About Backbone Rock Campground
Number of accommodations: 10
Campground Amenities
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Pet Friendly
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Potable Water
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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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
Janice C
VerifiedMay 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
The Campground Hosts were the most outstanding ever! They were professional, as well as friendly and helpful. I have never met better Hosts in any campsite anywhere!
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
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.
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.
Lindsay W
VerifiedAugust 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Really clean and spacious sites. There were also two really good swimming holes so bring the swimsuits! Only draw backs are that the campground is next to the highway (which is quiet at night, so not too bad) and the sites open up to the camp road, so not great privacy, but that’s okay. Probably the cleanest bathrooms I’ve seen at a recreation.gov campground. Really liked this campground would come again, sites 1-5 on the river are the sites ones to get
Kathryn P
VerifiedAugust 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Campsite was large, facilities were clean, and I loved being next to the river where my kids could play. Unfortunately it is located right next to a busy road and the cars kept me up most of the night.
Susan O
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Really nice little campground, close to Damascus Virginia and the Virginia Creeper.
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. |