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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Site Details
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10 Sites Available
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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
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.
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.
Veronica K
VerifiedMay 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very clean bathrooms when we stayed there during Trail Days 2023. Sites are spacious and the sound of the creek made for a good night's rest. Good size firepit and hosts were friendly. Close proximity to Backbone Rock trails. Would def recommend.
Veronica K
VerifiedMay 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Very clean bathrooms when we stayed there during Trail Days 2023. Sites are spacious and the sound of the creek made for a good night's rest. Good size firepit and hosts were friendly. Close proximity to Backbone Rock trails. Would def recommend.
Patrick G
VerifiedMay 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Had a great time at Backbone Rock. Nice little campground with easy but interesting hikes, pretty river, and 5 minutes to Damascus. Campground is right along a road but it was not noticeable other than the occasional motorcycle during the day, at night its quiet and in general the river drowns out the road. Nice clean bathrooms well maintained by the hosts. No electricity or water at the sites but water & firewood is available for the campground.
Stayed at site 7 in a Hybrid camper. Only drawback was the light from the restrooms, but site 5 and lower would avoid that issue.
Patrick G
VerifiedMay 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Had a great time at Backbone Rock. Nice little campground with easy but interesting hikes, pretty river, and 5 minutes to Damascus. Campground is right along a road but it was not noticeable other than the occasional motorcycle during the day, at night its quiet and in general the river drowns out the road. Nice clean bathrooms well maintained by the hosts. No electricity or water at the sites but water & firewood is available for the campground.
Stayed at site 7 in a Hybrid camper. Only drawback was the light from the restrooms, but site 5 and lower would avoid that issue.
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 2, 2026
