Camping at Cosby Campground

Overview of Cosby Campground

Cosby Campground, located in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the park's many beautiful camping spots. This less-crowded campground is perfect for those seeking a more peaceful environment compared to the busier campgrounds such as Cades Cove or Elkmont.

Location

Cosby Campground is situated in the northeastern section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 5 miles south of the community of Cosby, Tennessee. Access is typically via the Cosby Entrance Road from Highway 321.

Facilities and Amenities

Campsites: Cosby Campground includes individual campsites suitable for tents and RVs (though no electrical, water, or sewer hookups are available), as well as group campsites. Campsites usually have a fire ring with a grill, a picnic table, and a flat area for setting up a tent.

Restrooms: Flush toilets and cold running water are provided. There are no shower facilities available on-site, but visitors can find showers in surrounding communities outside the park.

Picnic Area: There is a day-use picnic area which can be used by campers as well as day visitors.

Activities

Hiking: Cosby is an excellent base for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. Popular trails in the area include the Hen Wallow Falls Trail, the Cosby Nature Trail, and hikes to the Mt. Cammerer fire lookout tower.

Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, so proper precautions should always be taken to store food and manage scents.

Campground Regulations

Bear Safety: Due to bear activity in the Great Smoky Mountains, special regulations and measures are in place to prevent bear-human interactions. All food and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers or kept in vehicles when not in use.

Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10 pm to 6 am to ensure a peaceful experience for all guests.

Alcohol: The possession of alcoholic beverages within the park is subject to Tennessee state laws.

Pets: While pets are allowed in the campground, they must be kept on a leash at all times and are not permitted on most trails.

Reservations and Availability

Reservations: Cosby Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most of the year, but reservations are available and can be made via Recreation.gov during peak camping seasons.

Season: The campground generally opens in early spring and closes in late fall, with exact dates varying each year based on conditions.

Weather

The weather in the Great Smoky Mountains can be quite variable. Summers are typically warm and humid, while spring and fall can provide cooler temperatures, especially at night. Winters are generally cold with the possibility of snow, so camping during this season is only recommended for experienced winter campers.

Access

Some roads in the park, including the access road to Cosby Campground, may be closed seasonally due to weather conditions or other factors. Always check with the National Park Service or visit the park's official website for the most current road closures and conditions before your trip.

Cosby Campground offers a serene camping experience with the sounds of nature often being the only interruption. It's an ideal spot for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors and have easy access to some of the less-traveled trails in the Great Smoky Mountains.