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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Cosby, TN

2,604 Reviews

Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Campground offers pet-friendly sites with spacious, wooded camping areas ideal for dogs. This well-maintained KOA provides full hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabin accommodations that welcome pets throughout the year. Dogs enjoy the fenced dog run area with plenty of space to exercise, though some visitors note the absence of dog waste stations and disposal bins specifically for pet waste. The campground borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing easy access to numerous outdoor activities while maintaining clean facilities and level sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

Triple Creek Campground features three converging creeks where pets can enjoy water access in a tranquil setting. The property remains exceptionally clean with friendly owners who create a welcoming atmosphere for guests with dogs. The campground provides a large field where children and pets can play, with the soothing sounds of rushing water creating a peaceful backdrop for camping. While tent sites are available, they tend to be smaller and positioned between two roads where headlights and traffic noise may disturb light sleepers. Many campers use this location as a convenient base camp for exploring nearby attractions in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park while keeping their pets comfortable.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Cosby, Tennessee (362)

    1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    73 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "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."

    2. Greenbrier Campground

    71 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    11 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Greenbriar campground is located in Pittman Center, west of Gatlinburg, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is certainly one of the nicest camping spots I’ve n the area."

    "The dog park is near this area as well as a swimming area on the river. It’s a short walk to the office/store and all the activities they offer."

    3. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    125 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Nice campground on the other side of the park from Cosby near the ghost town. Well maintained facilities"

    "Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails. This campground has great access to hiking and fishing, as well as wildlife viewing."

    4. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    55 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Very kid friendly, pet friendly (Kamp K9), lots in the area to go do and see. Pools, hot tub, kitchen, firewood for sale, fishing access, snack bar, cable tv, and WiFi."

    "Also adjacent to a massive open field park that’s great for the kids or dogs. Super close to Dollywood."

    5. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    54 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    18 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "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."

    6. Anchor Down RV Resort

    49 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Also, there is no restroom even close to the playground area. Thankfully we didn’t have a bathroom emergency with our toddler. The beach area they’ve constructed on the lake is INSANE! So so nice!"

    "Pet friendly - pick up stations and off leash area with activities for active breeds."

    7. Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA

    14 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 532-7183

    "Dog park. Management was very polite and helpful."

    "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."

    8. Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg

    16 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-4434

    $32 - $92 / night

    "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."

    9. Triple Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 465-3060

    "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."

    10. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Cosby, TN

256 Photos of 362 Cosby Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cosby, TN

2604 Reviews of 362 Cosby Campgrounds

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2016

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Going up?

    Read all about Mt Cammerer fire tower and planned it in my road trip. Car camped and headed in nice and early. It was a challenging climb and not for the faint of heart :) seriously, anyone could do it if you have all day as its 5+ miles up pretty much the entire way. Worth the hike for the view, but it was crowded at the top. 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? But I digress...So, if you enter from Cosby dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the trail?? Wildlife and all. Good hike, definitely worth the climb, put it on your list! :)

  • Jason F.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Asheville West KOA

    Far enough away to feel like camping and still close to the city

    The Asheville KOA is very pet and RV friendly. There are a number of walking trails of easy to moderate difficulty that run throughout the property. The dog park is a great place to let the pups off of the leashes for a bit. Staff pickup trash daily between 10-11AM at your site, but dumpsters are easily accessible.

    We camped here in our 22' travel trailer. The back in sites are mostly level with a mix of dirt and gravel. If you're looking for a sunny spot, request one of the even-numbered back-ins. If you would prefer to be mostly in the shade, go for an odd-numbered spot. 20/30/50 amp electric, cable, water and sewer were easily accessible at each site. Camp sites are not very large, so be mindful of volume and lights with respect to your neighbors.

  • Nate H.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Greenbrier Campground

    Best Around

     Greenbriar campground is located in Pittman Center, west of Gatlinburg, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is certainly one of the nicest camping spots I’ve n the area. The campground is very large, and has multiple camping options. They have tent and rv spots, as well as cabins, but I also saw some teepee style tent cabins. The campground is very wooded, so you feel like you are getting a legitimate Smoky Mountain camping experience. The pigeon river runs through the campground, and is great for fishing, or swimming/tubing in summer. There is a dog park also, and the campground is pet friendly. This campground has so many things to do, and it is very popular, so if you want to camp here, I would suggest booking early, because spots are booked months in advance. The campground is very quiet at night, with just the sounds of nature. There is a camp store, with firewood, and you’ll want to enjoy a campfire, even in the middle of summer. I Highly recommend Greenbriar Campground for camping in the Smokies.

  • Lori H.
    Jun. 15, 2020

    Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park

    True RV park right off 1-75

    Raccoon Valley RV park is literally just an RV park. The park was very clean and well maintained, and would be a nice place to park for a night as part of a longer trip. The RV park is just right off 1-75, just north of Knoxville, so it would be easy to hop on and off the interstate. The property is just a large gravel parking lot, with a few trees scattered throughout. Not really my kind of camping, but nearly all the spots were full.

    The park has a large laundry facility, and a dog park for people traveling/camping with pets. I did see some benches located in the perimeter of the property in shady spots for relaxing.

    I assume some of the guests are long term residents, but the sites were all so neat and clean, without built on structures and such that I’ve seen at most places. This RV park will be perfect for some!

  • Anne H.
    May. 31, 2018

    Asheville West KOA

    Nice stay.

