Unicoi, TN

Backbone Rock Campground

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

Backbone Rock Campground is closed for the season. Backbone Rock Pavilion is open to reservations until the first Monday in November, and the vault toilet in the day-use area is open until the third Monday in November. 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.

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.

Typical weather

Beaverdam Creek

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Beaverdam Creek, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.40°JJanuary: average water temperature 40°F42°FFebruary: average water temperature 42°F44°MMarch: average water temperature 44°F51°AApril: average water temperature 51°F57°MMay: average water temperature 57°F64°JJune: average water temperature 64°F66°JJuly: average water temperature 66°F65°AAugust: average water temperature 65°F60°SSeptember: average water temperature 60°F53°OOctober: average water temperature 53°F46°NNovember: average water temperature 46°F42°DDecember: average water temperature 42°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 62 field-sample stations

Nearby campgrounds