Tow String Horse Camp: A Primitive Outdoor Experience

About Tow String Horse Camp

Tow String Horse Camp is a small, primitive drive-in horse camp located in the North Carolina portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, designed exclusively for campers with horses. It offers a traditional wooded camping experience with access to over 550 miles of park trails open to horseback riding, amidst diverse forests, streams, and mountainous terrain.

The camp provides a base for exploring the park’s natural beauty, wildlife, and back country, with nearby access to the Oconaluftee River and surrounding Appalachian landscapes, making it ideal for equestrians seeking a rustic getaway that emphasizes minimal amenities to preserve the natural environment.

The name “Tow String” derives from a historic “tow factory” along the creek, which produced coarse flax fibers known as “tow” for yarn and fabric, with the creek originally called Davidson Branch.

Evidence of early European settlement in the area dates back to the late 1800s, including the Old Tow String Cemetery with burials from 1889. The region was part of unincorporated communities in Swain County before the park’s establishment in the 1930s, during which residents relocated from nearby areas like Smokemont as the park was formed.

Surrounded by the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the area reflects a broader Southern Appalachian cultural history spanning from the early Indians to 19th-century European settlers and early 20th-century logging. The camp itself was developed as one of five drive-in horse camps in the park to provide access to back country trails, preserving equestrian traditions in the region.

Getting There

Tow String Horse Camp is a back country campground accessible via a narrow road.

• From Cherokee, NC: Travel north on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) for about 4 miles. Turn right at the sign for Tow String Horse Camp, then turn left immediately after crossing the bridge over the Oconaluftee River. The camp is located just beyond the bridge, with no specific street address; use GPS coordinates or park maps for navigation. Note that the road is suitable for vehicles with horse trailers, but be cautious of winding mountain roads and potential traffic on U.S. 441.

Cell service is spotty (at best) or nonexistent near the camp, so download maps and directions in advance.

NOTE: The Google Maps marker is incorrect for the Tow Strings Horse Camp. They have it located at the end of the road, when it is actually near the Tow String Horse Camp Pit Toilets.

Parking

Parking at Round Bottom is integrated with the campsites, designed for equestrian users with trailers.

• Designated parking spaces are available at each campsite for vehicles and horse trailers.
• A valid Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked in the park for more than 15 minutes, except for those at your designated campsite.
• Extra vehicles beyond the site’s capacity must display a parking tag and park in designated areas outside the camp.
• Parking tags can be purchased online or at park visitor centers; options include daily, weekly, or annual passes

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

What to Expect Upon Arrival

• Upon check-in, locate your reserved site; sites are primitive with no hookups or modern conveniences.
• Expect a wooded setting with basic site features like a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and lantern post.
• No potable water is available; bring your own or treat water from nearby streams (horses can drink directly from the stream).
• Portable toilets are provided, but no showers or other facilities; prepare for self-sufficient camping.
• Wildlife, including bears, is common, follow food storage protocols immediately upon arrival.

Read: Back country Regulations

Reservations and Fees

• Reservations are mandatory and can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov.
• The nightly fee is $30 per site, plus any applicable booking fees.
• Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid penalties; check Recreation.gov for full policy details.
• You must have horses to reserve and occupy a site; proof may be required upon arrival.

Tow String Horse Camp Facilities and Amenities

Tow Strings is primitive, focusing on equestrian basics:

• Sites: 3 tent/trailer sites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and lantern post.
• Sanitation: Portable toilets available; no showers or dump stations.
• Water: No potable water; nearby stream for horse use only (bring or treat water for humans).
• Horse Accommodations: No stalls or hitching posts; horses must be tied to trailers; manure trailer provided for waste disposal.
• Other: No electricity, hookups, or generators outside designated hours; basic wooded environment with no additional amenities.

Nearby Cherokee (13 miles) has fuel, groceries, and supplies.

General Rules and Regulations

• Camping is restricted to those with horses; all horses require a current negative Coggins test.
• Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM; generator use is limited to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Firewood must be heat-treated and certified, or collected as dead/down wood within the park; fires allowed only in designated rings.
• All food, scented items, and trash must be stored in vehicles to prevent wildlife encounters; violators may face fines.
• Pets must be leashed at all times in camp and are prohibited on trails; horses are allowed only on designated horse trails.
• Clean up all manure and waste before departure, depositing it in the provided manure trailer.
• Fishing requires a valid North Carolina or Tennessee license, with park-specific regulations.

Read: Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide

Nearby Trails and Activities

Round Bottom provides direct access to scenic horse trails through forests, along streams, and up ridges. While not as varied for daily changes as some camps, it’s great for loop rides amid wildflowers and fall colors.

• Horse Trails: Direct access to over 550 miles of designated horse trails in the park, including back country routes from the camp.
• Tow String Trail: A 4.9-mile moderate loop trail starting near the camp, featuring forested paths and stream views.
• Smokemont Loop via Tow String Horse Trail: An easy loop connecting to nearby Smokemont Campground, ideal for short rides or hikes.
• Other Activities: Trout fishing in nearby streams (license required), wildlife viewing (bears, deer, birds), and hiking on non-horse trails.
• Proximity to Cherokee, NC, offers cultural sites like the Oconaluftee Indian Village, museums, and supplies; Newfound Gap provides scenic overlooks and additional trailheads

Wildlife and Safety Tips

• Bears are common, follow food storage rules strictly. Never approach wildlife.
• Weather can change quickly; pack layers and rain gear.
• Streams may swell after rain, check crossings.
• For emergencies, nearest ranger station is Oconaluftee Visitor Center, about two miles away.
• Bring a first-aid kit, including for horses.
• Respect the park’s “Leave No Trace” principles to preserve this gem for future riders.

Read: What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear