Cosby Campground

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. If they park elsewhere in the park, a parking tag will be required. Please note that parking tags will be required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for each campsite.

Over the last 10 years, an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year; many more go unreported. Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed. To increase your odds for a safe visit, please follow best practices for living and recreating in bear habitat. Stay alert and be prepared to react appropriately during possible encounters, and always report any unusual bear interactions as soon as possible.

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**)

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 ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) as well as all water containers, MUST be stored. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by campground staff. Violators are subject to fines.

Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!

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. 

Reservations are required to occupy a campsite. You must make your own reservation prior to arrival. Reservations can be made the day of arrival. Staff may not be availbale on site to assist with reservations. Reservations are SITE SPECIFIC. You may only occupy the sire that you have a reservation for. 

You must check-in with the campground office staff upon arrival to complete your reservation. If you arrive after the office is closed for the day then you must check-in with the campground staff the following day by noon. Failure to check-in with the office staff by noon following the day of your arrival will be considered a no show. This may result in a forfeit of your reservation. 

Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Generator use is restricted to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Generators may not be left running unattended.

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.

Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails. You must clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in dumpsters.

Most tent pads measure 16 x 16 and will accommodate one large or two small tents. Tents must be pitched on the pad. Hammocks are permitted but must be hung in the footprint of the reserved campsite. Hammocks must be tied to trees over 10 inches in diameter and no more than 2 hammocks can be suspended from the same tree. 

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.

Tennessee state law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age. Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in the campground.

For additional park information visit www.nps.gov/grsm