Backbone Rock Campground
Photo · US Forest ServiceThe place
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. Keep reading
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 sites · 11
| Loop | Site | Type | Max rig | Electric | ADA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 01 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 02 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 03 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 04 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 05 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 06 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 07 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 08 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 09 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | 10 | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
| BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND | Host | standard nonelectric | — | — | yes |
Booking
Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.
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This campground sits in TN-01. This member’s public-lands record →