About Backbone Rock Campground
Number of accommodations: 10
Campground Amenities
-
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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Reviews (70)
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
Andrew A
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very close to the road, but it is a lightly traveled road and the sound of the stream behind the campground makes for a very peaceful sound falling asleep. The only drawback is there are no shower facilities at this campground.
Robert C
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The campground was very clean and orderly. The bathrooms were very clean with running water and a commode. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. There is a large creek behind the campsites that you can enjoy swimming or fishing. The walk to Backbone Rock was a lot of fun (you can actually walk over the top of the tunnel). There is also a nice walk to a waterfall about 1/2 a mile away. You can also drive into Damascus for a fun day or drive over the mountain to Shady Valley. Definitely recommend!
Ted S
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The campsites were clean, along with the restrooms. The camp hosts were very nice people and answered any and all of our questions. Great experience!
Harry Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The new hosts made this visit our best stay yet -- and this was our 4th time here. They obviously went above & beyond the call of duty; for example: every morning the bathrooms were as clean as could be, the gravel walkways were freshly raked, our gravel pad was freshly raked and our fire pit was cleaned out upon arrival, I saw them helping another camper by delivering firewood to them, etc.
David A
VerifiedAugust 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The campground was very clean. It is only 3 miles from Damascus, Va.
Jason S
VerifiedAugust 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Great family camping area. Quiet with great swimming hole!
Jim P
VerifiedAugust 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Great site and swimming hole, issues with a person leaving their campsite timely so my friends could get set up
Lynette A
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Exactly what we expected. We have spent quite a bit of time primitive camping at Backbone over the years. Quiet, laid back, clean campsites.
Robert C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
I have been going to backbone rock campground with my family for around 40 years, the host on my last trip may have been the very best ones yet, I would like to recommend you install a dump station for sewer, I camp in a travel trailer now and my wife would like to use the toilet inside the camper late at night, but we can't because of no where to dump the holding tank, I would be ok with paying a few bucks more for this service, Thanks for a great weekend.
Lindsey F
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Overall, we enjoyed this campground. It is right next to a beautiful creek, and the surrounding woods makes it feel like you’re far from civilization, but it’s only a 5 minute drive into town. It is right off the main road, so traffic noise can be a bother. Also, the fire pits are not all the way down in the ground which made cooking over the fire difficult, but we had a gas stove as a backup. Backbone Rock and the surrounding area are definitely worth a visit.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.5939 / -81.815
Elevation: 682 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. This campground does not have any Long-Term Camping programs. |
| General |
There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility. There is potable water within the campground. |
| General |
Alcohol prohibited. |
| General |
All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only. |
| General |
An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Check-out time is no later than 11 am EST on your departure day. You may check-in to the campground between 2 pm EST and 10 pm EST of your arrival date. If you have not checked-in before 2 pm EST the day after your arrival date, your site will be checked-out and will forfeit all fees. |
| General |
Established quiet hours are between 10 pm EST and 7 am EST. |
| General |
The two CCC-Era pavilions underwent historic renovations which were completed September 2024. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are posted at the campground. |
