Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cosby Campground in Knoxville
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.
Adventure Guide To Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cosby Campground
Cosby Campground
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.
Local Insights
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.
Visitor Tips
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.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Rebekaha year ago
We stayed at site B19 for one night, Saturday - Sunday, May 20 - May 21. It felt very safe and quiet, but we did experience heavy, steady rain the entire time we were there. I didn't notice any tent pads/ areas that were flooded or held standing water. We were on the outer edge of the B loop and definitely had more space than the inner B loop sites. We were close to the bathrooms but still felt secluded enough (for being close to the bathrooms). The bathrooms were lit up but they didn't feel like an intrusion on our dark evening. Even though we were on the outer edge of loop B, we could easily see loop A campsites, so keep that in mind. The campsites are not next to running water although the campground is. Parking is on the side of the road, parallel to the road, and site B19 definitely did not fit a truck. Neither would many of the sites (too narrow and uneven) Site B20 and B21 did, however. Everyone parking on the road made the campground feel very crowded and claustrophobic. Bathrooms were clean enough and relatively bug free. Sinks were nice and large. No paper towels to dry your hands on.
I highly, highly advise downloading a map of the trails you wish to hike. We could not find the trailhead to Hen Wallow Falls no matter how hard we looked, and that was very disappointing. We hiked to the overhead instead but it was overgrown.
Melissa Millera year ago
Beautiful and well maintained campground. It’s about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg so you don’t have to deal with nearly as many tourists. The trails were all well kept and had lots of signage to ensure you followed correctly. There were lots of clean bathrooms (though the ones actually in the camping area didn’t have soap from what I saw) as well as picnic areas for day visitors.
The B loop is more uphill from the A loop. We had to split our stay between the loops and they were both beautiful. We brought a small camper and had a great time. We’re normally tent campers and would absolutely go tent camping here as well. The pads are large, level, and had a small layer of very fine gravel. The only negative is there isn’t a shower/bath house.
Arlene Adames8 months ago
This place is amazing- if you want to have a complete reset, this is the place to be.
No phone service. Well taken care of campground. Quiet hrs are from 10pm-6am. No electricity. Availability for RV & Tents. Access to different trails. There is a Dollar general about 20mins from the campground in case of emergency things. Great Place ! Off the grid. We didn’t see any bears but they are very strict with their bear policies and safety measures.
Eric Moore3 months ago
Had a great time here. Quieter than Cades Cove for sure (tradeoff: no camp store).
The creek is great. Not deep enough for kids to swim in, but great rock hopping and good places to wade and cool off.
Restrooms were clean and plentiful.
Friday Ortiz3 months ago
Awesome campground with comfortable, spaced out and private, flat tent spots. Easy to get to but feels out of the way. Easy access to trailheads like Mt. Cammerer, but you'll have to drive at least 30 minutes for other trailheads. You don't need a parking pass if you reserve a camp site and keep your car here, but you'll need one to park anywhere else or after you check out.
