Tow String Horse Camp

Welcome, fellow North Carolinians and horse enthusiasts, to an insightful look at a unique outdoor destination nestled within the stunning Great Smoky Mountains: Tow String Horse Camp. If you're an equestrian seeking a truly primitive camping experience where you can bring your horses and explore miles of scenic trails, this camp near Cherokee is specifically designed for you. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview, helping you understand what makes Tow String Horse Camp a distinct and essential spot for local horse lovers in North Carolina.

Tow String Horse Camp is not a typical family campground with a wide array of amenities. Instead, it embraces the spirit of rugged, primitive camping, focusing entirely on providing a functional and accessible base for equestrians and their horses. This specialization sets it apart, creating a dedicated community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploring the wilderness on horseback. While some traditional amenities like power and vehicle access directly at sites are not available, this is by design, contributing to the "rural primitive camping at its finest" experience that many seek. It’s a place where the focus is firmly on connecting with nature and the trails, rather than modern conveniences.

The camp's location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park underscores its commitment to authentic outdoor adventure. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse both yourself and your horses in one of America's most beloved natural landscapes. For North Carolinians, having such a dedicated horse camp within reach means unparalleled access to the vast network of equestrian trails that wind through the park's breathtaking vistas and rich cultural history. Despite a frank review about its "poor condition" and proximity to a "sewer," other information suggests it offers essential primitive facilities and is appreciated by those seeking a truly rustic experience with their equine companions. This direct connection to the trail system and the emphasis on a genuine horse camping experience make Tow String Horse Camp a vital resource for the local equestrian community.

Tow String Horse Camp is located on Tow String Horse Camp Rd, near Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. This places it strategically within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a premier natural area for outdoor recreation in North Carolina. Its location just four miles north of Cherokee, off U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Road), makes it relatively accessible for those traveling with horse trailers. To reach the camp, visitors turn right at the sign for Tow String Road and the horse camp, crossing a bridge and then turning left into the camping area.

While the camp itself offers a primitive experience, its direct road access is crucial for those bringing horses and trailers. However, it's important to note that vehicles cannot be parked directly at the campsites; the camping is primarily a "hike-in" for campers themselves after parking their vehicles and trailers in a designated area. This is a common characteristic of horse camps designed to protect the natural environment and maintain a rustic feel. The drive to the camp is generally straightforward from Cherokee, but visitors should always be prepared for mountain roads.

The significance of Tow String Horse Camp's location lies in its direct proximity to an extensive network of horse trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This provides equestrians with immediate access to diverse riding routes, ranging from introductory to advanced. This direct trail access is the main draw for many campers, allowing them to truly explore the park's beauty on horseback. For North Carolinians, this means a unique opportunity to blend their love for horses with the grandeur of the Smoky Mountains, offering an unparalleled equestrian adventure close to home.

• Equestrian-Specific Camping: Tow String Horse Camp is designed exclusively for campers who bring their horses. It is mandatory to have a horse to camp here.
• Primitive Campsites: The campground offers primitive camping, meaning there are no hook-ups for electricity, water (potable for humans), or sewer at the individual sites.
• Horse Stalls/Hitching Racks: Sites include facilities for horses, such as hitching racks, and horses must be kept in stalls provided by the camp rather than tied to trees or within the human campsite area. Each campsite typically accommodates up to 4 horses.
• Fire Rings: Campers will find fire rings at their sites for controlled campfires. Only certified heat-treated firewood or dead and down wood found in the park can be used.
• Picnic Tables: Campsites generally come equipped with picnic tables for convenience.
• Trash Pins/Manure Trailers: Trash disposal is provided, and campers are responsible for cleaning their stalls and disposing of horse waste in designated manure trailers.
• Non-Potable Water for Horses: While there is no potable drinking water for humans at the campsites, water for horses is available, though it may need to be hauled from a river or central source.
• Portable Toilets: Portable toilets are available on-site for basic restroom needs.
• Direct Trail Access: The primary "service" is the direct and easy access to miles of horse riding trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Wildlife and Food Storage Regulations: Strict regulations are in place for food storage (in sealed vehicles/units) to deter wildlife, especially bears. Horse feed also falls under these regulations.

• Exclusive Equestrian Focus: This is a standout feature, making it a dedicated haven for horse owners looking to camp with their animals.
• Direct Access to Horse Trails: Unparalleled access to the vast network of horse trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major draw.
• Primitive Camping Experience: Offers a true rustic, off-grid camping adventure for those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency.
• Required Horse Accommodations: Specific facilities and rules for horses (stalls, Coggins test, waste disposal) ensure a managed and safe environment for equestrian activities.
• Fire Rings for Campfires: Allows for traditional campfires, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• Beautiful Mountain Setting: Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is rich in wildlife, including bears, deer, and elk, providing chances for observation (from a safe distance).
• Proximity to Cherokee: While primitive, its location just 4 miles from Cherokee provides relative convenience for supplies or emergencies.
• Long Stay Limit: Campers can stay for up to 14 consecutive days, allowing for extended riding adventures.

Address: Tow String Horse Camp Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Phone: (865) 436-1297

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

These phone numbers are typically associated with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which manages the horse camps. For reservations, current regulations, trail conditions, or any other inquiries specific to Tow String Horse Camp, it is highly recommended to contact the National Park Service directly via these numbers or through their official website, particularly the park's horse camps section or the recreation.gov platform. Advance reservations are required.

For the equestrian community and primitive camping enthusiasts of North Carolina, Tow String Horse Camp offers a uniquely specialized and deeply authentic outdoor experience right here in our majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Its very existence caters specifically to those who wish to camp alongside their horses, providing direct access to an unparalleled network of riding trails. This niche focus makes it an invaluable local resource for horse owners who understand the unique logistical considerations of traveling and camping with their animals. Its proximity to Cherokee means that while it offers a genuine wilderness escape, it's still within reasonable driving distance for many across the state.

What truly makes Tow String Horse Camp suitable for North Carolinians is its commitment to providing "rural primitive camping at its finest." For those who embrace the simplicity of no power hookups and embrace the challenge of managing their own water and waste, this camp delivers an unadulterated outdoor experience. The provided facilities for horses, such as hitching racks and designated manure disposal, highlight a thoughtful approach to equestrian needs, ensuring that both riders and their equine companions are accommodated safely and responsibly within the park's regulations. This specialized infrastructure allows locals to fully leverage the vast trail systems of the Smokies with their horses, an opportunity not readily available elsewhere.

While a review noted "poor condition" and proximity to a "sewer," it's crucial to understand that primitive backcountry horse camps prioritize functionality and minimal environmental impact over luxury. For the dedicated horse camper, the trade-off for direct trail access and an authentic wilderness experience is often well worth these rustic conditions. The strict regulations regarding Coggins tests, food storage (for bears), and firewood ensure the preservation of this unique environment for all. In essence, Tow String Horse Camp is more than just a place to stay; it's a dedicated equestrian gateway into the heart of North Carolina's wilderness, inviting locals to create unforgettable memories on horseback amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Tow String Horse Camp

Tow String Horse Camp Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA