How much does camping cost at Backbone Rock Campground?

Camping fees at Backbone Rock Campground range from $10-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Backbone Rock Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Backbone Rock Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Backbone Rock Campground before I book?

Yes! Backbone Rock Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Backbone Rock Campground?

Backbone Rock Campground is open April 27 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Backbone Rock Campground?

Backbone Rock Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Backbone Rock Campground?

Fire policies at Backbone Rock Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Backbone Rock Campground have?

Backbone Rock Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Backbone Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Backbone Rock Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Backbone Rock Campground?

Backbone Rock Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Backbone Rock Campground?

Popular activities at Backbone Rock Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Backbone Rock Campground

4.50

186 reviews

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee#3 Hiking Camping Tennessee Fishing Camping Tennessee +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Backbone Rock Campgr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Backbone Rock Campgr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Backbone Rock Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-735-1500wataugarec@gmail.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Backbone Rock Campground

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Campground Map

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Backbone Rock Campground

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Nearby places

Damascus, VA (approximately 5 miles, ~10-minute drive)

Shady Valley, TN (approximately 3 miles, ~5-minute drive).

Weather at Backbone Rock Campground

Current alerts(12)

Alcohol prohibited.
All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.
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.
An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site.

Best Time to Camp at Backbone Rock Campground

Best season: fall. Early fall delivers the best combination of cool, crisp weather and peak hardwood color at 2,100 ft—perfect for scenic hikes and creekside photography. Expect daytime highs around 50–70°F in September with nights dipping into the 30s–50s by early October; conditions are comfortable for hiking Backbone Rock Trail, leaf‑peeping, and clear-stream trout fishing. Crowds are generally moderate (the campground has only 10 sites and fills on weekend days), so midweek visits in September or the first two Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Early fall is 'sweet spot'; peak hardwood color at this elevation in late September.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 27 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26.

About Backbone Rock Campground

Backbone Rock Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Shady Valley, Tennessee, at 2,100 feet elevation. This small Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites along a clear trout stream, with flush toilets and potable water but no showers. Guests come for fall foliage hikes, creek fishing, and wildlife viewing on the Backbone Rock Trail.

Backbone Rock Campground caters to tent and RV campers with its primitive, non-electric sites. It also features two double sites suitable for groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall delivers the best combination of cool, crisp weather and peak hardwood color at 2,100 ft—perfect for scenic hikes and creekside photography. Expect daytime highs around 50–70°F in September with nights dipping into the 30s–50s by early October; conditions are comfortable for hiking Backbone Rock Trail, leaf‑peeping, and clear-stream trout fishing. Crowds are generally moderate (the campground has only 10 sites and fills on weekend days), so midweek visits in September or the first two Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBeaverdam Creek runs through the campground, clear enough for spotting trout. Hardwoods and evergreens provide shade, with moss-covered boulders scattered along the banks. The surrounding ridges show the classic Appalachian profile. Layered and worn. At this elevation, the forest mix includes salamander habitat under rocks and decent songbird activity at dawn. The creek can swell quickly after rain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available. The campground features tent and RV-friendly sites, with no additional lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles allowed per site. Specific guest count per site not explicitly stated.

Groups

Two double sites are available, which can accommodate larger groups. One user described them as "perfect for exploring the Creeper trail and fishing in the river."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including online and mobile app platforms.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and picnic shelters are available. The campground also features accessible grills and parking areas.

Site SizeSites are spacious and level, with a gravel base. Several reviews highlight the generous size of the campsites, with one describing them as "very spacious in their own way.

PrivacyLimited privacy due to the proximity of sites opening onto the camp road. However, wooded areas offer some seclusion between sites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 1-5 provide the best creek views. Site #7 is closer to restroom facilities but exposed to light pollution.

Best CampsitesSite #1 and Site #10 get mentioned for creek access and quieter positioning. Several reviews note the sites are spacious overall, with level gravel bases.

Need help booking Backbone Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Backbone Rock Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and biking. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessible via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53), which spans 4 miles and connects to the Appalachian Trail. Beaverdam Creek provides opportunities for trout fishing, swimming, and scenic photography. Nearby attractions include the Backbone Falls Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

186 reviews

Recommended

Backbone Rock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Backbone Rock Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. Reviews consistently mention the peaceful creekside location, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include traffic noise from the nearby road and the lack of showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 186 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and welcoming hosts. "Hosts were gracious and friendly," noted one review, and another stated, "The campground was very clean and orderly."

Based on 186 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users highlighted traffic noise due to the campground's proximity to the road, as well as the lack of showers and cell phone service. "The campground is right next to the road and there is a lot...

Based on 186 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is praised for its privacy and river access, while Site #10 is noted for its proximity to the creek and spacious layout. Several users highlighted the cleanliness and overall quality of these...

Based on 186 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap for the restrooms and firewood is available for $3 a bundle on-site. For privacy, choose campsites further from the restroom facilities, and be prepared for no cell reception.

Based on 186 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer and fall seasons, with visitors appreciating the cool creekside location during warmer months. Fall provides opportunities for stunning seasonal...

Based on 186 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are always clean." "Hosts are gracious and friendly." "Traffic noise can be bothersome, but the sound of the creek helps." "Bring your own soap!"

Based on 186 reviews