Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cosby Campground
2-4 hours
Moderate
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park features a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cosby Campground, located just a short drive from Knoxville, offers a serene escape into nature. This campground is unique due to its proximity to diverse hiking trails and the quiet charm of its surroundings, providing visitors with an exceptional camping experience.
This campground is known for spacious, shaded campsites situated along a beautiful stream. Each site includes a picnic table and a campfire ring, perfect for evening gatherings and meals. The nearby Cosby Creek provides both scenic views and recreational opportunities, such as fishing.
Hiking Trails Nearby hiking options include the Cosby Nature Trail and Gabes Mountain Trail. These trails offer moderate difficulty levels and are famous for their stunning views of wildflowers in the spring and breathtaking fall foliage. The hikes lead you through diverse ecosystems and are suitable for various skill levels.
Picnic Areas The campground features communal picnic areas, ideal for enjoying meals amidst nature. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility while savoring local delicacies or campfire meals. Firewood is often available for purchase within the park, thus enhancing the camping experience.
The Cosby area is rich in history as it was once settled by the early Appalachian families who farmed and thrived in these mountains. The Cades Cove area, which is popular for wildlife viewing, is nearby and reflects the cultural tapestry of early settlers through preserved cabins and churches throughout the park.
Best times to visit: Late spring to early fall offers mild weather ideal for camping.
What to bring: Pack camping gear, cooking essentials, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Driving directions: From Knoxville, take US-441 N for about 40 minutes to reach the Cosby campground. This campground provides a perfect backdrop for bonding with nature and enjoying the stunning Great Smoky Mountains.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
Quiet area to chill. Will return
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
This is huge but quieter campground in GSMNP. There is not an easy access huge tourist area outside the entrance. However, Carver's Apple Orchard has a massive produce stand and a restaurant with some fantastic fried chicken about 4 miles down the road. This is the best location to access trails up to Mt. Cammerer, all trails except Gabe MTN trail to Hen Wallow Falls are strenuous, long hikes up the mountain. This area closes Dec 4 2024 for 5 months for a massive restoration project, then it'll go from a 5⭐ to a 6⭐ beauty spot in GSMNP.
8.20 miModerateJust a short drive from Knoxville, the Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a moderately challenging escape. Enjoy camping with shaded sites, hiking trails, and fishing in a tranquil setting. Best visited in spring or fall for mild weather.
7.50.00 miCamp at Cosby Campground, nestled in Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. With 88 campsites and nearby trails like the Gatlinburg Trail, enjoy family-friendly camping and hiking in a serene, scenic environment.
7.81.68 miModerateExplore the 1.5-mile trail to Hen Wallow Falls near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This moderate hike offers stunning views of a 90-foot waterfall and lush forests. Popular for hiking and wildlife viewing, it's best visited in spring or fall for a tranquil experience.
4.88 miA hands-on, hourlong visit at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks in Cosby where guests meet, pet and learn the names and personalities of a friendly llama herd.
4.88 miMeet a llama companion on the Padgett Mill Trail in Cosby and choose a short or extended 60–90 minute wooded trek; this guide orients you to logistics, route options, and what to bring.
11.7 miEverything you need to know about a 2-day UTV rental from Townsend UTV Rentals — rates, rules, and what to bring for exploring Townsend’s scenic routes.
12.8 miA 1.5‑hour canopy zipline course operated by Smoky Mountains Jeep Tours, spanning approximately two miles of cable and platforms 40–250 feet above the forest floor—this guide distills the route, highlights, and planning essentials.
A deluxe Scenic Helicopter Tours outing that soars over roughly 110 miles of the Great Smoky Mountains—covering Tennessee and North Carolina sides—with guided narration on human history and ecological threats.
14.5 miA compact, tree-to-tree course at Highlands Aerial Park that stitches two ziplines with suspended bridges and balance elements—this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and how to plan the hour-long outing.