31 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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
"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
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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
"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
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
GuideDrove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
Traveler✨ I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Glamping on the Clinch River!❤️ It was truly one of the most relaxing, beautiful experiences, and waking up to such a breathtaking piece of God’s creation was something special that I will never forget. The views are absolutely stunning, the peacefulness is unmatched, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.🙏🏻🤍 But what makes this place even more special is the incredible family behind it. Bonnie and Rusty are truly two of the sweetest, most generous, and kindhearted people you could ever meet! Their hospitality goes above and beyond, and you can feel the love they put into making sure every guest has the most wonderful experience. From preparing breakfast for their guests to the thoughtful little touches like making s’mores around the outdoor campfire, they make you feel so welcomed and cared for.❤️🔥 The tipi itself was absolutely beautiful, exceptionally clean, and decorated so thoughtfully to create the perfect glamping experience. Every detail made our stay feel cozy, comfortable, and magical while still allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.🏕️✨ Places like this are a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t about fancy hotels or extravagant vacations. They’re about beautiful surroundings, genuine kindness, peaceful moments, and the wonderful people who make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and hosted by people with truly golden hearts, you NEED to experience Glamping on the Clinch River! I would recommend it a thousand times over, and we are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay here. Bonnie and Rusty, thank you for sharing your beautiful place with others and for making our experience so incredibly special. You two are such a blessing!❤️🙏🏻 We will absolutely cherish these memories and hope to be back again soon!🌿🤍✨
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
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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