Tow String Horse Camp

Overview

Tow String is the Smokies’ most bare‑bones, horse‑only base camp on the North Carolina side—perfect if you want to saddle up and ride straight from camp. It sits about four miles north of Cherokee off US‑441 and typically operates April through late October. Reservations are required and there’s no pay station or reliable cell service at the campground.

Campsites and Layout

There are three simple, wooded sites, each with a 16' x 16' tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and a fire ring/grill. Expect a central parking area rather than parking at your site; you’ll haul gear up a short walk to the pads. Tent campers and small rigs are fine here—RVs under roughly 35 feet and self‑contained sleep vehicles can use the lot—but there are no hookups or showers. Toilets are portable units. There’s no potable water; bring all your drinking water. Stock water is typically pulled from a nearby stream about 100 yards away.

Quiet hours run 10 p.m.–6 a.m., with generators limited to 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Heat‑treated firewood only (or collect dead‑and‑down inside the park).

Horses and Camp Rules

You must have a horse to camp here. Sites allow up to four horses and six people. A current negative Coggins test is required. Horses cannot be tied to trees. Some reports note a central stall/hitching area near the lot, while others indicate no stalls or hitch posts at Tow String—plan to secure stock to your trailer and confirm the current setup with the park before you go.

Wildlife is active—store all food, trash, and scented items (including feed) in a sealed vehicle or solid camping unit and use the bear‑resistant dumpsters. Pets are allowed in camp on a leash but not on trails and may not be left unattended. Hammocks are allowed within your site footprint on adequately sized, protected trees (with limits on the number per tree). As part of the park’s parking‑tag program, you won’t need a tag while parked at your reserved campsite, but you will if you park elsewhere in the park for more than 15 minutes.

Riding, Trails, and Nearby

This camp is all about horseback riding, with quick access to popular equestrian routes. Beyond the saddle, you’re close to hiking, historic sites like Mingus Mill, and the Oconaluftee area. Fishing is excellent in nearby streams (a NC or TN license is required and park regulations apply). Cherokee is just four miles away for fuel and groceries, and Smokemont’s concession area up the road often has basics like ice, snacks, and heat‑treated firewood in season.

Wildlife

Expect classic Smokies wildlife—deer, elk, and the possibility of black bears. Observe from a distance and keep a clean camp; that’s non‑negotiable here.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are prime: cooler temps for horses and riders, fewer bugs, and quieter midweek crowds. Summer brings heat, humidity, and fuller reservations; ride early for the best light and comfort. After heavy rain or freeze‑thaw, be conservative—use firm, open trails and avoid soft tread to protect the routes. If you want space to yourself, aim for midweek shoulder‑season dates and book as early as you can—there are only three sites.