5. Cosby Campground

Getting to Cosby Campground

• From Gatlinburg, TN: Head east on East Parkway (US 321 North) for about 18 miles to the intersection with TN-32. Turn right onto TN-32 South and drive 1.2 miles to Cosby Park Road on the right. Follow Cosby Park Road for 2.3 miles to the campground entrance. The total drive takes approximately 32 minutes. Note that Cosby Entrance Road has undergone recent rehabilitation, ensuring smooth access

Parking Tags

You do not need a parking tag if you park your vehicle at the assigned parking spot in the campground and leave it there.

If you venture out, you will need to purchase a parking tag if your vehicle is stationary for more than 15 minutes.

Campers with more than one vehicle will need to purchase a parking tag for each of the additional vehicle(s).

Key rules:

• A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Campers parked at their designated campsite do not need a tag.
• Excess vehicles (beyond site limits) require a parking tag.
• Limit of two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer per individual site; park only in designated spaces with wheels on pavement.
• For group sites, similar limits apply based on capacity.

• Daily tag: $5.00
• Weekly tag: $15.00

Annual parking tags are available for $40.00, but they cannot be purchased via a kiosk.

You can only get it at one of the Smokies Life locations or an Official Visitor Center.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

Cosby Campground Description

Cosby Campground is the third-largest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering 157 sites in a shaded, forested setting along Cosby Creek.

Its remote location in the park’s northeastern area makes it less crowded than central campgrounds, though it can fill up during peak weekends and holidays.

The moderate elevation provides comfortable temperatures, with mild winters and warm, humid summers.

Key features include:

• Primarily tent-oriented sites, with some accommodating small RVs or vans (no hookups).
• Surrounding hardwood forests, historic cemeteries, and old-growth trees.
• Seasonal wildflowers and fall colors for scenic enjoyment.
• Basic amenities emphasizing a rustic experience.

Amenities

Cosby Campground offers essential facilities for a comfortable yet rustic stay, with no modern conveniences like showers or hookups to preserve the natural setting.

Available amenities include:

• Flush toilets (seasonal).
• Potable drinking water spigots (seasonal).
• Dump station for RVs (seasonal).
• Trash and recycling collection (seasonal).
• Food storage lockers (seasonal, bear-proof).
• Amphitheater for ranger programs (seasonal).
• Staff on site (seasonal).

Note: No showers, camp store, ice sales, firewood sales, laundry, cell phone reception, or internet connectivity. The nearest showers and supplies are in nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Cosby, TN.

Individual Campsites

The 157 individual sites accommodate up to 6 people each, with a 14-day consecutive stay limit.

Site details:

• Most are tent-only with 16ft x 16ft gravel pads; tents must be on pads.
• Select sites suit RVs (e.g., A01–A03, B48) or vans/compact campers (no hookups).
• Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and trees for hammocks (max 2 per tree, trees >10 inches diameter).
• ADA-accessible sites: A57, A61 (near accessible restrooms).
• Generators: Allowed 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; may not be left unattended.
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
• Firewood: Only certified heat-treated or dead/down wood collected in the park (no chainsaws).
• Pets: Leashed (6 ft max), attended, not on trails.
• No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer per site; keep wheels on pavement.
• No showers; nearest in Gatlinburg or other nearby towns.

Read: Paws in the Park Pet Policy

Group Campsites

Three group sites are available for groups of 7 or more, with capacities ranging from 15 to 30 people (one accessible).

Details:

• Tents only; no trailers, RVs, or wheeled units.
• Amenities: Tent pads, fire rings, grills, tables, flush toilets, drinking water (no showers or hookups).
• Generators are prohibited in the group campsite area.
• 14-day stay limit; all park rules apply, including pet leashes, food storage, and firewood restrictions.
• Reservations required up to 12 months in advance via Recreation.gov.

Reservations and Registration

All sites (individual and group) require advance reservations; no first-come, first-served options.

Process:

• Book via Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777; same-day reservations are often available.
• Individual sites: Up to 6 months in advance.
• Group sites: Up to 12 months in advance.
• Check-in at campground office upon arrival (or by noon next day if after hours); check-out by noon.
• No cash accepted on-site; prices subject to change (America the Beautiful passes may offer discounts for seniors/access holders, but not standard camping fees).
• For current availability, visit Recreation.gov.

Black Bears at Cosby Campground

Officially, the park is home to over 1,900 black bears, and the Cosby area sees regular bear activity, particularly during dawn and dusk when they forage.

Bears are typically non-aggressive if undisturbed, but proper precautions are essential to avoid encounters.

Follow these bear safety guidelines:

• Store all food, coolers, scented items, and trash in sealed vehicles or bear-proof containers when not in use.
• Dispose of garbage in bear-proof dumpsters immediately.
• Report any bear sightings or unusual activity to park staff right away.
• Violations of food storage rules can result in fines and item impoundment.

Read: What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear

Activities at Cosby Campground

Hiking

Cosby provides direct access to a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels, starting from or near the campground.

Popular trails include:

• Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls: 4.4 miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty, featuring a 90-foot waterfall.
• Lower Mount Cammerer Trail: Leads to the Appalachian Trail and a historic fire tower with 360-degree views.
• Maddron Bald – Albright Grove Loop: 7.3 miles, moderate, passing through impressive old-growth forest.
• Cosby Nature Trail: Short, easy loop ideal for families and beginners, winding through old-growth forest.

Pets are allowed on leashes in the campground but prohibited on most trails (exceptions: Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail).

Fishing

Cosby Creek and nearby streams offer excellent fishing opportunities, especially for brook trout in remote headwaters.

My Smoky Mountain Guide is an excellent resource for learning about fishing in the park.

Tips:

• A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
• Follow park regulations, including no bait fishing in certain areas.
• Larger park streams also support rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.

Read: Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide

Nearby Points of Interest

The Cosby area is rich with attractions, offering opportunities to explore the park’s history, nature, and scenery.

• Cosby Picnic Area: Located just up the road, this day-use area is great for picnics and open to all visitors.
• Hen Wallow Falls: Accessible via Gabes Mountain Trail from near the dump station, a must-see 90-foot waterfall.
• Mount Cammerer Fire Tower: Hike the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail for panoramic views.
• Historic Cemeteries and Old-Growth Forests: Explore the area’s cultural history and ancient trees on trails like Maddron Bald.
• Foothills Parkway East: A short drive away for scenic overlooks.
• Town of Cosby, TN: Nearby for supplies, dining, and additional attractions.