    Other than rain almost every day, we enjoyed this spot while checking out Asheville and Biltmore Estate. The campground is very wooded, allowing for shady space. The showers were decently clean. Garbage is picked up at your site, or you can recycle next to the shower house which is not located far for the back section, which we were in, with full hookups. We enjoyed the trail through the woods that circles the whole campground. Our dog enjoyed the dog park. There is a pool and camp store.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Country Time

    Sites: 60 Pull thrus 

    RV-Tent-Cabins 15-30-50 amp service 

    Hot showers, pool, pets allowed, toilets, laundry, small grocery store This is only of couple of miles off I40 in the rolling hills of Tennessee, very quiet and well maintained. Sites ae a bit close together but not on top of each other. Gravel pads, fire rings, picnic table, trash. Beautiful green space and dog walk area. Enjoy the hiking. 

    LNT 

    Travel safe

  • Pat B.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    Not quite great for a senior

    Great and clean unless you have a very active dog and you're sorta out of shape. Their dog park extremely small and hilly and has holes you need to watch. The yellow jackets were terrible and I got stung while just sitting at our site. Also a hike to take garbage to their dumpster. Some sort of pickup or maybe bear proof cans half way point, also more flat area for dog walks. If they would take in some of the area around the horse shoe area that would help too .

  • P
    Dec. 23, 2020

    Asheville West KOA

    Great home base for a week

    We stayed here for a week to visit the Asheville area. The location is amazing very short drive into town, hiking spots, and I highly recommend you take a walk around Lake Junaluska . We booked this spot for the location and it delivered. Yes, that came with a lot of highway noise... but again we wanted an easy jumping off point. So we got exactly what we booked. What was the biggest difference maker was the staff. So lovely, so kind! Trash pick up from our site and each night they delivered firewood to us. Even would refill your propane tank and deliver it back to you. Spots were a little squeezed but not too bad. Dog park was awesome for our two pups.

Guide to Cosby

Cosby sits at the northeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at approximately 2,460 feet elevation where the terrain transitions from valley to mountain. Weather patterns can shift quickly in this area, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months when temperatures typically range from 70-85°F. Campers often choose Cosby as a quieter alternative to the more crowded western entrances of the national park.

What to do

Hiking from camp: At Cosby Campground, trails start right on the property. "There is a Mount Cammerer Trailhead right there, which is a fabulous hike. There is a stream nearby also!" notes Jessica L. The trailhead for several popular hikes is conveniently located within the campground boundaries.

Visit historic sites: Take a short drive to the abandoned vacation homes at Elkmont. "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," suggests Jean C. This collection of historic cottages provides a glimpse into the area's past.

Water activities: Greenbrier Campground offers water-based recreation on site. "Me and my kids loved the swimming hole as well although the water was freezing," writes Erica F. Several campgrounds feature creeks or rivers where visitors can cool off during hot summer days.

What campers like

Quiet camping experience: Many visitors appreciate the less crowded nature of Cataloochee Campground. "It's secluded, on the small side, and quiet. It's very much a family campground, and there seem to be a lot of regulars that camp here year after year," reports Kristina. This creates a more peaceful atmosphere compared to busier campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning wildlife sightings are common at certain campgrounds. "If you want to see the elk, you're going to have to be up early. I use to be in the park at 5 AM with night vision gear, I saw some very nice elk," advises Patrick K. Many campers report seeing elk, deer, and occasionally bears in the area.

Stream sounds: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at many sites. At Triple Creek Campground, "the water makes such beautifully tranquil noise. I slept so good when it wasn't too hot to sleep with the windows open," shares Patti C. Stream-side sites are particularly popular during summer months.

What you should know

Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. For Cataloochee, "It's a long 13 miles into the valley down a very narrow, curvy gravel road, so I wouldn't try w/o reservations!" cautions Jodie K. Always check road conditions before attempting to reach remote campgrounds.

Seasonal differences: Campgrounds operate on different schedules. For Smokemont Campground, "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," advises Carly E. Winter visitors should confirm which facilities remain open.

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. "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," notes Crystal C. about Elkmont Campground. Weekends and holidays fill up particularly quickly.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water features: Children enjoy playing in the shallow water features at several dog friendly campgrounds near Cosby. At Greenbrier Campground, "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," reports Elizabeth B. These natural water features provide hours of entertainment.

Look for campground activities: Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg offers numerous structured activities. "The campground has so many things to do! They have a camp store with essentials and ice cream! They have rental golf carts to get around the property on. There's an arcade, a pool, an alpine slide, a fishing pond, playground," details Lori H. These amenities keep children entertained during downtime.

Space for outdoor play: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "There was a big field where kids could play, with a play set and many other things to keep them busy," notes Tony M. about Triple Creek Campground. These open spaces allow children to burn energy between structured activities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: At Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA, RVers recommend specific sites. "We had a nice back-in site and the sites had decent space between them, especially for a KOA," reports Tina. Checking site dimensions before arrival ensures your RV will fit comfortably.

Hookup availability: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Cosby offer varying levels of hookups. "Sites are full hook up. Level. Fire rings. Picnic tables. Offers supreme patio sites as well," notes Debbie B. about Gatlinburg East KOA. Utilities vary widely between campgrounds, with some offering only basic services.

Road navigation: RV drivers should research access roads carefully. "Positioned closest to Gatlinburg, Elkmont Campground is one of the easiest campgrounds to navigate in when it comes to wider roads and more widespread campsites," explains Crystal C. Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV length due to tight turns and narrow roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cosby, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cosby, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 73 reviews.

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