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Campgrounds near Cosby, Tennessee center around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with Cosby Campground serving as the primary developed camping area in this section of the national park. The region includes a mix of tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options at facilities like Greenbrier Campground and Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA. Primitive camping options exist within the national park boundaries, while more developed sites with hookups are available at private campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the area provide access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail.
Camping season typically runs from mid-April through October in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though private campgrounds may operate year-round. "Cosby is the by far the most secluded and private campground in the Smokies. While there is lack of waterfront sites it is much more peaceful than any of the others," notes one visitor. The campground elevation provides cooler temperatures even during summer months. Several campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though group sites and some loops require reservations. Most developed campgrounds offer toilets and drinking water, but many lack shower facilities, particularly those within the national park boundaries.
Campers report high satisfaction with the secluded nature of Cosby Campground compared to busier sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The relative quiet and privacy of campsites, particularly in the B loop, make it popular with those seeking to avoid crowds. According to reviews, sites near creeks are particularly desirable, with A20 highlighted as having good creek access. Proximity to hiking trails represents another key advantage, with trailheads for popular hikes like Mount Cammerer accessible directly from the campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with bear sightings reported regularly. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly within the national park, allowing for a more disconnected experience.
"We were informed near the top that dogs are not allowed, which was weird to me due to it being part of the Appalachian Trail and I hadn't seen anything about it in the literature I read?"
"Cosby campground solved this conundrum. Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute.
A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"It’s located just across 321. There is also a good coffee shop heading towards Cosby called The Barista’s Daughter."
"Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."
from $35 - $258 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground on the other side of the park from Cosby near the ghost town. Well maintained facilities"
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."
"Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"
"Smokemont isn't nearly as good a Campground as Elkmont, but not to say it isn't a really good place to stay. It's clean and well kept. Sites are close together with little to no privacy."
"The campground is close nearby to many of the attractions in the area - the Cherokee village and museum are to the south of it."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."
"This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee. "
from $49 - $139 / night
Check Availability"Location is excellent, borders the national park.
On the con side, though dogs are allowed, no cleanup bags provided, and no trash bins for dog waste at all, not even at dog run.""Tucked away in the Smokey Mountains with a friendly and helpful staff. Restrooms are clean with good water pressure. Camp ground well kept with easy to access connections."
"Adventure Bound is a campground chain, and this one is located on the back side of Gatlinburg in the Smokies."
"This campground is in Gatlinburg, but is almost all the way to Cosby. The campground has RV sites, tent sites, cabin rentals, and rv rentals as well. There are several riverfront sites."
from $32 - $92 / night
Check Availability"NIce campground with a gated entrance, very safe. Beautiful location. Excellent tent sites on creek. RV sites are ok, narrow and your fire ring is so close to next RV, we were uncomfortable using it."
"Triple Creek Campground lives up to it’s name being surrounded by 3 Creeks. We stayed here over Labor Day weekend in 2020 and although it was completely full, it didn’t feel crowded."
"The Tennessee and NC sides each have great things to offer. Just feel that the NC side has more smaller campgrounds and is generally a little more quiet and laid back. Go NC!"
"This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."
from $30 / night
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TravelerCrowded with small sites. Saturated grassy and muddy area all around our site. Way over priced! Staff was polite and helpful with replacing 50amp breaker at the shore connection.
TravelerThis top of the mountain campground is amazing. There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place.
ScoutThe main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
GuideEverything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
ScoutVery nice campground with very good sites easy to back into and pretty level
TravelerIf I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
ScoutWe stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.
The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
TravelerOverall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
ScoutAbsolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
Camping near Cosby, Tennessee provides access to the eastern reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 feet. This less-crowded section of the park transitions from dense forest to mountain meadows, with summer temperatures averaging 10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The area's high humidity supports over 1,600 flowering plant species, creating ideal conditions for spring and fall camping.
Trail access from camp: Maddron Bald trailhead sits just 0.6 miles down the gravel road behind Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA. "The Maddron Bald trailhead is only 0.6 miles down the gravel road and was great for hiking and running," notes a camper who appreciates the proximity to trails without needing to drive.
Creek tubing and fishing: The Little Pigeon River splits and runs around Greenbrier Campground, creating natural water recreation. "Kids are welcome get wet and stroll down one of the creeks in tubes and there's plenty of shade," mentions one reviewer who visited with family. Sites backing up to the river offer direct water access for fishing or simply enjoying the sound.
Wildlife viewing: The Cataloochee area draws visitors seeking elk encounters, especially during rutting season. One visitor reports, "We spent 5 nights and watched them early am and afternoons every day. They will get up close-and personal. The rangers keep a watch out, tho, and try to warn u if they are coming too close." Morning hours before 7 AM provide the best viewing opportunities.
Quieter camping experience: Cosby Campground attracts those seeking a more peaceful park experience. "Cosby Campground tends to be a little quieter than Cades Cove or Elkmont, but I like it that way! There is ample parking nearby and trailheads," writes one reviewer who appreciates the lower visitation levels compared to other park campgrounds.
Creek-side sites: Water features rank high on camper preferences. At Triple Creek Campground, visitors value riverside accommodations: "The campsites back next to a beautiful creek that is pure serenity. The owners are great people. Clean and quite. The perfect hideaway in the middle of everything." The sound of flowing water enhances sleep quality for many campers.
Historical exploration: Elkmont Campground provides access to Daisy Town ghost town. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails... you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes."
Bear precautions required: All campgrounds in the Cosby area require proper food storage. At Smokemont Campground, "Since this area is widely regarded for bear sightings in addition to other wild animals, you can find bear safety at the kiosk and locking trash bins." Food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured in vehicles or provided food lockers overnight.
Weather conditions vary: The area experiences rapid weather changes, especially at higher elevations. Smoky Mountain campgrounds can close unexpectedly due to conditions: "The road through the park shut down the night we were there due to snow and ice in the higher elevations, so keep weather in mind when visiting in the colder months." Always check park alerts before departure.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "Cell service wasn't great for me here, but then again in all the Smoky Mountains I cruised around with pretty much 1 bar or less," reports a camper at Elkmont. Some private campgrounds like Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg offer WiFi as an amenity.
Kid-friendly water features: Multiple campgrounds offer safe water play areas. At Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg, "There are several riverfront sites. The campground is large and has several amenities, such as a game room, pool, alpine water slide, fishing pond, and playground. This is a great campground for kids, but is also very quiet at night."
Planned activities: Private campgrounds often schedule family events. "The staff was always present and even brought rocks to paint with all of the supplies right to the campsite!" reports a camper at Triple Creek, highlighting the organized activities that keep children engaged without leaving camp.
Safety considerations: Parents note the importance of supervision around water features. At Greenbrier Campground, "During warmer months, children can play and swim in the clear and smooth stoned river," though the water runs cold even in summer, with one camper describing it as "Think ice bucket challenge" for temperature.
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. For Cataloochee Campground, visitors warn: "The roads suddenly turned from dirt and gravel to a paved section of highway and I was slightly confused... As I drove down the winding road I noticed that the twist interns grew narrow the bumps grew frequent and then encountering a motorist was a hairy experience."
Site placement matters: For RV comfort, site selection influences experience. At Elkmont, "Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week." RVers recommend requesting sites away from bathhouses for more privacy and less foot traffic.
Generator restrictions: National Park Service campgrounds have limited generator hours. One Smokemont Campground visitor notes, "I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use," indicating the available quiet camping sections. Private campgrounds typically offer electric hookups as an alternative to generators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Cosby, TN from Gatlinburg and what's the best route?
Cosby is approximately 20-25 miles from Gatlinburg, which typically takes about 30-35 minutes to drive without traffic. The most direct route is via US-321 N/TN-73, a scenic drive through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This distance makes Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park an alternative option as it's closer to Gatlinburg while still offering a mountain experience. If you're looking for accommodations halfway between the two, consider Greenbrier Campground, which provides easier access to Gatlinburg's attractions while maintaining a quieter atmosphere than campgrounds directly in the tourist area.
What other campgrounds are available in Cosby, TN besides the Smoky Mountains National Park campground?
Near Cosby, you'll find Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA, which offers amenities like hookups, showers, and WiFi that aren't available at the national park campground. For a different experience, Triple Creek Campground near Newport provides drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. If you're looking for a luxury camping experience, head to Douglas Lake where Anchor Down RV Resort offers premium amenities and lakefront views. These alternatives provide more creature comforts while still keeping you close to the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
What amenities are available at Cosby Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers clean restrooms with flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each campsite. The campground features spacious, shaded sites with good privacy between neighbors. While there are no showers or electrical hookups, and cell service is nonexistent (a welcome disconnect for many campers), there is a small convenience store just outside the entrance where you can purchase firewood and ice. Most sites are tent-oriented, though a limited number can accommodate RVs. The campground provides excellent access to hiking trails, including connections to Low Gap Trail, Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail, and the Appalachian Trail.
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