Backbone Rock Campground

4.5·41 reviews
·Cherokee National Forest

Overview

Backbone Rock Campground has closed for the season. Backbone Rock Campground 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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 0')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 10)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

Natural Features

Backbone Rock Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Waterfall at Backbone Rock Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Entrance Sign at Backbone Rock Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Beaverdam Creek at Backbone Rock Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Backbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.

Recreation

Beaverdam Creek at Backbone Rock Campground - Credits: US Forest Service

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

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-N/A

  • tent-N/A

  • trailer-N/A

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. 

Additional Information

Campsites