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Hard to BookNational Forest

Backbone Rock Campground

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

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As of October 2026, Backbone Rock Campground is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee with 10 campsites. Backbone Rock Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Backbone Rock Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Backbone Rock Campground is located at 36.5939° N, 81.8150° W.

people allowed on 8 of 10 sites: 5
people allowed on each of the 2 largest sites: 10

Backbone Rock Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (8 sites)Oct 5 (8 sites)Oct 6 (8 sites)

8 sites open on Oct 4 at Backbone Rock Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 06:53 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Backbone Rock Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Backbone Rock Campground

12345678910

Standard 10
Accessible 10

Amenities

restrooms

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, swimming, hiking, photography.

All sites at Backbone Rock Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
01	Standard	5	Accessible
02	Standard	5	Accessible
03	Standard	10	Accessible
04	Standard	5	Accessible
05	Standard	5	Accessible
06	Standard	5	Accessible
07	Standard	5	Accessible
08	Standard	10	Accessible
09	Standard	5	Accessible
10	Standard	5	Accessible

About Backbone Rock Campground

Overview

Backbone Rock Campground has closed for the 2025 season. The pavilion and vault toilets in the day-use area are open until 10/31/2025. Backbone Rock 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. The creek side location with popular swim area and lush forest surroundings make Backbone Rock Campground particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 10 campsites and an adjacent large Civilian Conservation Corps- built reservable pavilion with lawn, Backbone Rock is a great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events.

Recreation

Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53).

Facilities

There are 10 single campsites, including two double sites within Backbone Rock Campground. The campground has flush toilets. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.

Natural Features

Backbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.

Nearby Attractions

The trailhead for the Backbone Rock Trail (#53) is approximately a quarter mile South of the campground on TN Highway 133. This trail is 4 miles and at the end of the trail is where it joins into the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) Damascus, VA is approximately 5 minutes North of the campground. The Backbone Falls Trail (#198) is approximately a third of a mile South of the campground. This 0.4 mile loop trail takes you to the top of Backbone Falls.

Rules and notices at Backbone Rock Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Backbone Rock Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. This campground does not have any Long-Term Camping programs.

There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility. There is potable water within the campground.

Alcohol prohibited.

All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.

An RV counts as one of the two vehicles allowed at a site.

You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the campground. Any campsites not in compliance will receive a ticket.

Check-out time is no later than 11 am EST on your departure day. You may check-in to the campground between 2 pm EST and 10 pm EST of your arrival date. If you have not checked-in before 2 pm EST the day after your arrival date, your site will be checked-out and will forfeit all fees.

Established quiet hours are between 10 pm EST and 7 am EST.

The two CCC-Era pavilions underwent historic renovations which were completed September 2024.

All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Use designated fire rings for all fires. Do not build additional fire rings. No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.

It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are posted at the campground.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Backbone Rock Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Backbone Rock Campground?

Backbone Rock Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Backbone Rock Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Backbone Rock Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Backbone Rock Campground have?

Backbone Rock Campground has 10 campsites.