Yes. Store all food in your vehicle and keep a clean site.

Cosby Campground

Q: Is it good for tents and hammocks?

Very. The heavy hardwood canopy and spread-out sites make it a favorite for tent and hammock campers.

Q: Are there showers or hookups?

No. Flush toilets and cold running water only; no showers or hookups anywhere in the park.

Q: Can I hike from the campground?

Yes. Trails to Hen Wallow Falls (Gabes Mountain) and Low Gap start right at the campground.

Sites

157

Hookups

None — dry camping only

Pets Allowed

Showers

Overview

About This Campground

Cosby is the Smokies' quiet giant — 157 tree-shaded sites in a peaceful corner of the northeast Tennessee side that stays calm even when Cades Cove and Elkmont are packed. It's a longtime favorite of tent and hammock campers who want big shade, cool creek air, and elbow room. Amenities are the park standard (flush toilets, cold water, no showers or hookups), and quiet trailheads like Hen Wallow Falls and the Gabes Mountain Trail start right from camp. If you want the frontcountry with a backcountry feel, this is the pick.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: You want quiet, shade, and space, or everything else is full. ❌ SKIP IF: You want a lively basecamp with a store or to be near attractions.

Site Types

Tent, RV (no hookups); popular with tent and hammock campers

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall for cool, quiet camping; summer stays shady.

Camping Tips

Best bet when everything else is booked — Cosby rarely fills.
Great for hammocks under the hardwood canopy.
Hike to Hen Wallow Falls straight from camp.
No showers in the park; bring what you need.

RV Driver Intel

The Vibe

Peaceful, forested, and uncrowded — the closest a frontcountry campground gets to a backcountry feel.

What Campers Say

Camper reviews repeatedly call Cosby a quiet, shaded hidden gem that rarely fills, a favorite of tent and hammock campers wanting space and calm. The flip side reviewers note is that it is plain on amenities and a bit removed from the marquee attractions.

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 157

Hookups: None — dry camping only

Site Types

Tent, RV (no hookups); popular with tent and hammock campers

Activities

Hen Wallow Falls, Gabes Mountain Trail, and Low Gap Trail from camp; ranger programs

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: No showers — none anywhere in the park
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Water: Cold running water / spigots available

Utilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets

Showers: No showers — none anywhere in the park

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Recreation.gov (Booking: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.

FAQs

Is Cosby usually available?

Yes. It's one of the least crowded frontcountry campgrounds, so you can often book close to your travel dates.

Is it good for tents and hammocks?

Are there showers or hookups?

Can I hike from the campground?

Is it bear country?

📖 NPS - Great Smoky Mountains Camping 📖 Recreation.gov 📖 OpenStreetMap 📖 The Dyrt - Smokies Camping Guide 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Book Now