Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Sold out? We check Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Or tap nights on the calendar below.

Free to start, email alerts included. Signed out? You sign in next and your dates are kept.

As of September 2026, Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground is a campground in Tennessee with 1 campsite. Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground for availability and alerts watchers when a site opens up.
Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground is located at 36.5939° N, 81.8150° W.

people allowed on each site: 74

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground reservations and next available dates

Tap sold-out nights to add them to your alert.

September 2026

October 2026

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

Campsites at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground

Group 1

Amenities

restrooms

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, photography.

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

Every site is in the BACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
Backbone Rock Pavilion #1	Group	74

About Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground

Overview

The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions and other types of group gatherings. The pavilion is large and adjacent to an expansive field, Beaverdam Creek, and a large parking area. The area includes accessible grills, picnic tables, dumpsters, and vault toilets.

Recreation

There is a trail that will take you to the top of Backbone Rock, following a stone-step wooded path. The trail crosses the rock and leads to Beaverdam Creek or Backbone Rock Falls. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail adjoins Backbone Rock Trail. Beaverdam Creek is known for its excellent fishing.

Facilities

There is a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) -era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and several large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. Vault toilets are located within the parking area.

Natural Features

Backbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that ends abruptly at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is locally known as "The shortest tunnel in the world" as they travel along TN 133.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.

Nearby Attractions

Damascus, Virginia is five miles North of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground FAQ

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

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground is rated "Very 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 Recreation Area Pavilions Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions 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 Recreation Area Pavilions Campground have?

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground has 1 campsites.

Campgrounds