Backbone Rock Campground

Hello, fellow Tennesseans! Are you seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure where you can truly unplug and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state? Look no further than Backbone Rock Campground in Shady Valley, TN. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a serene haven nestled in the breathtaking Cherokee National Forest, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

Backbone Rock Campground is a beloved destination that consistently earns rave reviews for its charm and offerings. Visitors frequently describe it as "awesome!" and praise the "clean and super big" campsites. Imagine arriving at your site to find your "fire ring was full of sticks and twigs, all set up and ready for a fire" – a thoughtful touch that truly sets the tone for a welcoming stay. We understand that escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life is a top priority, and that's precisely what you'll find here: a "beautiful place to explore and relax away from busy lives."

While the campground is situated near a road, rest assured that "not a lot of traffic goes by," ensuring a mostly peaceful environment. The sound of the nearby creek, which you can often hear from your campsite and easily walk down to, adds to the tranquil ambiance, creating a soothing natural soundtrack for your evenings. Our commitment to cleanliness is evident in our well-maintained restrooms with working flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience even in a rustic setting.

Backbone Rock Campground is strategically located at 10585-10711 TN-133, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA, placing it in the scenic northern Johnson County of Tennessee. This prime position is along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek, at an elevation of 2,100 feet, providing a refreshing escape, especially during the warmer summer months.

The accessibility of the campground is straightforward, being right off TN Highway 133. While the road is mentioned in reviews, traffic is generally light, preserving the peaceful atmosphere. What truly enhances its accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts is its immediate proximity to a wealth of natural attractions. The famous Backbone Rock, "the shortest tunnel in the world" originally blasted for a railway, is a prominent landmark nearby and offers opportunities to walk across its top. Furthermore, the campground serves as an excellent base for hikers, with the trailhead for the Backbone Rock Trail (#53), a 4-mile path that connects to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1), located approximately a quarter mile south on TN-133. Damascus, VA, a popular trail town for Appalachian Trail hikers and cyclists on the Virginia Creeper Trail, is also just about 5 minutes north of the campground, offering additional amenities and activities. This combination of serene natural surroundings and convenient access to major recreational features makes Backbone Rock Campground an ideal choice for your Tennessee adventure.

Services Offered:

• Developed Campsites: 10 single campsites and two double sites available, each designed to be spacious.
• Tent and RV Camping: Suitable for both tent and RV camping, though noted to be more inclined towards tent camping due to terrain.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring (often pre-stocked with sticks and twigs!), and a lantern holder.
• Flush Toilets: Clean and well-maintained flush toilet facilities are available.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available within the campground.
• Group Reservations: The entire campground, including an adjacent large Civilian Conservation Corps-built reservable pavilion with a lawn, can be reserved for groups, retreats, and other events.
• Firewood: While not explicitly stated for sale on-site, one review mentioned firewood being set up, implying easy access. (Note: always confirm current firewood policies and availability).
• Host Site: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers.

Features / Highlights:

• "Awesome" and "Super Big" Campsites: Providing ample space and comfort for campers.
• Thoughtful Fire Ring Setup: Arriving to a fire ring pre-filled with kindling is a delightful and practical touch.
• Creekside Serenity: Located right along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek, which is audible from many sites and offers a popular swim area.
• Access to Backbone Rock: The famous "shortest tunnel in the world" is a unique nearby attraction.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: Direct access to the Backbone Rock Trail which connects to the Appalachian Trail, and the Backbone Falls Trail (0.4-mile loop to a 45-foot waterfall).
• Trout Fishing: Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout, making it a great spot for anglers.
• Clean Restrooms: Regularly maintained and spotless bathrooms with flush toilets.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being near a road, traffic is generally light, contributing to a quiet environment.
• Lush Forest Surroundings: Providing ample shade and a true immersion in nature, particularly appealing during hot summer months.
• Community and Exploration: Ideal for relaxing away from busy lives and exploring the natural beauty of the Cherokee National Forest.

Backbone Rock Campground, being a U.S. Forest Service campground, typically offers excellent value through its standard rates and the inherent beauty and recreational opportunities it provides. While there aren't traditional "promotions or special offers" like discounts or loyalty programs in the commercial sense, the true value here lies in the exceptional natural setting and well-maintained facilities at a very accessible price point. One past review mentioned a rate of "only $10/night" for single sites, which underscores the affordability of this fantastic natural escape.

The amenities provided – spacious sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and clean flush toilets – along with direct access to hiking trails and trout-stocked creeks, are the main draws. The option to reserve the entire campground and its pavilion for group events also provides a unique and valuable opportunity for larger gatherings, which is a significant "special offer" for organizations or big families planning a retreat. Essentially, the "promotion" is the promise of an authentic, affordable, and incredibly rewarding outdoor experience in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest.

For inquiries or to make reservations, please use the following contact information. Please note that Backbone Rock Campground typically handles reservations through the Recreation.gov system, as it is a U.S. Forest Service site.

Address: 10585-10711 TN-133, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA (Official Forest Service address may be slightly different for inquiries, but this is the primary location for the campground).

For campground inquiries, it's often best to contact the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest directly:

Phone: 423-735-1500 (This number is typically for the Watauga Ranger District, which manages the campground).

While a general phone number is provided, specific reservations and detailed information about the campground are best accessed via Recreation.gov or by calling the relevant Ranger District for the Cherokee National Forest, where Backbone Rock Campground is managed.

For us Tennesseans, Backbone Rock Campground is an undeniable gem and an absolutely perfect choice for a local getaway. Its location in the serene Cherokee National Forest, coupled with the unique geological feature of Backbone Rock itself, offers a distinct and enriching outdoor experience right in our backyard. The fact that the campsites are described as "clean and super big" provides a welcoming and comfortable base for any camping style, from a solo tent camper to a family with an RV.

What truly makes it suitable for locals is the immediate access to incredible recreational opportunities. Being able to walk down to Beaverdam Creek for fishing or simply to enjoy the "nice water rustling at night" is a luxury. For hikers, the direct connection to the Appalachian Trail via the Backbone Rock Trail means world-class trekking is literally steps away. Even with the occasional traffic noise, as noted in reviews, the overall peacefulness and the opportunity to "relax away from busy lives" is paramount. The presence of clean flush toilets is a significant comfort for those who appreciate some amenities in a rustic setting. Despite minor issues some have experienced with host sites (which can be avoided by choosing different spots), the overwhelming sentiment is one of a highly recommended, beautiful, and affordable place to reconnect with nature. It’s the kind of place you'll "most definitely be going back again."

Backbone Rock Campground

10585-10711 TN-133, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA