Eastern entrance area
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.
✅ 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.
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Mountain forest setting
Nearby trails: Porters Creek Trail, Deep Creek Trail. Park features: Alum Cave Bluffs, Laurel Falls. Day trip: Cades Cove Loop. Services: Gatlinburg.
Good for families. Ranger programs and campfire talks at amphitheater (seasonal). Nearby hiking accessible for various skill levels. Developed campground setting offers community feel.
May-June and September-October (mild temps, lower mosquito activity)
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.
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.
No showers on-site. No laundry facilities. Nearest shower/laundry in Gatlinburg (15+ miles). Flush toilets and potable water available seasonally.
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.
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Hiking, ranger programs, campfire programs, access to nearby trails
Recreation.gov (Booking: 6 months in advance)
No Pets Allowed
" 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."
Yes, exactly 25 feet is the maximum length. Paved roads and level sites accommodate RVs. No hookups available; this is dry camping.
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.
Yes, black bears common. Store all food in vehicle or bear box (seasonal). Maintain 100-yard distance. Talk to rangers for wildlife tips.
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.
No on-site showers or laundry. Flush toilets and potable water available seasonally. Nearest showers in Gatlinburg (15+ miles).
No cell service on-site. Download offline maps and park info before arrival. Nearest signal likely in Gatlinburg.
Yes. Quiet hours 10pm-6am; generators banned 8pm-8am. Forest setting is naturally quiet except for creek noise.
6 listings
4 listings
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