Switchback Creek Campground Introduce
For Tennessee locals seeking an authentic mountain getaway that perfectly blends rustic charm with essential comforts, Switchback Creek Campground in Shady Valley, TN, is an outstanding choice. This isn't just another camping spot; it's a welcoming retreat designed by a rider, making it particularly popular among the motorcycle community, but equally appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Nestled within the breathtaking mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Switchback Creek offers a tranquil base for adventure or simply unwinding amidst stunning views.
Visitors consistently praise its clean and well-maintained facilities, from quaint cabins to spacious RV and tent sites. Its prime location provides immediate access to some of the most exhilarating mountain roads, including the famous "The Snake" (US 421), making it a dream destination for riders. Yet, its peaceful ambiance and friendly atmosphere, where "everyone was courteous and polite," ensure a pleasant experience for all. Whether you're coming to ride, relax by the creek, or explore the surrounding natural beauty, Switchback Creek Campground promises a memorable and comfortable stay.
Switchback Creek Campground is strategically located at 570 Wallace Rd, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA. This address places it in the scenic and captivating region of Northeast Tennessee, a prime area for outdoor recreation and renowned for its challenging and beautiful mountain roads.
The campground is situated at an elevation of 3,000 feet, snuggled between three mountains. Its exceptional accessibility for adventurers is a major highlight: it's just "2 1/2 miles from the crossroads US 421 and 91/133," which are central to many popular routes. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this proximity is invaluable, as it provides immediate access to "The Snake" (US 421) and other mountain roads boasting "489 curves within a 12-mile radius of the crossroads." This makes it an ideal starting or ending point for exhilarating rides.
While the last two roads off of Highway 91 leading to the campground are described as "narrow," reviewers confirm they are "easily passable," even for a fifth wheel, indicating that RVs can comfortably reach the destination. Beyond riding, its location offers convenient access to a wide array of regional attractions. The "2-minute ride to the Shady Valley Country Store" means quick access to basic necessities and a taste of local life. The area is also within reach of activities like white water rafting, hiking on sections of the Appalachian Trail, antique shopping, theater performances in nearby towns like Abingdon, VA, exploring caverns, and bicycling the Virginia Creeper Trail, all within a day's adventure. This balance of secluded mountain charm and convenient access to diverse activities makes it perfectly situated for Tennessee locals seeking various forms of recreation.
Switchback Creek Campground offers a range of well-maintained services designed to cater to various camping preferences, from rugged tenters to those seeking more creature comforts:
- Full Service Campsites: The campground provides 11 full-service campsites equipped with water, electricity, sewer, and Wi-Fi, accommodating "luxury campers and RV's." Reviewers confirm the ease of getting a "fifth wheel in" and appreciate the connectivity with "Great Verizon service, campground also offers WiFi!"
- Quaint Cabins: For those preferring a solid roof, the campground offers cozy cabins. These cabins include "Basic amenities," are "clean and tidy," and come with "heat and wall outlets," a "small fridge inside," and often include "linens, pillows and towels." They also have a "grill" and "microwave," making them a comfortable "best 'campground' in the area."
- Tent Camping: Primitive tent camping options are available for those who enjoy a more traditional outdoor experience. Reviewers noted that "The tent campers were friendly."
- Clean Bath House: All campers have access to a "new clean bath house" with "hot showers" and "hair dryers," ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience.
- Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry is available for guests, priced per load, and includes detergent, which is a significant convenience for longer stays.
- Covered Pavilion & Creek Side Deck: Communal areas include a covered pavilion and a creek-side deck, offering spaces for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying the views.
- Large Community Fire Pit: A "large community fire pit" encourages gatherings and provides a central spot for campfires and camaraderie.
- Creek Side Common Area: Campers have use of a pleasant common area situated by the creek, ideal for unwinding.
- Amply Stocked Camp Store: For basic needs, an "amply stocked camp store" is on-site. The close proximity to the Shady Valley Country Store also provides more shopping choices for items not offered at the camp store.
- Gas Grill Use: A gas grill is available at the shower house for communal use, offering an alternative to individual campfire cooking.
These diverse services ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, whether you're a biker, an RVer, or a tent camper.
Switchback Creek Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout choice for visitors to the Shady Valley region:
- Prime Location for Motorcycle Riding: This is a major draw. Situated at the heart of legendary riding roads like "The Snake" (US 421) and with "489 curves within a 12 mile radius," it’s explicitly built "by a rider" for riders. It’s the "perfect spot for a weekend of riding" and an ideal base for exploring thrilling mountain routes, offering a less hyped alternative to Deals Gap.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: The campground caters to a wide range of preferences, from primitive "tent camping" and fully equipped "full service camp sites with water, electricity, sewer, and WIFI" for RVs, to "quaint little cabin" with "heat and wall outlets," "small fridge," "grill, microwave, clean towels," and a "hot shower." This versatility ensures comfort for all types of travelers.
- Stunning Mountain Views: Reviewers consistently mention the "amazing view" and "Beautiful location, great views!" The campground is "snuggled between three mountains at an elevation of 3,000 feet," providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay.
- Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: Facilities, particularly the cabins and bathhouse, are praised for being "clean and tidy" and "new clean," including "hot showers." This attention to detail significantly enhances the guest experience.
- Excellent Connectivity: Despite its mountain setting, the campground offers "Great Verizon service" and "WiFi," a crucial amenity for staying connected or even for remote work while enjoying the outdoors.
