Backbone

For Tennessee locals yearning for a genuine retreat into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Backbone Rock Campground offers an idyllic and serene escape. Nestled along the picturesque Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County, within the vast embrace of the Cherokee National Forest, this small but highly cherished campground provides an authentic outdoor experience. It's a destination where the soothing sounds of the creek replace urban clamor, and the lush forest provides a cool, shaded haven, particularly appealing during the warmer summer months.

Backbone Rock Campground draws its name and unique character from the nearby Backbone Rock, a fascinating historical landmark. This impressive rock formation features a tunnel, famously known as "the Shortest Tunnel in the World," originally blasted through the ridge for a railway in the early 1900s. Today, it serves as a testament to human ingenuity and a scenic passage for motorists traveling along TN Highway 133. This historical element, combined with the natural beauty of the area, makes Backbone Rock Campground more than just a place to sleep; it’s a site for exploration and connection with both nature and history.

Visitors consistently praise the campground for its "lovely" and "quiet" atmosphere, with sites that are "large, spread out with trees and brush separating them and backed up to a lively creek." The clean facilities, though rustic, contribute to a comfortable stay, ensuring that campers can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Southern Appalachians. For Tennesseans seeking a peaceful, nature-focused camping experience with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and simply unwinding by a creek, Backbone Rock Campground stands as an excellent choice.

Backbone Rock Campground is beautifully situated within the Cherokee National Forest, specifically in northern Johnson County, Tennessee. Its address is provided as Tennessee 37688, which refers to the Shady Valley area. More precisely, it can be found along TN Highway 133, just north of the famous Backbone Rock formation.

This location is particularly advantageous for Tennessee locals seeking a mountain escape. It's nestled at an elevation of 2,100 feet, providing cooler temperatures and a refreshing environment, especially during the humid summer months. The campground is easily accessible via state highways. For instance, from Bristol, TN, visitors can take US 421 South to Shady Valley, then turn onto TN 133 for roughly eight miles to reach the recreation area. From Damascus, VA, which is only about 5 minutes north of the campground, travelers can take VA 716 (which becomes TN 133 at the state line) for approximately five miles.

A significant highlight of its accessibility is its proximity to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The trailhead for the Backbone Rock Trail (#53) is approximately a quarter mile south of the campground on TN Highway 133. This trail, which is about 4 miles long, directly connects to the Appalachian Trail (AT), offering incredible hiking opportunities for campers. While cell service at the campground itself is noted to be nonexistent, this allows for a true "disconnect from civilization and reconnect with nature," with service typically available just a few miles away in towns like Damascus, VA. The scenic drive along TN 133, passing through "the Shortest Tunnel in the World" at Backbone Rock, adds to the charm and accessibility of this unique mountain campground.

Backbone Rock Campground, managed by the Cherokee National Forest, offers a focused set of services and amenities designed to provide a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. It emphasizes connection with nature, with essential facilities to support basic camping needs.

• Campsites: The campground features 10 single campsites, including two double sites, accommodating various group sizes. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a lantern holder, perfect for traditional outdoor living.

• Flush Toilets: A significant amenity, especially for a more rustic campground, is the availability of flush toilets in the bathhouse. While one older review mentioned a sink in the men's room not having running water or lights in the bathrooms, more recent reviews indicate "clean restrooms with running water and a commode," and "running sink water," suggesting improvements or varying conditions over time. It’s important to note that specific sites do not have electricity or water hookups.

• Potable Water Access: Potable water is available within the campground, often at a central access point, allowing campers to fill up water containers for their needs.

• Beaverdam Creek Access: The campground is situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek, which is stocked with trout, offering excellent fishing opportunities right from the campsite. There is also a popular "swim area" in the creek, providing a refreshing way to cool off during warm months.

• Reservable Pavilion: A large Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built reservable pavilion with a lawn is adjacent to the campground. This facility is a "great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events," providing a communal space for larger gatherings.

• Campground Host: Reviews consistently mention friendly and helpful campground hosts who "were gems" and "very pleasurable and helpful," ensuring the grounds are kept clean and assisting campers with their needs.

• Bear-Proof Food Storage: As part of the Cherokee National Forest, the campground adheres to a food storage order to protect campers and wildlife. All food and beverages must be stored in approved bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or suspended in the air when not being consumed or prepared.

Backbone Rock Campground, while a smaller and more rustic option, is rich in features and highlights that create a distinctive and memorable camping experience, particularly appealing to those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor adventure in the Tennessee mountains.

• Backbone Rock & "The Shortest Tunnel in the World": The campground's namesake, Backbone Rock, is a unique geological and historical landmark. Visitors can pass through the 20-foot thick tunnel (originally blasted for a railway) or hike a short trail that leads over the top of the rock, offering a fascinating natural and historical attraction right at your doorstep.

• Beaverdam Creek: The campground's prime location along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek is a major highlight. The creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities (it's stocked) and features a popular "swim area," providing a refreshing escape during hot summer days. The sound of the lively creek is a constant, soothing presence, contributing to the "quiet and beautiful" atmosphere.

