Backbone Rock Recreation Area
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 abruptly ends at a bend in Beaverdam Creek.
A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is known as "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" as they travel along TN 133. In the 1930s The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the recreation area for day use, constructing two picnic shelters and hiking trails that incorporated native stonework. The campground was added in the 1960s and rehabilitated in the mid 1990s.
General Information
4/28/2025 - 10/14/2025
Gates are open at 7am and closed at 10pm. Guests are asked to leave the area before the gates are closed for the evening. The hiking trails are open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
A special use permit is required for groups of 75 people or more on National Forest lands.
- Campsites are limited to not more than 5 people and 2 vehicles overnight. Double campsites allow for up to 10 individuals and 4 vehicles overnight.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the area.
- No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.
- Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, in your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times, or suspended in the air, unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
- Pets must be on a maximum 6 ft. leash at all times, and pick up after them.
- It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10/night.
Double Site: $20/night.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Day Use:
Group Site: $50/day.
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*
Camping is $10 for a single site (8 sites) and $20 for double site (2 sites). One pavilion is reservable at $50 per day.
Contact Name: Chad Ingle
Contact Phone: 423-735-1547
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.59568504
Longitude: -81.81835727
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 South for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to Backbone Rock Recreation Area. From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 716 becomes TN 133 at the state line).
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