- Friendly and Courteous Atmosphere: Guests report that "The tent campers were friendly, everyone was courteous and polite," highlighting a positive and welcoming community vibe among visitors.
- Proximity to Local Conveniences: The "2-minute ride to the Shady Valley Country Store" is a practical highlight, offering quick access to supplies, snacks, and a taste of local life without venturing far.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: Outside pets are welcome on the grounds, provided owners clean up after them, making it a viable option for those traveling with their furry companions (though cabin interiors are not pet-friendly).
These highlights ensure a comfortable, convenient, and truly enjoyable experience for anyone looking to explore the beauty and excitement of Northeast Tennessee.
Switchback Creek Campground offers a clear and attractive pricing structure that includes a standing promotion, making it appealing for both short and longer stays. While it might not feature seasonal flash sales, its consistent value is a highlight:
- "Stay 6 nights and the 7th is free": This ongoing promotion provides excellent value for guests planning a week-long visit, essentially offering a free night of camping or cabin stay. This is a significant benefit for extended vacations or those looking to fully explore the area over several days.
- Competitive Pricing: The published rates for cabins ($40.00 per night), tents ($15.00 per person), RV parking ($15.00), and full hookup RV sites ($30.00) are noted as reasonable, especially considering the amenities and prime location.
- Group Rates and Extended Stays: The campground explicitly encourages inquiries for "group rates or extended stays." This suggests flexibility and potential discounts for larger parties or those planning to stay for longer periods than a typical week.
For Tennessee locals, this transparent pricing and the "stay 6, get 1 free" offer provide a clear incentive for choosing Switchback Creek for their mountain getaways. To confirm current rates, inquire about group bookings, or discuss any potential specific needs for an extended visit, it is always best to contact the campground directly using the provided contact information. Their focus on accommodating guests suggests they will be helpful in planning your trip.
To plan your memorable mountain escape or thrilling motorcycle adventure at Switchback Creek Campground, you can easily get in touch using the following contact details:
- Address: 570 Wallace Rd, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA
- Phone: (407) 484-3388
- Mobile Phone: +1 407-484-3388
It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially for cabin reservations which require a first-night deposit for confirmation. While no deposit is needed for tent sites, calling in advance is still advised to ensure availability, particularly during peak riding seasons or holidays. Direct communication with the campground staff will provide the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific details about their accommodations and amenities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable planning process for your visit to Shady Valley.
For Tennessee locals, Switchback Creek Campground in Shady Valley represents an ideal blend of thrilling adventure and serene relaxation, perfectly suited for a variety of interests. Its unparalleled location makes it a dream destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering direct access to "The Snake" and hundreds of other captivating curves in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For riders in our state, finding a "motorcycle and family friendly campground located in the mountains... built by a rider" with such convenient access to legendary roads is a truly invaluable asset.
Beyond the asphalt, Switchback Creek caters beautifully to all outdoor lovers. The availability of clean, tidy cabins with essential amenities, spacious RV sites with full hookups and Wi-Fi, and inviting tent camping spots ensures that every type of camper can find their comfort zone. This versatility means locals can choose their preferred style of stay, from a luxurious RV experience to a more rustic tent adventure, all within a friendly and courteous atmosphere that reviewers consistently highlight.
The "amazing view" and the peaceful ambiance, coupled with the convenience of a "2-minute ride to the Shady Valley Country Store," offer the perfect balance of rural tranquility and accessibility. Whether you're coming for a weekend of exhilarating rides, a peaceful family getaway, or a base to explore the rich outdoor activities of Northeast Tennessee – from hiking the Appalachian Trail to visiting nearby attractions – Switchback Creek Campground provides a clean, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming experience right here in our beautiful state. The "stay 6 nights and the 7th is free" offer also provides excellent value, encouraging longer, more immersive stays to truly soak in all that this incredible region has to offer.
Switchback Creek Campground Photos










Switchback Creek Campground Location
Switchback Creek Campground
570 Wallace Rd, Shady Valley, TN 37688, USA
Switchback Creek Campground Reviews
Amazing stay at a quaint little cabin. Basic amenities were provided, and the cabin was clean and tidy. The view was amazing, and the 2-minute ride to the Shady Valley Country Store made it the perfect spot for a weekend of riding. Hot shower, grill, microwave, clean towels… best “campground” in the area. The tent campers were friendly, everyone was courteous and polite. Will definitely be back.
Apr 20, 2025 · Jonathon CoveyBeautiful location, great views! Was able to get the fifth wheel in, the last 2 roads off of 91 are narrow but easily passable. Great location to come and stay to ride the motorcycle on "The Snake" and other mountain roads.Great Verizon service, campground also offers WiFi!
Mar 02, 2025 · Josh OrmeroidLoved this campground!!! Windy was great, other guests were friendly, far back of the road for the little traffic to not be heard.
May 14, 2025 · Bearded MemberSimple campground. Perfect for riding motorcycles in western Tennessee.
May 27, 2025 · Marlin MankamyerStayed multiple times here and would stay again and again! The owner is fantastic, very nice, and is always excited to chat, show off his Norton’s, or that set of tires that reverse crowned so bad, the center is a peak and the sides are nearly bald.Large bathrooms and a large fire pit though you’ll have to grab firewood in town.If you ever think of staying, do it. Bikes are very welcome, and if you’re riding the snake, you won’t be more then a couple minutes from the shady valley store!
Jul 24, 2021 · Ernesto Lopez
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