Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP

The quietest campground in the Smokies — far from the Gatlinburg crowds

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, TN

Price: From $30 per night

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (1342 reviews)

Elevation: 2459 feet

Season: Mid-March through November

On the far eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby is one of the most peaceful campgrounds in the Smokies. 157 sites in a secluded cove setting — far from the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge tourist corridor. Used as a starting point for hikes to Mount Cammerer (one of the best views in the park) and Hen Wallow Falls. Historically one of the least crowded campgrounds in the park despite being one of the largest.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Flush toilets, Water, Picnic tables, Fire grates, Amphitheater, Cosby Creek swimming holes nearby

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/cosby-smoky-mountains to be notified when sites open up.

The quietest of the major Smoky Mountains campgrounds — on the far eastern edge of the park away from the Gatlinburg tourist corridor. 157 sites in a secluded cove. Starting point for Mount Cammerer, one of the best summit views in the park.

The Low Gap Trail to the Appalachian Trail — 4.4 miles from the campground to the AT crossing, almost never crowded. The crest views in both directions from the AT intersection are exceptional.

What is new at Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: Now fully reservable on Recreation.gov.

Wildlife alert: Black bears present throughout the park. Wild boar also present in Cosby area. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes in rocky areas.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Check nps.gov/grsm.

Things to do near Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: Mount Cammerer fire lookout tower (11 mi RT) — 360 views from a CCC-built octagonal stone tower. Hen Wallow Falls (4.4 mi RT) — most accessible significant waterfall in the eastern park.

Insider tips for Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: Cosby is genuinely less crowded — you can often get sites with 1 week’s notice Use the Covent Bridge Road route from Newport, not the Gatlinburg approach, for easiest access

Skip Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP if: You want main park attractions within walking distance — they’re 30+ minutes from Cosby.

Best time to visit Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: Apr–Jun — Spring wildflowers. Waterfalls at full flow.. Sep–Nov — Fall foliage spectacular. Fewer crowds..

Common issues at Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: Road to Cosby is narrow and winding. Use the Newport/I-40 route to avoid Gatlinburg traffic. GPS can route you through traffic.

What campers say about Cosby — Great Smoky Mountains NP: "Came here because Cades Cove was full. It was way better. Trails to ourselves, quiet nights." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Mount Cammerer tower hike is one of the best in the park. Why is nobody here?" — AllTrails reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Cosby Group Camp (Cosby, TN), Cosby Picnic Pavilion (Cosby, TN), Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) (Gatlinburg, NC), Round Bottom Horse Camp (Cherokee, NC).