Can you reserve a site at Backbone Rock Campground?

Yes, Backbone Rock Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are pets allowed at Backbone Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Backbone Rock Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Backbone Rock Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Backbone Rock Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Backbone Rock Campground, Tennessee — 11 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. The pavilion and vault toilets in the day-use area will open on 3/16/26. 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.

Recreation

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

Facilities

There are 10 single campsites, including two double sites within Backbone Rock Campground. The campground has flush toilets. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.

Natural Features

Backbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.

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.

The facts

Season: 4/29/2024 – 10/15/2024 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
11 bookable sites
11 accessible sites
Up to 10 people per site
Loops: BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND

Site types

11 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

11 campsites at Backbone Rock Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
01	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	—	5	♿ 🐾
02	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	—	5	♿ 🐾
03	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	10	♿ 🐾
04	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
05	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
06	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
07	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
08	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	10	♿ 🐾
09	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
10	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾
Host	BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	—	5	♿ 🐾

Getting there

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

36.59389, -81.81500 · 36°35'38.0"N 81°48'54.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 46°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	46	49	57	67	74	80	82	81	77	68	58	49
Low °F	23	25	31	39	49	56	60	59	53	41	31	26
Precip in	3.7	3.4	4.1	4.3	5.2	4.5	5.0	4.2	3.3	2.8	2.9	3.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Backbone Rock Campground

Can you reserve a site at Backbone Rock Campground?: Yes, Backbone Rock Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Backbone Rock Campground have?: 11 sites.
Are pets allowed at Backbone Rock Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Backbone Rock Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Backbone Rock Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Backbone Rock Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Backbone Rock Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Backbone Rock Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Camping is $10 for single site (8 sites) and $20 for double site (2 sites). One pavilion is reservable at $50 per day. (Pavilion is currently closed for renovations).

Restrictions:

Starting Nov 1, 2023 the Large reservable pavilion and the smaller non-reservable pavilion will be CLOSED due to Historic Preservation Repair. This closure will last until approx Sept 23, 2024.
Campsites are limited to a single family or not more than 5 people and 2 vehicles. Double campsites allow for up to 10 individuals and 4 vehicles.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the area.
No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.
Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container , your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
Pets must be on a maximum 6 ft. leash at all times, and pick up after them.
It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Backbone Rock Campground

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Jacobs Creek Campground (TN) 10.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Beartree 11.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Little Oak Campground 14.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Damascus Trail Center 3.2 mi · Visitor Center
Iron Mountains 8.1 mi · Facility
Beartree Recreation Area 9 mi · Campground
Whitetop Station Visitor Center 11 mi · Facility
Keller Interpretive Center, Abingdon Muster Ground 12.5 mi · Visitor Center
TN 91 Scenic Drive 12.9 mi · Facility
South Holston Lake 13.3 mi · Facility
Little Oak Campground 13.7 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Backbone Rock Campground