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
10 Sites Available
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Site Details
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10 Sites Available
No available sites
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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
Karen F
VerifiedJuly 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Really great seeing, clean bathroom, quiet and secluded.
Donna C
VerifiedJuly 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
A pretty campground with only 11 sites. No showers or electricity. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars it is right next to the street.
Donna C
VerifiedJuly 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
A pretty campground with only 11 sites. No showers or electricity. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars it is right next to the street.
Candina S
VerifiedJuly 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
If you love road noise (LOTS of motorcycles) 24/7, people walking right through your campsite and homeless people staying in the sites around you because the host doesn’t care, this is the campground for you!
Candina S
VerifiedJuly 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
If you love road noise (LOTS of motorcycles) 24/7, people walking right through your campsite and homeless people staying in the sites around you because the host doesn’t care, this is the campground for you!
janice k
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
was a very nice little campground. Had very clean restroom, convenient water source, nice creek to cool off in and close toDamascus.
janice k
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
was a very nice little campground. Had very clean restroom, convenient water source, nice creek to cool off in and close toDamascus.
richard s
VerifiedJune 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Always great to see Mike and Annette great camp hosts enjoyed our time at backbone😊
richard s
VerifiedJune 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Always great to see Mike and Annette great camp hosts enjoyed our time at backbone😊
June H
VerifiedMay 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Lovely campground! Sites are large, spread out with trees and brush separating them and backed up to a lively creek. The bathroom was spotless and has flush toilets. Only a couple of negatives and those were that the sink in the men's room did not have running water and there were no lights in the bathrooms. There was no camp host either. Cell reception is non-existent at the campground but that was perfectly fine with us!
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 13, 2026
