
157
Total Campsites
Campground
157
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
2
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About COSBY CAMPGROUND
Overview Back country camping in a developed front country campground. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer. This campground is usually quieter and without the hustle and bustle of the busier campgrounds. All campsites have a fire ring, picnic table and several trees. Tent pads are 16ft x 16ft. RV sites are less common and reservations are recommended on busy weekends. Some RV sites also include a tent pad. View map and site descriptions to find the perfect site or companion sites for you and your family! All sites in Cosby Campground are available by RESERVATION ONLY NO CASH ACCEPTED AT CAMPGROUND OFFICE ADA sites: A57, A61; G3 RV only: A01-03, A21, A23, A36; B48, B75, B88 RV w Tent pad: A17, A20, A25, A28, A57; B93 Van/Compact camper w Tent: A11; B20,B34-35, B58 (**These sites do not accomodate RVs) To ensure a site, reserve online (same-day reservation available). To make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Facilities Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Natural Features World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlers, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home. Nearby Attractions Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
- 157 total campsites listed.
- 2 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (134).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes COSBY CAMPGROUND special
Tucked into the quieter, less-traveled eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby Campground is the kind of place seasoned campers whisper about and newcomers stumble upon with delight. Shaded beneath a dense hardwood canopy of tulip poplars and hemlocks, the 157 sites here feel genuinely secluded — a rare quality for a developed campground inside America's most visited national park. Cosby delivers a backcountry atmosphere without the backcountry logistics. The campground sits along Cosby Creek at around 2,400 feet elevation, where cool mountain air and the sound of running water set the tone. From here, trails lead to Hen Wallow Falls, a stunning 90-foot cascade just over two miles in, and ambitious hikers can connect to the Appalachian Trail or summit Mount Cammerer for one of the Smokies' most breathtaking panoramic views. Spring brings wildflower displays that rival any in the park, while October transforms the canopy into a cathedral of amber and crimson. Summer stays pleasant thanks to the elevation, though weekends fill quickly from June through August. Sites are first-come, first-served during shoulder seasons and reservable in peak months — arriving midweek is the surest strategy. If you want the Smokies without the Gatlinburg crowds, Cosby is your answer.
Campsite Inventory
157 sites to choose from
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
134
Reservable
0
Accessible
RV NONELECTRIC
23
Reservable
2
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Basic, Good, N/A, Poor
DRINKING WATER
Drinking Water
Driveway entry
Back-In, Parallel
Driveway Grade
Moderate, N/A, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
18, 20, 22, 25
Driveway surface
Gravel, N/A, Paved
EMERGENCY PHONE
Emergency Phone
Electricity Hookup
N/A
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Fire Pit
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
423-487-2683
Getting There
From 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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to COSBY CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for COSBY CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for COSBY CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at COSBY CAMPGROUND?
COSBY CAMPGROUND currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (134), RV NONELECTRIC (23).
Where is COSBY CAMPGROUND located?
COSBY CAMPGROUND is in Tennessee near Cosby. Coordinates: 35.7533, -83.2086.
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