How much does camping cost at Cosby Group Camp?

Camping fees at Cosby Group Camp range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cosby Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Cosby Group Camp 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 Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Cosby Group Camp has 31 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 Group Camp?

Cosby Group Camp 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 Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Cosby Group Camp have?

Cosby Group Camp has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cosby Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cosby Group Camp. 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 Group Camp?

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

What activities can I do at Cosby Group Camp?

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

Cosby Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cosby Group Camp?

Fire policies at Cosby Group Camp: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

31 reviews

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

Top 20% in TNFall

Great for Groups

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,460 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,460 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Cosby Group Camp

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-487-2683

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

Cosby Group Camp

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

Nearby places

Cosby, TN: 5 miles (~10 minutes)

Gatlinburg, TN: 20 miles (~30 minutes)

Sevierville, TN: ~20 miles (~30 minutes)

Pigeon Forge, TN: ~20 miles (~30 minutes).

Weather at Cosby Group Camp

Current alerts(12)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A minimum of 7 people is required for group site use. Maximum site capacity varies from 15 to 30 people. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
A reservation is required to use a group camp.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Cosby Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the standout combination of crisp weather, spectacular hardwood color, and excellent hiking conditions — peak foliage around early to mid-October at Cosby’s 2,460 ft elevation. Expect daytime temperatures in the 50s–60s°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for long hikes, photography, and creekside campfires with far fewer biting insects. Trails and overlooks are at their visual best; weekends can be busy so reserve early for group sites. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

Fall highlighted as standout season with crisp weather and peak hardwood foliage at this elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from April 18 to October 26, and May 26 to September 1 during peak season. Closed outside these dates.

About Cosby Group Camp

Cosby Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service in the quieter northeastern corner near Cosby, Tennessee. This small group-only facility serves organized parties with tent pads, fire rings, and flush toilets, offering direct access to the Appalachian Trail and Cosby Creek. The campground enforces designated quiet hours and maintains a strict no-show policy during its seasonal operating window.

Cosby Group Camp caters exclusively to group tent camping with three group sites, one of which is accessible. The campground is located in a peaceful, shaded area ideal for large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the standout combination of crisp weather, spectacular hardwood color, and excellent hiking conditions — peak foliage around early to mid-October at Cosby’s 2,460 ft elevation. Expect daytime temperatures in the 50s–60s°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for long hikes, photography, and creekside campfires with far fewer biting insects. Trails and overlooks are at their visual best; weekends can be busy so reserve early for group sites. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2460 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCosby Creek runs through the campground, its pools home to native brook trout. Hemlocks and rhododendron thickets dominate the understory, while the hardwood canopy provides dense shade across all three sites. The creek's sound carries through camp. Spring brings trillium and bloodroot blooms across the forest floor. Black bears forage here during berry season. The surrounding mountains are part of the oldest range on Earth, with geology dating back a billion years.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options are not available within the campground other than group tent sites. Nearby towns such as Cosby and Gatlinburg offer lodging facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesInformation about educational programs was not provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 20 guests allowed per group site.

Groups

The three group sites accommodate up to 20 people each and are equipped with tent pads, grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. One reviewer mentioned, 'Sites 2 and 3 work better together as 1 is slightly separated.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityOne group site is fully accessible and features accessible parking and pathways. Accessible flush toilets and other facilities are available, but reviews indicate some challenges for elderly campers in accessing steeper areas.

Site SizeThe three group sites each include tent pads that can accommodate about 4 large tents or 6-8 smaller ones. One reviewer noted, 'Each site has one or two picnic tables, one fire ring, one grill, plus the tent pads mentioned in the details section (appx 3 large per site).

PrivacySites are relatively private due to tree cover, but proximity among the three group sites means noise may carry. One user reported that 'quiet hours on Saturday night weren't enforced' during their stay.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend booking multiple group sites for larger groups, as single sites might feel cramped. Site A is most convenient for parking.

Best CampsitesGroup Site A gets praise for parking proximity and tent capacity. Each of the three sites includes tent pads that fit about four large tents or six to eight smaller ones, plus one or two picnic tables, a fire ring, and a grill. One site is ADA accessible.

Need help booking Cosby Group Camp?

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

There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park. Some group sites are accessible.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cosby Group Camp is a hub for outdoor recreation. Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and whitewater rafting. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail and other maintained trails make it a prime destination for hikers. The natural environment offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy diverse flora and fauna.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

Food Storage RequiredAvailable at the campground to mitigate bear risks; specifics about size are not provided.

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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available and noted for their cleanliness and accessibility. 'Trash bins were clean and easily accessible,' one reviewer said.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Cosby Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most reviews highlight the peaceful, shaded environment of Cosby Group Camp. Visitors were pleased with the cleanliness of the facilities, including bathrooms and trash bins. The lack of showers and cell service was noted as a downside, but many appreciated the serene atmosphere and opportunities for hiking and group gatherings.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, quiet environment, accessible trails such as the Appalachian Trail, and convenient group camping features like tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and grills.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited parking near the sites, no showers, occasional noise from other groups, and the need to carry gear uphill to campsites.

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site GP03 was praised for its quiet atmosphere and suitability for large families. Sites GP02 and GP03 are recommended for groups exceeding 20 people, with one reviewer saying, 'Good space for my...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring portable shower solutions if needed; purchase firewood early due to irregular store hours; plan for no on-site cell service; and consider booking multiple group sites if your group size exceeds...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during its spring-to-fall open season. Summer brings hot and humid weather but more crowded conditions, while spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and beautiful...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were in excellent condition. Thank you for the hand soap in the bathroom!!' 2. 'No cell service and we are okay with that. Very peaceful.' 3. 'Good mature trees to hang some hammocks,...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

One group site is accessible, with nearby parking and pathways. However, steep terrains were noted as challenging for elderly or less mobile campers.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash and cannot be left unattended. One reviewer emphasized the importance of adhering to pet regulations to maintain a safe environment for all campers.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a group trip and want a quieter Smokies base camp with maintained facilities and direct trail access.

Skip if

You need showers, individual site reservations, or flexible arrival policies for smaller parties.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.