Backbone Rock Campground
Closed — Closed for the 2025 season. The campground typically operates seasonally. Gates at the recreation area are open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the off-season, and hiking trails remain accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Backbone Rock Campground is a small campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County. This developed campground is popular with those visiting the nearby Backbone Rock, a tunnel originally blasted through the rock ridge for the railway in 1901 and known as the "Shortest Tunnel in the World." The creek side location with popular swim area and lush forest surroundings make Backbone Rock Campground particularly desirable during hot summer months. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the recreation area in the 1930s, constructing picnic shelters and hiking trails with native stonework. The campground was added in the 1960s and rehabilitated in the mid-1990s. With 10 campsites (8 single and 2 double) and an adjacent large CCC-built reservable pavilion with lawn, Backbone Rock is a great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events. Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the Backbone Rock Trail, located approximately a quarter mile south of the campground on TN Highway 133.
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 South for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to Backbone Rock Recreation Area. From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 716 becomes TN 133 at the state line).
Nearby Campgrounds
- Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions 0.0mi
- Beartree Recreation Area 9.0mi
- Jacobs Creek Campground 11mi
- Beartree 11mi
- Little Oak Campground 15mi
- Elk Knob State Park 19mi
- Grindstone 16mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground 17mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Backpack Parking Campground 17mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1547 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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