Pro scans every minute· 119K campsites tracked

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground in Tennessee

Hard to BookNational Forest

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground Reservations

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

Free alerts are checked every hour. Pro checks every minute and adds text alerts.Next, choose Pro or just this campground. Your nights are saved.

On your iPhone

Get Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground openings on your Lock Screen.

Scan with your camera to get the app.

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground quick facts

Cancellation alerts: We check Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground for cancellations and email you when a site opens.
Reservations: Reserved on Recreation.gov.
Campsites: 1 site.
Location: Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee.Campgrounds in Cherokee National Forest Tennessee campgrounds

As of November 2026, Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, 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 tells alert holders 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

Loading dates…

Next Available Dates

The calendar above shows which nights are open at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground and which are sold out.

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 13 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground, read on November 11, 2026.

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.

Rules and notices at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on November 11, 2026. Check Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Both the large pavilion and small pavilion by the Rock are first come, first serve. Please pack in/pack out as there are no trash services over the Winter. The vault toilets in the day use areas are open until the third Monday in November.

There is no cell phone coverage in the Backbone Rock Recreation Area.

Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m.

If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit. Pavilion #1 has extensive parking for larger groups.

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.

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.

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

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 day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground FAQ

How do I make a campground reservation at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground?

Campsites at Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground are reserved on Recreation.gov. If your dates are sold out, set a cancellation alert and we email you when a site opens.

What campgrounds are near Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground?

Campgrounds near Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground include Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn), Beartree Campground, Little Oak Campground, Grindstone Campground and Grayson Highlands State Park Chestnut Hollow Horse Sites.

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

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions 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 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. Pro and $19 single-campground alerts are checked every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

How many campsites does Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground have?

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Campground has 1 campsites.