Backbone Rock Campground

Star4.55
186 reviews
9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 28, 2025,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cherokee National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Backbone Rock Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 to $20 per night for standard non-electric campsites. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
423-735-1500wataugarec@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 186 reviews

112 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciousfriendly

Some mention

noisereservation

"Backbone Rock Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. Reviews consistently mention the peaceful creekside location, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include traffic noise from the nearby road and the lack of showers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Backbone Rock Campground

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Nearby places
Damascus, VA (approximately 5 miles, ~10-minute drive)
Shady Valley, TN (approximately 3 miles, ~5-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and essential supplies are available in Damascus, VA, which is approximately 5 miles (~10-minute drive) from the campground. Firewood can be purchased from the camp hosts for $3 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Backbone Rock Campground

From April through October, Backbone Rock transforms into a temperate paradise where morning mists dance above the creek and afternoon sunshine filters through the canopy. The mountains here have their own personality—sudden rain showers sweep through, turning Beaverdam Creek into a rushing symphony of water over rocks. These dramatic weather shifts create stunning photography moments, though savvy campers keep an eye on creek levels during storms when nature shows its wilder side.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season; reviewers praise cool creekside swimming and hiking during summer months.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: April 28, 2025 - October 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 28, 2025, through October 13, 2025.

About Backbone Rock Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, Backbone Rock Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 campsites, including two spacious double sites perfect for families camping together. At 2,100 feet elevation, this hidden gem sits alongside the babbling waters of Beaverdam Creek, where modern conveniences like flush toilets blend seamlessly with the raw beauty of the mountain wilderness. The legendary Backbone Rock Trail beckons adventurers just steps from your tent, promising unforgettable explorations through ancient forests.
Backbone Rock Campground caters to tent and RV campers with its primitive, non-electric sites. It also features two double sites suitable for groups.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM - 10 PM EST.
Check-out
11 AM EST.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay within rolling 30 days.

Need help booking Backbone Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Backbone Rock Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and biking. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessible via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53), which spans 4 miles and connects to the Appalachian Trail. Beaverdam Creek provides opportunities for trout fishing, swimming, and scenic photography. Nearby attractions include the Backbone Falls Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Hiking
Climbing
Fishing
Swimming
Biking
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country, requiring strict adherence to food storage regulations. Heavy rains can cause creek levels to rise dangerously. The road proximity may pose minor risks for traffic noise.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Backbone Rock Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.6
186 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Backbone Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Backbone Rock Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. Reviews consistently mention the peaceful creekside location, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include traffic noise from the nearby road and the lack of showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 186 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and welcoming hosts. "Hosts were gracious and friendly," noted one review, and another stated, "The campground was very clean and orderly."
Based on 186 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users highlighted traffic noise due to the campground's proximity to the road, as well as the lack of showers and cell phone service. "The campground is right next to the road and there is a lot...
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Based on 186 reviews
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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