Public campground in Shady Valley, TN

BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN 37688
About 19 miles east of Bristol, VA

RV site details

RV sites11
Elevation2,154 ft

From Recreation.gov RIDB. It doesn't list hookups or amperage, an RV length limit, or dump or sewer service. Call (423) 735-1500 to ask before you book. Elevation is from the U.S. Geological Survey.

About BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND

BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND is a public campground in Shady Valley, TN. It has 11 campsites. 10 sites can be reserved. 1 sites are first come, first served.

From the official campground listing

Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. The pavilion and vault toilets in the day-use area will open on 3/16/26.

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.

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

Policies and details

  • Roads: Back-In, Back-in, and Gravel

Location

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN 37688
About 19 miles east of Bristol, VA
Elevation 2,154 ft

Get directionsConfirm the entrance with the park before towing a large rig.

Setting and recreation

The official listing describes BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND in a setting associated with creek and forest. For trip planning, the source identifies Swimming among the recreation options at or near this Shady Valley campground.

  • Swimming