• Direct Access to Hiking Trails: Campers have convenient access to various trails. The Backbone Rock Trail (#53), a 4-mile path, connects directly to the renowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), making it an ideal base for avid hikers. There's also the shorter Backbone Falls Trail (#198), a 0.4-mile loop leading to the picturesque 45-foot Backbone Falls.

• Lush Forest Setting & Natural Shade: Situated within the Cherokee National Forest at an elevation of 2,100 feet, the campground is surrounded by dense, lush forest. This provides ample natural shade, making it "particularly desirable during hot summer months" and offering a truly immersive nature experience.

• Rustic Charm with Essential Comforts: While not featuring full hookups, the campground offers essential amenities like flush toilets and potable water. The sites themselves are described as "large, spread out with trees and brush separating them," ensuring privacy and a genuine feeling of being immersed in nature.

• Ideal for Group Gatherings: The presence of a large, reservable Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built pavilion with an adjacent lawn makes Backbone Rock a "great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events," providing a dedicated space for communal activities.

• Proximity to Damascus, VA: The charming town of Damascus, Virginia, known as "Trail Town USA" and a major hub for the Appalachian Trail, is just five minutes north of the campground. This provides easy access to a small town for any necessities, dining, or further exploration of the Virginia Creeper Trail.

As Backbone Rock Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Cherokee National Forest, it operates under federal recreational fee policies. This means it typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or discount codes in the same way a private campground might. The pricing for campsites is set by the government and is publicly available through their official reservation platform, Recreation.gov.

However, visitors can benefit from inherent value and federal pass programs:

• Affordable Rates: Fees for campsites in national forest campgrounds are generally very affordable, often significantly less expensive than private campgrounds, making outdoor adventures accessible to a wide range of budgets.

• Interagency Passes: Holders of certain federal recreation passes may receive discounts on camping fees. These passes include:

  • America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass

  • America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 and over)

  • America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities)

  • America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Military Pass (for active duty military members and their dependents)

  These passes can offer a 50% discount on the camping fee at Backbone Rock Campground for the pass holder at their individual campsite. It is essential to present the valid pass upon arrival.

• Group Site Reservation: While not a discount, the ability to reserve the entire campground's pavilion and potentially coordinate reservations for the individual campsites makes it a cost-effective and convenient option for large groups planning retreats or events, rather than booking separate facilities.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees and applicable pass discounts, it is always best to consult the official Recreation.gov listing for Backbone Rock Campground or contact the Cherokee National Forest directly.

For Tennessee locals and visitors planning a trip to Backbone Rock Campground, located within the Cherokee National Forest, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: The physical address associated with the area is 9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA. This directs you to the general vicinity of Backbone Rock and the campground. The broader area is in Johnson County, Tennessee.

• Phone Number for Campground Inquiries: For specific questions about the campground, its current conditions, or assistance with reservations, you should contact the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest. The primary phone number for inquiries related to Backbone Rock Campground is (423) 735-1500.

• Reservations: Campsite reservations for Backbone Rock Campground are primarily made through Recreation.gov. You can visit their website (www.recreation.gov) and search for "Backbone Rock Campground." This platform allows you to check availability, view site details, and complete your booking online.

• Mailing Address for Cherokee National Forest: For broader administrative inquiries related to the forest, the supervisor's office address is 2800 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312. Their general phone number is (423) 476-9700.

It is always advisable to check the Recreation.gov website for any alerts, temporary closures, or important regulations (such as food storage orders) before your visit, as conditions in national forests can change. Connecting directly with the Watauga Ranger District can also provide valuable real-time information for a smooth and enjoyable camping trip.

For Tennessee locals, Backbone Rock Campground offers a uniquely suitable and deeply rewarding camping experience that perfectly embodies the natural beauty and rugged charm of the state. Its setting within the Cherokee National Forest, nestled by the tranquil Beaverdam Creek, provides an immediate sense of escape from everyday life, allowing residents to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature's embrace. This "quiet and beautiful" environment, as described by visitors, is ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating.

The campground's rustic yet well-maintained nature, complete with essential amenities like flush toilets and potable water, ensures a comfortable experience without sacrificing the authentic feel of wilderness camping. The presence of a lively creek for swimming and excellent trout fishing adds a layer of engaging outdoor activity right at the campsite, perfect for families and anglers alike.

Perhaps most importantly, Backbone Rock's prime location offers unparalleled access to a wealth of recreational opportunities that resonate deeply with Tennessee's outdoor culture. Direct access to hiking trails, including a connection to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, caters to avid adventurers. The unique historical landmark of Backbone Rock itself adds an educational and fascinating dimension to any visit. For residents seeking to reconnect with their state's natural heritage, enjoy peaceful moments by a creek, or embark on a memorable hiking or fishing expedition, Backbone Rock Campground stands as an authentic and easily accessible destination, promising a truly enriching Tennessee outdoor experience.

Backbone

Tennessee 37688, USA