Backbone Rock Campground

Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov

Book Now

About Backbone Rock Campground

Overview

Backbone Rock Campground will close for the season on Monday, October 14, 2019. 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.

Recreation

Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the nearby Backbone Rock Recreation Area parking.

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 Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) is approximately a quarter mile south of the campground on TN Highway 133. Damascus, VA is approximately 5 minutes north of the campground.

+ More

Backbone Rock Campground Reviews

Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!

Top Spots in or near Shady Valley

Explore Backbone Rock and Falls

Shady Valley, Tennessee

4.7

First, from the parking lot, there is a trail which climbs up to walk on top of the rock. The top of the rock is narrow, but has hand rails to hold on to. Once finished walking on top of the rock, cross the road (be extremely careful) and walk away from the tunnel. Here is a good angle to take a photo of the tunnel which was created in 1901. Still walking away from the tunnel, there will be a...

Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

Damascus, Virginia

5.0

17 mi

This multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback riding) rail-trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop, Virginia, passing through forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, small farming communities in the countryside, and small historic towns.While you can pick up the trail at any point, the most popular option is to take a bike shuttle from Damascus to Whitetop and cycle back down the ...

Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock

Troutdale, Virginia

5.0

6.6 mi / 1000 ft gain

Starting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to turn this into a backpacking trip. Across from the campsites is a clearing with a bonfire pit. Cont...

Little Oak Campground

Bristol, Tennessee

4.0

Little Oak is a campground in Sullivan County, TN in the Cherokee National Forrest. There are 69 campsites located in three separate sections of the campground. Each section has a vault toilet and there is a shower house for the whole campground. There is a host in each section to help ensure you have the best experience possible. Nearly every campsite is in the shore of South Holston Lake. The...

Explore the South Holston Dam

Bristol, Tennessee

5.0

Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early mornings and you’ll want to take your time walking on some of the short river trails before or after...

Flint Mill Trail

Elizabethton, Tennessee

5.0

2.44 mi / 1302 ft gain

Flint Mill Trail is an approximately 2.4 mile out-and-back trail in the Cherokee National Forrest. The trailhead is located on Flatwoods Road in Elizabethton, TN. The trail has a rather steep incline and is considered challenging. There is a 1,264 foot altitude change from the base to the top . The trailhead is marked by a brown post with a blue circle and the number #49. Once on the trail ther...

More Adventures