Cosby Campground

Star4.46
1.6K reviews
127 Cosby Park Road

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

Opens Great Smoky Mountains National Park site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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...
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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."

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Campground Map

127 Cosby Park Road

Cosby Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Campground

Perched 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Shaded campsites offer relief from heat; trails remain accessible and reviews note shade value.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Popular in fall for mild weather and beautiful foliage/scenery per reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in TN

Spring is popular: mild weather, trails and wildflowers; high positive review signal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 26–May 26; winter season closed for reservations.

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

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.
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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant in the nearby streams and rivers, which are home to trout. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Cosby Campground

Reviews

4.5
1.6K reviews
Recommended
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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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