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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

COSBY PICNIC PAVILION

Cosby, North Carolina · Cocke County · Campground

Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Picnic pavilion is along Cosby creek. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the pa…

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About COSBY PICNIC PAVILION

Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Picnic pavilion is along Cosby creek. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the parking area is an accessible restroom. 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, 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 also 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 during the right time of year. 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 holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.Facilities Cosby Picnic Pavilion can accommodate up to 55 guests and offers a covered eating area, multiple grills, flush toilets and other modern amenities, making it an ideal location for a party or family get-together. The pavilion may be reserved for a morning or evening block, so visitors who wish to use the area for a full day should reserve both time slots.Natural Features World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and

How to Get There

Seasonal phone is 423-487-2683 From Cosby, TN, proceed south on TN 32 about 1.5 miles from junction with US 321. Turn right at Cosby sign. Group camp is another 2.2 miles.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

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 PICNIC PAVILION

Heading to COSBY PICNIC PAVILION? 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 PICNIC PAVILION?

No central reservation system listed for COSBY PICNIC PAVILION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232439) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to COSBY PICNIC PAVILION?

Seasonal phone is 423-487-2683 From Cosby, TN, proceed south on TN 32 about 1.5 miles from junction with US 321. Turn right at Cosby sign. Group camp is another 2.2 miles.

How do I contact COSBY PICNIC PAVILION?

You can reach the park at phone: 423-487-2683.