Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions and Campground

Pros: Large campsites with ample privacy.

Cons: The campground runs parallel to the highway so there is quite a bit of traffic noise. There is zero cell service (Verizon) which I understand isn't a big issue for everyone.

All the camping spots were shut down when I went (11/4/21) but look up “Camp Hollow” it’s very close to the provided coordinates here.

Camp Hollow has a gate but just to the left is a free pull in camp spot that’s great right by the creek!

I think that’s what some of these images show.

Cars drive by once in a while but didn’t notice any during the night, and the creek is a great white noise for sleeping.

Damascus, VA is a beautiful area too for hiking and has public bathrooms and water spigots. I will probably come back.

Being able to camp and be 5 minutes from a small town and excellent Verizon service is great!

Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 

There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease.  Would not recommend for any vehicle larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough.  4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter.

We stayed at this camp for 10 days during the pandemic shutdown and it was a lovely place to ride out this crazy storm.  Some road noise from the motorcycles that cruise the road, but only occasionally. The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 5 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.