Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates10 total sites
RV Sites
10 sites
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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Reviews (156)
What Guests Are Saying
Backbone Rock Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with large, private sites, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. Many guests appreciate the scenic views along the creek and the opportunity to disconnect from technology. While there are some concerns about noise from nearby roads and occasional trash, overall, visitors enjoy the rustic charm and natural beauty of the area.
What Guests Are Saying
Backbone Rock Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with large, private sites, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. Many guests appreciate the scenic views along the creek and the opportunity to disconnect from technology. While there are some concerns about noise from nearby roads and occasional trash, overall, visitors enjoy the rustic charm and natural beauty of the area.
Review Summary
Janice C
VerifiedMay 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Both the Campground Hosts and the Ranger/personnel were very professional and helpful at this campsite. They were outstanding! The restrooms and the site were very clean.
Deborah M
VerifiedMay 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Nice size site. Quite!
Trina M
VerifiedMay 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Fishing was fun, enjoyed Trail Days
Trina M
VerifiedMay 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Fishing was fun, enjoyed Trail Days
Sharon R
VerifiedOctober 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very small campground with really nice level sites. Very close to highway, but that was okay. No showers, but water in restrooms sinks was warm, so able to do some basic wash up. This is bear country, with warnings to keep food safely stored. However, the “bear proof” trash cans had no real mechanism for keeping the bears out. The campground is very close to Damascus and the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian trails. We had intended to bike, but due to rain and other factors, we hiked instead. We would stay here again.
Sharon R
VerifiedOctober 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very small campground with really nice level sites. Very close to highway, but that was okay. No showers, but water in restrooms sinks was warm, so able to do some basic wash up. This is bear country, with warnings to keep food safely stored. However, the “bear proof” trash cans had no real mechanism for keeping the bears out. The campground is very close to Damascus and the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian trails. We had intended to bike, but due to rain and other factors, we hiked instead. We would stay here again.
Michael M
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
I have been going to Backbone Rock since the late 1980’s. The park used to be well maintained. But the past few years they have let it go to seed. The trail isn’t maintained, the rails have fallen, weeds are taking over, the large pavilion had trash in the fireplace, and one of the beams holding the pavilion up has rotted out and has rocks shoved under the bottom to hold it in place. Even the campground isn’t being maintained as it should be. Lack of funding? I don’t know, why, I just hate to see it so run down.
Michael M
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
I have been going to Backbone Rock since the late 1980’s. The park used to be well maintained. But the past few years they have let it go to seed. The trail isn’t maintained, the rails have fallen, weeds are taking over, the large pavilion had trash in the fireplace, and one of the beams holding the pavilion up has rotted out and has rocks shoved under the bottom to hold it in place. Even the campground isn’t being maintained as it should be. Lack of funding? I don’t know, why, I just hate to see it so run down.
Bonnie R
VerifiedAugust 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Camped here 2 nights only 1 other camper the first night and nobody the 2nd night. Beautiful spot with creek running behind campsites. Definitely go into Damascus and do the Creeper Trail bike trail. Awesome 17 miles downhill. If hungry eat at Damascus Diner, great food. Take the hike to top of Backbone Rock Tunnel. Steps are steep and slick if wet but awesome view on top of tunnel.
Bonnie R
VerifiedAugust 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Camped here 2 nights only 1 other camper the first night and nobody the 2nd night. Beautiful spot with creek running behind campsites. Definitely go into Damascus and do the Creeper Trail bike trail. Awesome 17 miles downhill. If hungry eat at Damascus Diner, great food. Take the hike to top of Backbone Rock Tunnel. Steps are steep and slick if wet but awesome view on top of tunnel.
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.
Elevation: 682 feet
9.6 mi drive to downtown Shady Valley (about 13 min)
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: September 5, 2026
