🏕️ All Parks BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND
BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND

BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND

📍 Unicoi, TN Federal - Other Federal Park
Rating
4.6/5

About This Park

Overview

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. 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. 

Quick Information

  • Type: Federal Park
  • Network: Federal – Other
  • Price Range: $15-35
  • Rating: 4.5735292 / 5

Amenities

  • ✓ Electric Hookup
  • ✓ Pet Friendly

Contact & Location

4400 Unicoi Drive
Unicoi, TN 37692

Phone: 423-735-1500

Email: wataugarec@gmail.com

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Check Availability

⛺ Experience Summary

Electric hookups are available, though water and sewer are shared — a good balance of convenience and simplicity. Sitting at elevation brings cooler temperatures, thinner air, and the kind of sweeping views that make the drive worthwhile. Facilities are basic — bring what you need and expect a more self-sufficient camping experience.

Amenities & Features

Electric Hookup

✓ Available
🐕

Pet Friendly

✓ Available
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Activities

🚴

Biking

✓ Available
🛒 Biking Accessories
🦅

Birding

✓ Available
🛒 Birding Gear

Camping

✓ Available
🛒 Camping Essentials
🎣

Fishing

✓ Available
🛒 Fishing Gear
🥾

Hiking

✓ Available
🛒 Hiking Gear
🏊

Swimming

✓ Available
🛒 Water Sports Gear