## 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.
PLEASE NOTE: The Large reservable pavilion at Backbone Rock Day Use Area and
the smaller non-reservable pavilion next to 'The Rock' at Backbone Rock Day
Use Area will both be CLOSED due to Historic Preservation Repair starting Nov
1, 2023 until approximately MONDAY, SEPT 30, 2024, although it could extend
into October. These are necessary repairs to be made to ensure these CCC-era
Pavilions are safely used for generations to come.

## 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 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.

## 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.

## Nearby Attractions

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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.   PLEASE NOTE:  The Large reservable pavilion at Backbone Rock Day Use Area and the smaller non-reservable pavilion next to 'The Rock' at Backbone Rock Day Use Area will both be CLOSED due to Historic Preservation Repair starting Nov 1, 2023 until approximately MONDAY, SEPT 30, 2024, although it could extend into October.  These are necessary repairs to be made to ensure these CCC-era Pavilions are safely used for generations to come.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
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.<h2>Facilities</h2>
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.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Damascus, Virginia is five miles North of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs.</p>

Picnic Tables in Backbone Rock Day Use Area

Backbone Rock Pavilion

Fireplace in Backbone Rock Pavilion

Entrance Sign at Backbone Rock Day Use Area

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions

## Overview

BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM
HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Backbone Rock Campground 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

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

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  Backbone Rock Campground 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.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53).  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the Backbone Rock Trail (#53).  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Backbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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. </p>

Backbone Rock Campground

Beaverdam Creek at Backbone Rock Campground

Waterfall at Backbone Rock Campground

Entrance Sign at Backbone Rock Campground

## Overview

JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM
HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the
shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an
elevation of 1,730 ft. With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the
water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend
your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable,
including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on
site to answer your questions. There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the
Campground with a designated beach area.

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek. There is a boat
launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421. A few campsites have easy
access to the lake shore. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the
roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the
campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to
enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other
natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Jacobs Creek Shooting Range
is about 1 mile outside the campground.

## Facilities

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek. There is a boat
launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421. A few campsites have easy
access to the lake shore. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the
roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the
campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to
enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other
natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Jacobs Creek Shooting Range
is about 1 mile outside the campground.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest.
Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of
wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

## Nearby Attractions

Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby
Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30
minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone
Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for
another campground option along South Holston Lake.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an elevation of 1,730 ft.  With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable, including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.  There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the Campground with a designated beach area.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek.  There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.  A few campsites have easy access to the lake shore.  Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.  Jacobs Creek Shooting Range is about 1 mile outside the campground.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek.  There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.  A few campsites have easy access to the lake shore.  Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.  Jacobs Creek Shooting Range is about 1 mile outside the campground.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for another campground option along South Holston Lake.  </p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)

## Overview

LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM
HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and
inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a
view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites
are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible
campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road.
Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat
launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake
shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and
horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads
between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for
swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout
the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the
naturalist in your group.

## Facilities

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat
launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake
shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and
horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads
between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for
swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout
the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the
naturalist in your group.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest.
Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of
wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

## Nearby Attractions

Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby
Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30
minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone
Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25
minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground.  Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground.  Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway.  Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia.  Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.</p>

Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Backbone Rock Campground

Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)

Little Oak Campground