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…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Closure Continues
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
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. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
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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