About Backbone Rock Campground
Number of accommodations: 10
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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10 Sites Available
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Reviews (141)
What Guests Are Saying
Backbone Rock Campground is a well-maintained and picturesque site with only 11 campsites, offering lovely views of a creek and a quiet, secluded atmosphere. Camp host Mike is highly praised for his helpfulness and the cleanliness of the facilities, including well-kept bathrooms. While some visitors noted noise from nearby roads and a lack of amenities like showers and lights, the campground's natural beauty and proximity to Damascus make it a favorite for many.
What Guests Are Saying
Backbone Rock Campground is a well-maintained and picturesque site with only 11 campsites, offering lovely views of a creek and a quiet, secluded atmosphere. Camp host Mike is highly praised for his helpfulness and the cleanliness of the facilities, including well-kept bathrooms. While some visitors noted noise from nearby roads and a lack of amenities like showers and lights, the campground's natural beauty and proximity to Damascus make it a favorite for many.
Review Summary
Tony C
VerifiedMay 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Beautiful little place. Love the sound of the water. Nice and clean.
Pam T
VerifiedOctober 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
My favorite camping spot in the mountains!!!
Pam T
VerifiedOctober 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
My favorite camping spot in the mountains!!!
Joshua L
VerifiedOctober 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
A good small campground. Lovely view at the creek running behind everything.
Joshua L
VerifiedOctober 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
A good small campground. Lovely view at the creek running behind everything.
Emily N
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The camp host, Mike, was very helpful and kind. He kept the campsites so tidy and nice looking. The campsite is only 3-5minutes from service in the nearby town, which is nice. Even though the site is so close to service, there is little road noise other than a few cars.
Emily N
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The camp host, Mike, was very helpful and kind. He kept the campsites so tidy and nice looking. The campsite is only 3-5minutes from service in the nearby town, which is nice. Even though the site is so close to service, there is little road noise other than a few cars.
Amber C
VerifiedAugust 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Bathrooms are very well kept! Great area to hangout by the water! We loved camping here
Amber C
VerifiedAugust 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Bathrooms are very well kept! Great area to hangout by the water! We loved camping here
Karen F
VerifiedJuly 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Really great seeing, clean bathroom, quiet and secluded.
Location Backbone Rock Campground
Address:
9941 Hwy 133
Shady Valley, TN, 37688
United States
Highway TN 133 north from Highway 91. The campsite is on Highway 133, just north of Backbone Rock.
Access to Backbone Rock Campground is via Highway TN 133, which connects to Highway 91. No major highways or interstates are within 25 miles.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.5939 / -81.815
Elevation: 682 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
General
- Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. This campground does not have any Long-Term Camping programs.
- There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility. There is potable water within the campground.
- Alcohol prohibited.
- All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.
- An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site.
- You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the campground. Any campsites not in compliance will receive a ticket.
- You may check-in to the campground between and of your arrival date. If you have not checked-in before the day after your arrival date, your site will be checked-out and will forfeit all fees.
- Established quiet hours are between and.
- The two CCC-Era pavilions underwent historic renovations which were completed September 2024.
- All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
- Use designated fire rings for all fires. Do not build additional fire rings. No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.
- It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are posted at the campground.
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Last updated: June 3, 2026
