changes, which affects how level individual sites sit.

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.

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.

Site SizeCampsites feature 16ft x 16ft tent pads, which can accommodate one large or two small tents.

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 SitesSites on Loop B offer better privacy and larger spaces. Avoid sites close to bathrooms if sensitive to light and noise.

Best CampsitesA20, B19, and B88 get mentioned in reviews for privacy and spacing. The A loop sites generally sit closer together than B loop. Choose sites farther from the bathrooms if you want more distance from foot traffic and noise.

Need help booking Cosby Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a tranquil and secluded camping experience. The campground is primarily designed for tent camping but does accommodate RVs. Campsites are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and gravel tent pads measuring 16ft x 16ft. Modern amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station for RVs. However, there are no showers on-site, electrical or water hookups. The campground is known for its clean, well-maintained facilities and peaceful environment, with restrooms cleaned frequently but occasionally reported as overcrowded during peak times. Bear safety measures are strictly enforced, and visitors are reminded to store food and scented items securely.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

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

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive 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.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires limited to treated wood or downed wood collected within the park. Chainsaws prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services located in Cosby, Tennessee (~5 miles away). Gatlinburg (~20 miles) offers additional facilities like hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are located throughout the campground for proper disposal of trash. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesDrainages and creeks nearby. Hen Wallow Falls accessible by trail.

Camp HostCamp hosts available. Reportedly very responsive and knowledgeable.

Weather at Cosby Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

1.6K reviews

Recommended

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 1555 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 1555 reviews

Common 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 1555 reviews

Pro 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 1555 reviews

Seasonal 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 1555 reviews

Camper 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...

Based on 1555 reviews

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 1555 reviews