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- Cosby
The River Life
Hosted by Kelly · Cosby, Tennessee
7 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 9 acres
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
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Tent-only sites
4 sites
Instant book
Site 1 - The River Life
98%
(77)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Showers
Instant book
Site 2 - The River Life
95%
(64)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Showers
Instant book
Site 6 - The River Life
97%
(32)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Showers
Instant book
Site 3 - The River Life
92%
(26)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Showers
RV/tent sites
1 site
Instant book
Site 7
90%
(30)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Lodging
2 sites
Instant book
Sydney’s Spring Villa
100%
(1)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Instant book
Chomper’s Lil Spring House
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
Reviews
95% Recommend522 ratings · 290 reviews
We stayed at Site 7 in June 2026. The river was beautiful, peaceful, and one of the highlights of our trip. We enjoyed swimming, relaxing by the water, and appreciated the privacy of the site.
However, future guests should be aware that the current condition of the property differs significantly from many of the listing and review photos. Much of the tree cover shown in the photos is no longer present around Site 7, resulting in very little shade during the day. Our tent became extremely hot during the afternoon hours.
The property appears to have experienced significant flooding at some point, possibly related to Hurricane Helene, as there are large debris piles throughout portions of the campground and visible flood debris mixed with trash in some areas. Site markings beyond the first 3 campsites were nonexistent, making it difficult to locate our site upon arrival.
We did not receive any arrival instructions or site information prior to check-in. During our stay, the bath house also experienced a water outage that left the toilets unable to flush for an extended period of time.
I’ve included current photos from our June 2026 stay so future guests can see the present condition of the property. While we enjoyed the river and our time exploring the Smokies, updated listing photos and more communication from the host would help set accurate expectations for future campers.
Jane Y.
3 reviews
It was beautiful. We lucked out on having no one else at the other 2 spots, so it was very quiet. It was right on the river, perfect access to the water. Very peaceful definitely appreciated the lady who lives nearby coming in and checking on us, seeing if we needed anything. Thank you to the host for a beautiful spot. Also super quick access to town if you need anything!
M
Meghan L.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
The camper was very nice and clean. Very roomy. Check in and out very easy. My son and his family were at campsite one so it was easy for us to spend time with him there next to the river.
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Lisa C.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - The River Life
This site was perfect for a get away weekend! Definitely coming back in the future.
D
Danielle J.
3 years on Hipcamp
Beautiful camp site! Great facilities! 10/10 would recommend!
B
B B.
4 months on Hipcamp
My wife and I spent three nights here for a little get away, and it was amazing! Wood was available on site for purchase, the bath house was in good shape and the campsites were clean and easy to find! The host was INCREDIBLE! We had an issue with our vehicle battery, and they came to save the day! We will be returning in the future and we highly recommend camping here!
L
Lilli D.
4 months on Hipcamp
Amazing place, beautiful view. Felt very safe. Kelly was an amazing host.
G
Ginger H.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
Had a great time camping here. Being right on the river and near the woods was great. The site was clean and has conveniently located bathrooms a very short walk from the sites. You can hear some cars at night but not bad at all. Hopefully will return in the future!
S
Sadie N.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
It was a Beautiful River and very good location!it worked out great for me because I was traveling on I40.
C
Chris S.
9 months on Hipcamp
We booked 2 nights and extended an extra night. It’s a beautiful spot on the river and we loved going to sleep to the sound of it. It was so peaceful & beautiful. Great place to get away and reset. Our dog loved it too! Kelly was very nice & responsive. The fresh eggs were delish! We will definitely come back.
H
Heather P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
Beautiful, peaceful spot right on the river. Kelly was very kind and accommodating. Super glad I stayed here!
S
Sarah C.
4 years on Hipcamp
We had another amazing experience camping at The River Life & Kelly was great! Kelly was super responsive to messages, let us know areas to explore, & even with the damage from Helene, the site was beautiful. Kelly met with us the next morning to chat & let us know to look out for a bald Eagle & possibly otters. We saw both! We'll def be going back & excited to see how the place evolves as they work to repair the damage from Helene.
C
Chris S.
2 years on Hipcamp
This was my 2nd time on this campground and I loved the river view from campsite 2. Definitely see myself coming back for a 3rd time!
