BACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS
Damascus, Tennessee
Federal campground in Tennessee.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
Located near Ocoee #3 Lake, this peaceful, remote campground offers 8 campsites along the banks of Tumbling Creek. Tumbling Creek Campground is convient to the Ocoee Whitewater Centers’ Tanasi trail complex which offers many miles and levels of difficulty
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Athens is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Tennessee weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Athens.
Don't miss local attractions near Athens. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 18, 2026
Awesome place to spend time in nature. Has about 8 campsites and 2 or 3 that could accommodate a class B or C. I wouldn't hazzard a class A. Had to drive my class C under a tree, but made it. Free and not maintained and no utilities. No cell service for me, but did get service continuing up the road to the top of the mountain....or near. No lakes here, just a creek. Wasn't too trashy, I did... Awesome place to spend time in nature. Has about 8 campsites and 2 or 3 that could accommodate a class B or C. I wouldn't hazzard a class A. Had to drive my class C under a tree, but made it. Free and not maintained and no utilities. No cell service for me, but did get service continuing up the road to the top of the mountain....or near. No lakes here, just a creek. Wasn't too trashy, I did pick up 3 Walmart bags of trash and hauled out. Always leave your campsite cleaner than you found it!!
Mar 18, 2026
A beautiful camp ground out in the middle of no where. About 25 mins outside of McCaysville, GA. Road would be bumpy for a car and many trees were down, but accessible. No bathroom or amenities, only what you bring. And don't be a pig! Pack out what you bring in!
Mar 18, 2026
Absolutely evey inch of the Cohutta Wilderness is fantastic to me. Tumbling creek campground is really back in out of the way, right on the creek which turns into Ocoee #3 at the end of the campground road with a small boat ramp.
Mar 18, 2026
It was quiet and best of all free camping! Had a whippoorwill wake us up in the morning. Sounds of the creek were peaceful at night. Is a gravel road to get back to campgrounds. I had no issues with my car. Some widow maker's that were a little nerve racking. I'll definitely be coming back. There's no electric hook ups or restrooms.
Mar 18, 2026
Great Free Camping in the Cherokee National Forest. Stayed 14 days and watched the amazing Fall Colors Change. Will Return in The Spring
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Many travelers pair public park visits with nearby private campgrounds for extra amenities like full hookups, WiFi, pools, and laundry.
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9.3 miles awayDamascus, Tennessee
Federal campground in Tennessee.
4.7
Athens, Tennessee
Campground in Tennessee.
Athens, Tennessee
Federal campground in Tennessee.
Athens, Tennessee
Federal campground in Tennessee.
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