How much does camping cost at Tow String Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Tow String Horse Camp range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tow String Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Tow String Horse Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tow String Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Tow String Horse Camp has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tow String Horse Camp?

Tow String Horse Camp is open May 01 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tow String Horse Camp?

Tow String Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Tow String Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Tow String Horse Camp: Campfires. Fires are allowed in fire rings only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tow String Horse Camp have?

Tow String Horse Camp has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tow String Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tow String Horse Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tow String Horse Camp?

Tow String Horse Camp offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tow String Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Tow String Horse Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tow String Horse Camp

2.94

8 reviews

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Featured in:Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,175 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open April 18, 2025 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,175 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open April 18, 2025 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Tow String Horse Camp

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Tow String Horse Camp

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Tow String Horse Camp

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nearby places

Cherokee, NC (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)

Weather at Tow String Horse Camp

Current alerts(11)

Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items, as well as all water containers MUST be stored.
Firewood Restriction. Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced.
Fishing. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
Garbage. Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!

Best Time to Camp at Tow String Horse Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable riding weather, spectacular mountain color, and lower summer insect pressure — expect crisp mornings and warm afternoons (daytime highs commonly 55–70°F, nights 35–45°F) with peak foliage in mid-to-late October. Trails are excellent for long rides and wildlife viewing as deciduous forests turn gold and red, and the equestrian camp tends to be quieter than frontcountry sites though weekends can fill with leaf-peepers. Plan for stable daytime riding, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called 'best riding' with crisp mornings, warm afternoons and peak foliage in Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025; closed out of season.

About Tow String Horse Camp

Tow String Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, operated by the National Park Service as an equestrian-only facility. This primitive campground provides direct access to park horse trails for overnight riders, with fire rings, picnic tables, and pet-friendly sites. Fall brings peak riding conditions with mountain foliage and active wildlife viewing along the trail network.

Tow String Horse Camp is a specialized campground catering exclusively to equestrians. It offers basic camping facilities without modern utilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable riding weather, spectacular mountain color, and lower summer insect pressure — expect crisp mornings and warm afternoons (daytime highs commonly 55–70°F, nights 35–45°F) with peak foliage in mid-to-late October. Trails are excellent for long rides and wildlife viewing as deciduous forests turn gold and red, and the equestrian camp tends to be quieter than frontcountry sites though weekends can fill with leaf-peepers. Plan for stable daytime riding, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2175 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe camp sits within the ancient Appalachian range, where billion-year-old rocks form the foundation of one of Earth's most biodiverse temperate regions. Traditional woods camping here means forest cover and moderate privacy between sites. The surrounding mountains earned International Biosphere Reserve status for their ecological diversity. Black bears, salamanders, and old-growth forest dominate the landscape. Morning mist and ridge views are common, though specific scenic features visible from the campground itself aren't documented in visitor accounts.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or alternative accommodations exist at Tow String Horse Camp. Campers must bring their own camping equipment.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park preserves over 90 historic structures, offering insights into Southern Appalachian culture, including houses, barns, and mills.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights is permitted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum six people per campsite and up to four horses.

Groups

Group camping information is not specified for Tow String Horse Camp.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to Tow String Horse Camp are not mentioned. Campers should inquire directly with the park office for detailed accessibility information.

Site SizeThe campground features basic sites designed for equestrian use. Each site accommodates a maximum of six people and four horses.

PrivacySites are described as traditional woods camping and may offer moderate privacy, but specific details about site spacing or seclusion are not provided.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites should be chosen based on ease of tying horses to trailers since no hitching posts or stalls are provided. Privacy is moderate and facilities include fire pits and picnic tables.

Need help booking Tow String Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Tow String Horse Camp has no electricity or running water (horses can drink from a nearby stream). All campsites have a picnic table, lantern post, and a grill / fire ring. The campground has portable toilets. There are no horse stalls or hitches. Please tie horses to your trailer. No Potable Water. With the exception of Big Creek, horse camps do not have potable water. No Stalls or Hitching Posts. Stalls and hitching posts are not provided at the Tow String Horse Camp location. Please only tie horses to horse trailer(s) and NOT to trees.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Tow String Horse Camp provides access to equestrian trails, hiking paths, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is situated in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, offering diverse recreational opportunities ranging from exploring historical log buildings to enjoying nature.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Campers are advised to prepare for more primitive conditions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires. Fires are allowed in fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to use bear-proof dumpsters for trash disposal, and improper storage or disposal is strictly penalized to protect wildlife. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageInformation about cell phone service quality and coverage is not specified for Tow String Horse Camp.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Tow String Horse Camp

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

2.9

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Tow String Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Tow String Horse Camp has received mixed reviews, with some users appreciating its equestrian focus and scenic setting, while others criticized the lack of modern amenities and site conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's proximity to equestrian trails and its location within the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park are notable positives.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of potable water, no electricity or sewer hook-ups, and the poor condition of some sites. One user review specifically mentioned: "No power, can not get your...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including potable water, and adhere to food storage regulations to avoid wildlife encounters. Horse owners must bring a current Coggins test...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from April to October, with users likely to experience hot, humid conditions in summer and milder weather in spring and fall. Seasonal reviews highlight the challenges of...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park." "No power, can not get your vehicle near the site. Very poor condition and by a sewer."

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features have been provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. They are not permitted on trails.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You're hauling horses into the Smokies and want overnight trail access during fall riding season.

Skip if

You need vehicle-accessible sites, hookups, or a campground not flagged for maintenance issues.

Nearby Campgrounds

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Smokemont Campground sits in the Oconaluftee valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, minutes from Cherokee. The National Park Service operates this large foothills campground along Bradley Fork River, where tent and RV campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station.