Campground

Cosby Campground

Campground

Cosby Campground is a forested, 157-site developed campground under a mountain canopy at 2,459 feet elevation. It offers both tent-only (134 sites) and RV-compatible sites (23 sites) with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings—but no hookups or showers. Reservations are required and recommended up to 6 months in advance.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Set alarm for 6 months before desired dates. Recreation.gov opens bookings exactly 6 months out. This campground fills quickly May-October; summer weekends often book within minutes.
Season Dates
May 16 - October 24 (seasonal closure)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Set alarm for 6 months before desired dates. Recreation.gov opens bookings exactly 6 months out. This campground fills quickly May-October; summer weekends often book within minutes.
Season Dates
May 16 - October 24 (seasonal closure)
Fills Up Speed
Books quickly—6-month window often fills within days
Per Night Cost
$30 per site per night
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annual)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
157
Site Types
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Site Type Breakdown
134 tent-only, 23 tent or RV-compatible
RV Max Length
25 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Site Features
Fire ring (provided at each site), food storage box (seasonal), tent pads (provided)
Ground Type
Tent pads (where provided); gravel/dirt parking areas
Site Privacy
Surrounded by forest; tree buffer between sites provides moderate privacy

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets (seasonal)
Potable Water
Spigots available (seasonal)
Dump Station
Yes, on-site (seasonal)
Trash Service
Dumpsters provided (seasonal)
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Dead and downed wood gathering allowed on-site; USDA-certified heat-treated firewood only if brought from outside
Cell Service
No cell service; download offline maps before arrival
Nearby Facilities
Cosby, TN (nearby for basic supplies); Gatlinburg (15+ miles) for shopping, restaurants, services

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Paved roads throughout campground; site driveways paved; suitable for all vehicles within length limits
Vehicle Restrictions
Max 2 motor vehicles or 1 with trailer per site; park only on pavement
Clearance Needed
Standard (low-clearance vehicles OK)
Gate Hours
Open seasonally May 16-October 24; park roads accessible 24/7
Nearest Gas Services
Cosby, TN (nearby); Gatlinburg for major services (15+ miles)
Elevation
2,459 feet
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible paths to restrooms and parking. Two ADA-compliant campsites. Paved roads throughout campground.
ADA Accessible Sites
2 ADA-compliant campsites; accessible paths to restrooms and parking

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
All food and equipment must be sealed in vehicle or solid structure at all times when not in use; food storage lockers provided (seasonal)
Fire Restrictions
Fires permitted only in provided fire rings; heat-treated firewood only
Generator Hours
8am-8pm (prohibited 8pm-8am)
Quiet Hours
10pm-6am
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, ranger programs, campfire programs, access to nearby trails
Trailheads Nearby
Porters Creek Trail, Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls within walking distance or short drive
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears (maintain 100-yard distance), deer, elk, chipmunks
Stargazing Quality
unknown (forest canopy may limit star visibility)
Shade Coverage
Full pine canopy
Scenic Views
Mountain forest setting
Noise Level
Mostly quiet forest; occasional creek noise; generator ban enforced
Best Time To Visit
May-June and September-October (mild temps, lower mosquito activity)
Vibe Check
Developed campground under forest canopy—forested setting, not a parking lot. Tree cover provides buffer between sites. Ranger presence and seasonal programs create community feel. Quiet hours enforced.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers wanting shaded forest, RV travelers with 25ft or smaller rigs, families seeking ranger programs and nearby hiking. ❌ SKIP IF: Looking for full hookups or showers, solitude-seekers (sites close together), boondockers, or those needing constant water/power.
Tips Advice
  • Reservations open up to six months ahead; confirm current operating dates on NPS or Recreation.gov.
  • Pack layers and rain gear; mountain weather changes rapidly.
  • Bring USDA-certified firewood or gather dead wood on-site.
  • Bear country: store all food in vehicle or box. Maintain 100-yard distance.
  • Generator use 8am-8pm only; quiet hours 10pm-6am.
  • Fill water jugs at spigots; potable water is available during the operating season.
  • No cell service; download maps offline.

More details

Park Area
Eastern entrance area
Sites Tent Only
134
Family Friendly Notes
Good for families. Ranger programs and campfire talks at amphitheater (seasonal). Nearby hiking accessible for various skill levels. Developed campground setting offers community feel.
Amphitheater
Yes (seasonal)
Boat Launch
No water access for boats
Nearby Attractions
Nearby trails: Porters Creek Trail, Deep Creek Trail. Park features: Alum Cave Bluffs, Laurel Falls. Day trip: Cades Cove Loop. Services: Gatlinburg.
Terrain Type
Hilly, mountainous forest
Temperature Ranges
Winters 20s-40s F (occasional freezing), summers 75-85F daytime with 50-65F nights
Snow Season
October-May (campground closed October 25-May 15)
Monsoon Season
Summer thunderstorms possible; mountain weather changes rapidly
Wind Exposure
Protected by forest canopy
Bug Season
June-August peak mosquitoes; bring insect repellent
Setup Strategy
Paved roads and site driveways throughout. Tent pads provided on most sites. Park only on pavement; no off-site parking. Standard sedans OK; RVs max 25 feet.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers on-site. No laundry facilities. Nearest shower/laundry in Gatlinburg (15+ miles). Flush toilets and potable water available seasonally.
Review Summary
Popular developed campground with shaded forest setting and accessible facilities. Flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings available seasonally. Requires early booking—6 months ahead recommended for summer.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will my 25-foot RV fit?

Yes, exactly 25 feet is the maximum length. Paved roads and level sites accommodate RVs. No hookups available; this is dry camping.

Can we make campfires?

Yes, in provided fire rings only. Bring USDA-certified firewood or gather dead wood on-site. Generators prohibited 8pm-8am; quiet hours 10pm-6am keep it peaceful.

Are there bears here?

Yes, black bears common. Store all food in vehicle or bear box (seasonal). Maintain 100-yard distance. Talk to rangers for wildlife tips.

Do we need reservations?

Yes, required. All 157 sites are reservable only (no first-come-first-serve). Book via Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead; fills quickly May-October.

Are there showers or laundry?

No on-site showers or laundry. Flush toilets and potable water available seasonally. Nearest showers in Gatlinburg (15+ miles).

What's the cell service like?

No cell service on-site. Download offline maps and park info before arrival. Nearest signal likely in Gatlinburg.

Is it quiet at night?

Yes. Quiet hours 10pm-6am; generators banned 8pm-8am. Forest setting is naturally quiet except for creek noise.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.