Backbone Rock Campground
Open for the 2026 season from April 27 through October 13. Gate hours are 7 AM to 10 PM. Check-in 2-10 PM, check-out 11 AM. Maximum stay 14 consecutive days. Bear country: all food and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers or suspended. Alcohol prohibited.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) access interruption
An access interrupted is now scheduled on the Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) during road construction and culvert replacement beginning Sept 28. Access to Thunder Rock Campground remains open. A temporary gate will be installed just after Thunder Rock Campground.
Citico Creek Flood Closure
Significant flood occurred in the Citico Creek watershed, Tellico Ranger District. Large potions of road is washed out and the route is currently closed from Indian Boundary to approximately Camp 11. The road is impassable and access is currently closed to motorized vehicles. NFSR 35-1 Citico…
About
Backbone Rock Campground sits along beautiful Beaverdam Creek in the Cherokee National Forest at an elevation of 2,100 feet. The creek provides a popular swimming area during hot summer months, and Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout for fishing. The campground's namesake, Backbone Rock, features a tunnel originally blasted through the rock ridge to accommodate a historic railway line. The campground offers 10 sites: 8 single sites ($10/night, 5 people max, 2 vehicles) and 2 double sites ($20/night, 10 people max, 4 vehicles). Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern holder. Flush toilets and potable water are available. A historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built stone pavilion with lawn is reservable for $50/day, making this an excellent option for group retreats. The Backbone Rock Trail (#53) trailhead is approximately a quarter mile south on TN Highway 133, providing a 4-mile route connecting to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Backbone Falls Trail (#198) is a 0.4-mile loop to the falls. Damascus, VA is roughly 5 minutes north.
Directions
Take Highway TN 133 north from Highway 91. The campground is on Highway 133, just north of Backbone Rock.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| wataugarec@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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