M
Min K.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
We enjoyed our quiet spot next to the river. We appreciated the picnic bench, firepit, and nearby washhouse.
H
Heather Laudan C.
3 reviews
This campsite hit all the marks. Easy to get to, plenty of room to set up, super peaceful with an amazing view of the river. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes the outdoors. Campsites 1-3 are very close to the bath house. Kelly and her husband are super nice and a pleasure to meet. One of my favorite HipCamp spots! Check it out! You won’t be disappointed!!
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Brandon W.
9 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
Great place to camp i would recommend to anyone to camp at
E
Elayna D.
4 reviews
Peaceful, beautiful and convenient place to camp. Would totally recommend and will be back.
S
Susan B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Perfect spot!! We gotta there after dark and we were still able to easily find the site. site 1 is very private and right next to the water :)
Lauren Y.
5 reviews
Mixed feelings. I came during a high bug time of year. Which was my fault. If it would have been mowed back and trash picked up at my campsite it would have helped. There was an old bed pad or something laying there and a few pieces of metal. My issue was the place wasn’t very well maintained. I wouldn’t call it much of a bath house either. It was dirty and I couldn’t figure out how to work the water. Lots of cobwebs and lacked cleaning and maintenance considering people pay to use the place. I ended up staying at a motel and eating the cost of the campsite. I do agree that site 1 has a nice view.
M
Madi L.
1 year on Hipcamp
This was a great location right on the pigeon river— very relaxed nicely wooded spots. Next time we’ll plan to kayak all the way down to the campsite.
E
Erik H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent ·
Site 6 - The River Life
Can’t beat a few couple nights in the river ! Great hosts!
Jared L.
36 reviews
Ample space and a really awesome spot on the river. We were able to get our 21-ft fifth wheel in the site. YMMV especially dependent on recent weather. We were at site 1 two weeks prior and will keep coming back. Kelly is so friendly and enjoys being able to share her beautiful property with others that appreciate the gem that it is.
Jennifer J.
9 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
The river was right next to my site and the directions were clear and easy to understand. Nice place to spend a night; I wish I'd been able to stay longer.
Ellis B.
4 reviews
Mixed feelings
· August 2024
Tent ·
Site 8
The rushing river was excellent; loud in just the right way. Sites(7, 8 and 9) were moderately cramped(don't expect abundant privacy. Bugs were pretty intense close to the water in the evenings.
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Hannah H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Site 8
Beautiful and private! While there are other sites nearby, there was ample space making for a private stay. Kelly was exceptionally helpful. We can't wait to visit again.
K
Kevin W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Site 1 - The River Life
Just as Advertised! Quiet, peaceful sounds of the river rolling by at night. Well maintained and easy to find! Would return again if in the area!
J
James S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· August 2024
Tent ·
Site 10
We were drawn to this campsite by the stunning river, but unfortunately, our experience fell short. Lot 10, which we reserved based on the listed photos, was rocky and unsuitable for tents. Despite reaching out to the host multiple times, to move to another site, we received no response. All of the sites had trash from previous camper's as well. The river’s noise was a plus, but the road noise from the other side was disruptive. None of the sites matched their listing pictures. Overall, this could be a wonderful camping location with a little TLC.
E
Ethan H.
8 reviews
We loved our weekend at site 1! I would say overall it is the most private site there even though it's close to the inner sites near the bath house. Great river access! If the fire pit were moved a little, it would make a just group site. It was great to meet Kelly. She was super nice!
We checked out the other sites before leaving and 7 & 8 are huge and have awesome awesome little beachy areas with the best spots in the river. We booked site 7 in 2 weeks before leaving! Thanks for sharing your slice of heaven, Kelly!
Jennifer J.
9 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
I’ve been here a few times and this property never disappoints! Always a good time!
S
Shawn D.
8 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Site 2 - The River Life
The tent camping was amazing. Right next to the pigeon river. So calm and a great weekend getaway. It's convienitly located right off the interstate. Bathrooms were clean and well lit. Even our dog had a great time.
A
Austin H.
2 reviews
Location
Cosby, Cocke, Tennessee, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Kelly S.
Joined in June 2021Things to do nearby
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