Overview

Backbone Rock Campground has closed for the 2025 season. The pavilion and vault toilets in the day-use area are open until 10/31/2025. Backbone Rock is a small campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County. This developed campground is popular with those visiting the nearby Backbone Rock, a tunnel originally blasted through the rock ridge for the railway. The creek side location with popular swim area and lush forest surroundings make Backbone Rock Campground particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 10 campsites and an adjacent large Civilian Conservation Corps- built reservable pavilion with lawn, Backbone Rock is a great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events.  

Facilities

Natural Features

Recreation

Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53).  

Nearby Attractions

The trailhead for the Backbone Rock Trail (#53) is approximately a quarter mile South of the campground on TN Highway 133. This trail is 4 miles and at the end of the trail is where it joins into the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) Damascus, VA is approximately 5 minutes North of the campground. The Backbone Falls Trail (#198) is approximately a third of a mile South of the campground. This 0.4 mile loop trail takes you to the top of Backbone Falls. 

Important Notices

• Backbone Rock Campground has CLOSED for the 2025 season. 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.

• 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. 

• Established quiet hours are between 10 pm EST and 7 am EST.

• 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. 

Available Activities

• Swimming - Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Hunting - Hunting
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing
• Biking - Biking
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing

Directions

Highway TN 133 north from Highway 91. The campsite is on Highway 133, just north of Backbone Rock.

Contact Information

Phone: 423-735-1500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip