Cosby Campground in Newport, TN
Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Newport, TN GPS: 35.966574, -83.201317 Elevation: 1129′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – National Park Service (Official) $30 Night |
Previous Reviews:
Cosby Campground: Cosby Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
About This Location
Cosby Campground in Newport, TN, sits tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a quieter, more private escape than most of its neighbors. You’ll get well-kept campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and a generous amount of shade, so it works for both tent campers and folks with RVs. Compared to the busier campgrounds in the area, Cosby feels downright peaceful—almost like you’ve got your own little patch of the Smokies.
You’ll find clean bathrooms and easy access to a bunch of hiking trails right nearby. The location’s pretty convenient for checking out local towns and park sights, but it still feels like a retreat once you’re back at camp.
Key Takeaways
- Campsites come with fire rings and picnic tables.
- It’s usually quiet and not too crowded.
- You’re close to hiking trails and small towns.
Cosby Campground In Newport, TN
Cosby Campground sits inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from Newport, TN. At about 2,459 feet up, you get cooler mountain air—always a plus on a summer trip.
There are 165 sites, most with 16×16 foot tent pads. You’ll find a fire ring and picnic table at every site, so cooking and relaxing feels easy and safe.
RV sites are limited, so if you’re bringing one, you’ll want to snag a reservation, especially when it’s busy. Potable water’s available throughout the campground, which is handy.
What really sets Cosby apart is the quiet, shady atmosphere. Tall trees surround the sites, making it feel cozy and tucked away. The bathrooms? Honestly, they’re usually pretty clean.
There’s a small convenience store nearby. It’s not huge, but if you forget something or just want some snacks, you won’t have to drive far. That’s always a relief.
With so many hiking trails close to camp, you’re in a good spot for exploring the Smokies and maybe running into some wildlife along the way.
Quick details:
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
| Elevation | 2,459 feet |
| Tent pad size | 16ft x 16ft |
| Fire rings | Available at every campsite |
| RV sites | Limited, reservations suggested |
| Restrooms | Clean and accessible |
| Water | Potable water available |
| Convenience store | On site |
Things To Do
At Cosby Campground, hiking is probably the main draw. Multiple trails wind through the woods—some even connect to the legendary Appalachian Trail, so you can check that off your bucket list, if that’s your thing.
Fishing’s another big one. The nearby creeks are home to trout and other fish, and honestly, just standing by the water is half the fun.
You can picnic right at your site or down by the water. It’s a classic move—spread out some snacks, kick back, and just hang out with friends or family.
Wildlife’s everywhere, if you pay attention. Birds, deer, maybe even something bigger if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about bears).
If you’re not in the mood to wander far, just hanging around camp is its own kind of nice. Build a fire, grill something, or nap in a hammock. Sometimes that’s all you need.
If you want to see more of the park without hiking your legs off, auto touring the nearby roads gives you great views and lets you cover more ground.
Here’s a quick rundown of things to do at Cosby Campground:
- Hiking on forest and connector trails
- Fishing in the creeks
- Checking out the Appalachian Trail
- Picnicking by your site or the water
- Watching wildlife
- Campfires and downtime at camp
- Auto touring the area
Directions
Cosby Campground’s just outside Newport, TN, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plug 471 Cosby Park Rd, Cosby, TN 37722 into your GPS and you’ll get there without much trouble.
Coming from Newport, head west toward the park entrance—it’s about a half-hour drive.
If you’re leaving from Gatlinburg, take Newfound Gap Road (US-441) east, then TN-32 north. Follow TN-32 until you hit Cosby Park Road, and you’re basically there.
Watch for the brown federal park signs—they’ll keep you on track. Speeds are pretty moderate; expect a 25 to 30-minute drive from the closest towns.
If you’re using GPS or online maps, just search for Cosby Campground. There’s parking, so unloading your gear won’t be a hassle.
Here’s a quick look at the main routes:
| Starting Point | Route | Distance/Time |
|---|---|---|
| Newport, TN | West on local roads to TN-32 | ~30 minutes |
| Gatlinburg, TN | US-441 to TN-32 north | ~25-30 minutes |
Double-check your route and keep your phone charged—cell service can be spotty.
Vehicle Access
When you pull in at Cosby Campground, you’ll need a valid parking tag if your car’s staying longer than 15 minutes. This rule kicked in on March 1 and applies to everyone.
You can have up to two vehicles at a campsite, or one car with a trailer. Make sure all your wheels, including the trailer’s, stay inside the site boundary.
Parking at your site is straightforward, and you’ll have enough space to get your stuff in and out. It’s important to stash your food in your car—nobody wants a bear rummaging through their snacks.
If you’re on a motorcycle or don’t have a car, food storage boxes are available. Certain sites, like A57 and A61, are accessible for folks with disabilities; A57 needs a reservation.
Stick to designated parking spots to keep things organized and safe.
Rv And Camping Trailer Information
Cosby Campground allows RVs and trailers, but honestly, it’s built more for tent camping. The roads and driveways are paved, so you won’t be bouncing around too much, but maneuvering a big rig could be a challenge.
The maximum RV length is 25 feet. If your RV’s any longer, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Most sites are set up for tents, with flat pads about 16×16 feet.
Of the 157 total campsites, only a handful are really RV-friendly. If you’re bringing an RV, it’s smart to reserve ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Every site has a fire ring and picnic table, whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV. The whole place feels pretty private and quiet, which is a rare find.
Tent campers have plenty of space and shaded spots under the trees. Most sites give you enough room for your tent and camping gear, so you won’t feel cramped.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Cosby Campground, you’ll find some campsites that require a fee and a reservation. The ones labeled A1 to A20, A42, A57, and B73 to B93 fall into that category. If you’re eyeing one of those, you’ll need to book it ahead—especially if it’s the busy season.
Most of the other sites work on a first-come, first-served basis. Just roll up, pick your spot, and pay right there at the campground. It’s honestly a nice option if you’re not the type who likes to plan every detail in advance, or if you’re just feeling spontaneous.
You can bring a tent or an RV, but don’t expect RV hookups here. If you’re rolling in with a big rig (up to 40 feet), you might want to reserve just to be safe. Those spots can go fast.
Some sites, like A57 and A61, are accessible for people with disabilities, and those might also need reservations.
You’ll pay a fee whether you reserve or just show up. There aren’t any showers or hookups, but you do get flush toilets and drinking water, which is honestly a relief.
If you’ve got your heart set on a paid site, it’s smart to check availability and book early. Walk-ins sometimes work out, but during peak times? I wouldn’t count on it.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Picnic Tables Tent pad Fire rings Restrooms Water Convenience store |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife Viewing Shopping for Essentials |
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