Cosby Campground
Open for the 2026 season. All sites require advance reservations via Recreation.gov; no walk-up availability. Same-day reservations are possible online. No cash accepted at the campground office.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 1:45PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of east Tennessee, including the following areas, Anderson, Blount Smoky Mountains, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, North Sevier, Northwest Blount, Northwest Carter, Northwest Cocke, Northwest Greene, Roane, Scott TN, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington TN and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Lee, Russell, Scott VA, Washington VA and Wise. * WHEN...From midnight EDT tonight through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight into Wednesday. Locations that receive multiple rounds or extended periods of locally heavy rainfall could experience flash flooding. Locations that have recently seen flooding need less rainfall to have additional flooding, and should take additional rounds of heavy rain and storms seriously. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Cosby Campground sits at 2,459 feet elevation in the less-traveled eastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground is shaded by a dense forest canopy, providing cooler temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere compared to more popular park campgrounds. With 157 sites spread across multiple loops, it accommodates both tent campers and those with smaller RVs up to 25 feet. The campground offers flush toilets with cold running water, potable water spigots, and a dump station. Each campsite includes a fire ring/grill and picnic table, with tent pads measuring 16x16 feet. There are no hookups or showers. Three ADA-accessible sites are available. Food storage lockers help protect belongings from the park's estimated 1,500 black bears. Hiking access is excellent, with the Lower Gap Trail leading to the Appalachian Trail in about three miles. Fishing for trout in nearby streams is popular, and the area provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. The historic structures throughout the park, including log cabins, churches, and grist mills, offer glimpses into Southern Appalachian heritage.
Directions
From Cosby, TN, proceed south on TN-32 about 1.5 miles south of the junction with US-321. Turn right at the Cosby sign. The campground is another 2 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 487-2683 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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