About Cosby Campground
Number of accommodations: 155
Campground Amenities
-
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
River Access -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
155 Sites Available
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Site Details
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155 Sites Available
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Reviews (598)
What Guests Are Saying
Cosby Campground is a beautifully maintained and serene location in the Smoky Mountains, offering spacious campsites, clean restrooms, and easy access to hiking trails. Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, helpful staff, and the campground's natural beauty, making it a favorite for many. While there are some concerns about noise and bathroom facilities, overall, visitors highly recommend the campground for a relaxing outdoor experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Cosby Campground is a beautifully maintained and serene location in the Smoky Mountains, offering spacious campsites, clean restrooms, and easy access to hiking trails. Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, helpful staff, and the campground's natural beauty, making it a favorite for many. While there are some concerns about noise and bathroom facilities, overall, visitors highly recommend the campground for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Review Summary
Angela W
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: A19, Loop: A-Loop
This campground is so underrated!
I loved how the Rangers took the time to answer all our questions and even suggested future campsites we might enjoy our next stay. The campground was quiet and firewood was not an issue with all the limbs and sticks around the campground.
Our car battery died and the Rangers came to our aid and we were soon up and going. Elkmont and Cades Cove are crazy busy and Cosby is the ultimate in quiet camping with plenty of exploring that can be done. Give it a try and I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did.
Renata K
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: A02, Loop: A-Loop
We loved the experience. Great place, quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Great staff. I hope I can go back to spend more days soon!
James H
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2025 • Stayed at: A55, Loop: A-Loop
Beautiful place. Towering trees. Was very quiet the three days I was there. The campsites are either up or down from the parking spots so you need to be reasonably mobile to enjoy your stay. Plenty of water but not hot. No cell connection.
Chaz P
VerifiedAugust 28, 2025 • Stayed at: A20, Loop: A-Loop
Before arriving at Cosby, I had just spent a couple of nights at Elkmont, the campground that carries all my childhood nostalgia. I love Elkmont, but it’s also the most crowded spot in the Smokies, so I was ready for something quieter.
Cosby was exactly that. The campground is tucked into a more peaceful corner of the park—clean, beautifully kept, and far less congested than Elkmont. With my Jeep Gladiator overlanding rig, I could just pull in and pop up my rooftop tent with ease. The sites were spacious, manicured, and from my experience, completely tranquil.
The real highlight is its access to Mount Cammerer. At the ranger station in Elkmont, I was told this hike was a must, and after some research I found the trailhead starts right at Cosby Campground. The route up Low Gap Trail to Mount Cammerer is no small task—about 12 miles round trip—but the fire tower at the summit rewards you with some of the most breathtaking views in the Smokies.
Cosby may not carry the personal memories that Elkmont does for me, but it offers something I treasure just as much—solitude, beauty, and direct access to one of the park’s greatest hikes. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience the Smokies in a more serene way.
Chellappa T
VerifiedAugust 23, 2025 • Stayed at: A49, Loop: A-Loop
Excellent place serene atmosphere and good hiking trails nearby. neatly maintained restrooms. Mostly was silent except few chatters late night.
Gerald C
VerifiedAugust 16, 2025 • Stayed at: A59, Loop: A-Loop
This was the first time I RV camped on A Loop. (A-59) Poor campsite. Could not extend awning because of a tree. Pavement drop-off and severe ground sloping away made it a long first step to enter camper. My seemingly fit neighbor in the adjacent handicapped spot, 61, opted to run his generator from about 8 to 10 in the mornings and 5 to 8 every evening and he pointed the exhaust my direction. Perhaps you could add to the the rules: "Respect you neighbor, keep generator usage to a minimum". Please strive to open B Loop next year. I have used B-88 and B-93 many times and really enjoy either one. Bath room was clean and well kept.
Amanda P
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: A26, Loop: A-Loop
Had a wonderful overall experience at Cosby Campground, due to the campsite hosts Mark and Cathy. Recreation.gov created an absolute bureaucratic NIGHTMARE for us when we needed to change our campsite upon arrival, but Mark helped us proactively navigate the situation with empathy and genuine good-heartedness. Because of his efforts, we were ultimately able to switch sites and had a fabulous time in our new location. It was awesome to chat with him and Cathy during the process; it's evident that they both take their roles as campsite hosts and National Park volunteers very seriously. They will be moving on from Cosby to another location soon, and campers at this site will feel their loss! They were the best of the best.
james s
VerifiedJuly 19, 2025 • Stayed at: A48, Loop: A-Loop
This place is so amazing we came back to stay a few more nights before we headed to our next destination. The wildlife here lots of turkeys and fireflies are amazing. The camp host was amazing. It’s nestled away from crowds and seems well run.
james s
VerifiedJuly 18, 2025 • Stayed at: A48, Loop: A-Loop
Honestly this campground is a diamond in the rough it’s tucked away from all the crowds yet near just about everything. The campground host was super informative and knowledgeable about the area. They made us feel at home with their hospitality and generosity. We saw many wild turkeys during our stay as well as firefly’s. If crowds aren’t your thing but still want to explore and enjoy what nature has to offer then this campground is for you. Will definitely stay here again!
Lauren M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2025 • Stayed at: A64, Loop: A-Loop
Very quiet, and the turkey visitor in the morning was super cute. The bathrooms were very nice and clean.
Location Cosby Campground
Address:
127 Cosby Park Road
Cosby, TN, 37722
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.7545 / -83.2093
Elevation: 700 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
RESERVATION ONLY.
|
| General |
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. |
| General |
Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced! |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park. |
| General |
Tennessee state law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age. Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in the campground. |
| General |
For additional park information visit www.nps.gov/grsm |
