How much does camping cost at Cosby Campground?

Camping fees at Cosby Campground are $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 May 15 to September 07. 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.

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

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cosby Campground?

Fire policies at Cosby Campground: Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. The use of chainsaws is not permitted in the park. There is not a firewood vendor at the campground. Please check the label of firewood purchased off site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.46

1.6K reviews

127 Cosby Park Road

BReport Card

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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 Official Website

Get Directions

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 Official Website

Get Directions

Cosby Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Provider

423-487-2683

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cosby Campground

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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)

Weather at Cosby Campground

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A maximum of six people may occupy a campsite. The park stay-limit is 14 consecutive days. Reservations which exceed the 14 consecutive day limit may be cancelled and refunded.
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Caution: BEAR HABITAT!!! Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food, coolers (including YETI and other coolers with bear resistant claims), and equipment used to prepare and store food MUST be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT…

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most compelling combination of cool, stable weather and spectacular leaf color — expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at Cosby’s 2,460 ft elevation. This is prime hiking, wildlife viewing and photography time (black bears and rut-season activity are often more visible at lower elevations), with fewer bugs and lower humidity than summer. Weekends during peak color can be busy, so plan midweek visits or early mornings for quieter trails and better Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall stated as best season for cool weather and spectacular leaf color; highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025. Out of season from October 26, 2025 - May 26, 2026.

About Cosby Campground

Cosby Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service as a large seasonal base camp for hikers and wildlife watchers. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables draw tent and RV campers who value clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and direct trail access. The campground enforces quiet hours and a strict no-show policy, with a dump station and flush toilets but no showers.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most compelling combination of cool, stable weather and spectacular leaf color — expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at Cosby’s 2,460 ft elevation. This is prime hiking, wildlife viewing and photography time (black bears and rut-season activity are often more visible at lower elevations), with fewer bugs and lower humidity than summer. Weekends during peak color can be busy, so plan midweek visits or early mornings for quieter trails and better Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2460 ft above sea level

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.

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

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

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

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cosby Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct trail access incl. Appalachian Trail via Lower Gap and access to Mount Cammerer routes.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings: turkeys, deer, salamanders and seasonal black bear foraging reported.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic mountain views, fall foliage, and trail vistas (Mount Cammerer) attract photographers.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 PolicyFirewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. The use of chainsaws is not permitted in the park. There is not a firewood vendor at the campground. Please check the label of firewood purchased off site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

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

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1555 reviews.

Loop BLoved
Loop B is often recommended for more privacy.
B87Mentioned
Specific site recommendations include B87 for seclusion and B45 for convenience to bathrooms and trails.

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

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible sites are appreciated, but some visitors note that stairs to certain campsites may pose challenges.

Based on 1555 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Reviewers note that pets are not permitted on hiking trails.

Based on 1555 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Cosby Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-487-2683

Go if

you want easy access to great trails, a peaceful wooded setting, and are fine with rustic basics; Loop B (try B87 for seclusion or B45 for bathroom/trail convenience) is worth requesting.

Skip if

you need showers, reliable cell service, or a lively social scene rather than rustic quiet.

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

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Cades Cove Group Campground sits in a historic valley within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Gatlinburg. The foothills setting offers tent, RV, and primitive group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Visitors come for wildlife viewing — deer, black bears, and turkeys are common — and biking the scenic loop road, especially during fall color season.

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Deep Creek Campground

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Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cosby Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 66% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 1,147 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Crowds & noise
Grade A-.Booking
Grade B+.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C+.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Cosby Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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 mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Directions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

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Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cosby Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Cosby Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Cosby Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Campground

Planning Tips

About Cosby Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cosby Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Cosby Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Balsam Mountain Campground

Cataloochee Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Cosby Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cosby Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cosby Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Balsam Mountain Campground

Cataloochee Campground