Campground

Backbone Rock Campground

Cherokee National Forest
Near Shady Valley, Tennessee

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.

Recreation

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

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Biking
  • Backpacking
  • Scenic Drive
  • Star Gazing

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Accessible Grills
  • Accessible Sites
  • Creek Access
  • Day Use Area
  • Drinking Water
  • Flush Toilets
  • Historic Sites
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Host
  • Parking Area
  • Paved Roads
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Self Pay Station
  • Shade
  • Trailhead Parking
  • Trailheads
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
  • Water Spigot
  • Waterfront Sites
  • Tent Pad
  • Lantern Pole
  • Picnic Table
  • Accessibility
  • Fire Pit

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. 

Getting Here

Latitude
36° 35' 38.0000" N
Longitude
81° 48' 54.0000" W
Highway TN 133 north from Highway 91. The campsite is on Highway 133, just north of Backbone Rock.

Need to Know

  • Backbone Rock Campground is currently closed for the season. It plans to reopen on Monday, April 28, 2025.   

  •  There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility. There is potable water within the campground.

  • Alcohol prohibited.   

  • All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.

  • An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site.

  • Be Bear Wise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. Store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least 12 feet off the ground. Remember to use the bear resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements 36 CFR 261.58 (cc) . Visit the Cherokee National Forest website and the Backbone Rock webpage of the Cherokee National Forest website for more information. 

  • Check-out time is no later than 11 am EST on your departure day. You may check-in to the campground between 2 pm EST and 10 pm EST of your arrival date. If you have not checked-in before 2 pm EST the day after your arrival date, your site will be checked-out and will forfeit all fees. 

  • All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.

  • It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are posted at the campground. 

  • The two CCC-Era pavilions underwent historic renovations which were completed September 2024.   

    • Contact Information

    4400 Unicoi Drive
    Unicoi, TN 37692
    9941 Hwy 133
    Shady Valley, TN 37688

    For campground inquiries, please call: 423-735-1500

    Additional Information