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National Park Service campground · Cocke County
Cosby Campground
Cosby Campground is a National Park Service campground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cocke County, Tennessee. It has 157 campsites.
Photo: Roc0ast3r (CC0), Wikimedia Commons
Amenities at Cosby Campground
- BookingReservable
- PetsAllowed on a leash
- Dump stationYes
- ShowersNot listed
Summary of the official listing. Details and sources are in the table below.
Status notice for Cosby Campground
Closed for the season as of 2026-11-14; scheduled closure 2026-10-25 to 2027-05-15.
Cosby Campground campsites, fees and season
Facts for Cosby Campground as the managing agency lists them, with a link per row.
| Item | As published | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Campsites | 157 (134 tent or primitive) | Source |
| Reservations | Reservations | Source |
| Booking window | Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance. | Source |
| Season | Cosby Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation. | Source |
| Nightly fees | Campsite Fee: $30.00 (Per site per night. Up to 6 people per site.) | Source |
| Stay limit | The park-wide camping limit is 14 consecutive days with no more than 60 total days in a calendar year. | Source |
| Pets | Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are only permitted on the roads, Oconaluftee River Trail, and Gatlinburg Trail. | Source |
| RV length limit | 25 feet (RV); trailer 25 feet | Source |
| Dump station | Yes | Source |
| Showers | No | Source |
| Amenities | Dump Station – Seasonal, Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal, Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal, Amphitheater – Seasonal, Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal, Potable Water – Seasonal, Flush Toilets – seasonal, Showers – None | Source |
| Phone | (423) 487-2683 | Source |
| Address | 471 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN 37722 | Source |
Rules that apply at Cosby Campground
These come from National Park Service rules for all of its campgrounds, not just this one.
| Rule | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Food storage | All food and equipment used to prepare and store food (stoves, pots, coolers, etc.) must be kept sealed in a vehicle (preferably the trunk) or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material at all times when not in use. All scented items and all water containers must also be stored. Food storage lockers at Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont and Smokemont. Backco | Source |
| Firewood | Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the USDA or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park. | Source |
| Quiet hours | Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm-6:00 am. Generator quiet hours are from 8:00 pm-8:00 am. | Source |
| Pets | Pets are allowed in campgrounds on a leash no longer than six feet; only on roads, the Oconaluftee River Trail and the Gatlinburg Trail; not in the backcountry. | Source |
| Alcohol | Alcohol is permitted in campgrounds and picnic areas, provided the person in possession is at least 21 years old. | Source |
| Stay limits | The park-wide camping limit is 14 consecutive days with no more than 60 total days in a calendar year. Backcountry: no more than 3 consecutive nights at a campsite. | Source |
Fishing and hunting near Cosby Campground
Nearest fishing water
Pigeon River on Tennessee Fishing Spots. The closest TWRA public fishing access point is Bluffton Access Area, about 4.4 miles away.
Nearest wildlife management area
Rankin WMA on State Hunting Spots, about 22 miles away in a straight line. Check WMA camping rules before you stay overnight there.
Nearby
Other campgrounds near Cosby Campground
Questions about camping at Cosby Campground
How many campsites does Cosby Campground have?
National Park Service lists 157 campsites: 134 tent or primitive.
Can I reserve a site at Cosby Campground?
Yes. Sites are booked through the official reservation system. Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
When is Cosby Campground open?
Cosby Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation.
How much does a site at Cosby Campground cost?
$30 a night as published by National Park Service. Confirm the current rate when booking.
What size RV fits at Cosby Campground?
25 feet (RV); trailer 25 feet
Is there a dump station at Cosby Campground?
Yes, the listing shows a dump station.
Are there showers at Cosby Campground?
The listing does not show showers.
How long can I stay at Cosby Campground?
The park-wide camping limit is 14 consecutive days with no more than 60 total days in a calendar year.
Are pets allowed at Cosby Campground?
Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are only permitted on the roads, Oconaluftee River Trail, and Gatlinburg Trail.
Where can I fish near Cosby Campground?
The closest public fishing access is Bluffton Access Area on Pigeon River, about 4.4 miles away.
Before you go to Cosby Campground
Check burn bans and weather alerts for Tennessee today, and when bookings open for holiday weekends.