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
jeremy s
VerifiedMay 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Great location and clean campgrounds. Lack of cell coverage was a plus. Nice to get away, and relax. Damascus is only a short drive away.
Kate F
VerifiedOctober 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Nice little campground. The camp host, Mike, is very good at his job. Kind, caring, and keeps the place clean.
Only complaint is that 2 of our 3 nights, site 6 had a car parked there idling from 10pm-5am. The car had no muffler so it was super loud all night.
Kate F
VerifiedOctober 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Nice little campground. The camp host, Mike, is very good at his job. Kind, caring, and keeps the place clean.
Only complaint is that 2 of our 3 nights, site 6 had a car parked there idling from 10pm-5am. The car had no muffler so it was super loud all night.
Matt V
VerifiedJune 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
This campground is just lovely. I loved hearing the creek while sleeping. The host family were gems, everyone of them. The only thing that could be improved is if it were to have a shower. That would be nice.
Matt V
VerifiedJune 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
This campground is just lovely. I loved hearing the creek while sleeping. The host family were gems, everyone of them. The only thing that could be improved is if it were to have a shower. That would be nice.
Pam T
VerifiedJune 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very nice and clean sites. Very clean restrooms and the campground host Mike was very pleasurable and helpful.
Pam T
VerifiedJune 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very nice and clean sites. Very clean restrooms and the campground host Mike was very pleasurable and helpful.
Patrick G
VerifiedJune 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Beautiful small campground close to Damascus VA. The sites were large, level, and well maintained. The bathroom was clean. The campground, although along a road, was quiet and comfortable.
Patrick G
VerifiedJune 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Beautiful small campground close to Damascus VA. The sites were large, level, and well maintained. The bathroom was clean. The campground, although along a road, was quiet and comfortable.
Lissa W
VerifiedMay 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The hosts were very kind and helpful. The bathroom spotless. The campground was very quiet in spite of there being a couple group sites that were full of people. The only thing to warn about is something I probably saw when I booked (6 mos ago) but didn't review the facilities. This is a more rustic area and so there are no showers. Bring your own soap and towels to wash your hands in the bathroom. Also, this is next to a busy road, but at night it is rarely used. No cell service whatsoever, but had no problem in Damascus just 4 miles down the road. These are totally NOT a big deal. Just letting you know so you are prepared ahead of time. Will definitely return to this campground.
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
