Overview Back country camping in a developed front country campground. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer. This campground is usually quieter and witho…
Overview Back country camping in a developed front country campground. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer. This campground is usually quieter and without the hustle and bustle of the busier campgrounds. All campsites have a fire ring, picnic table and several trees. Tent pads are 16ft x 16ft. RV sites are less common and reservations are recommended on busy weekends. Some RV sites also include a tent pad. View map and site descriptions to find the perfect site or companion sites for you and your family! All sites in Cosby Campground are available by 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) To ensure a site, reserve online (same-day reservation available). To make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also
Photos
Cosby Kiosk — NPSOne of many restrooms in the campground — Mark PittA Flock of Turkeys — NPSWelcome to Cosby Campground — NpsCosby in the Fall — Mark PittRV Camping — NPSCosby Creek — Mark PittWildlife in the campground — NPSRV camping in Cosby — NPSMajor improvements to the nature trail — NPSA short hike on the Nature Trail, or head up to the Appalachian Trail — NPSA quiet respite along the nature trail — Nps
How to Get There
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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COSBY CAMPGROUND
Heading to COSBY CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COSBY CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for COSBY CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232479) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at COSBY CAMPGROUND?
COSBY CAMPGROUND has 157 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to COSBY CAMPGROUND?
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.
