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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

TOW STRING HORSE CAMP

Cherokee, North Carolina · Swain County · Campground

Overview Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the North Carolina portion of the park, this campsite offers miles of horse trails with a breathtaking scenic backdrop. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient m…

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35.53947, -83.29660
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at TOW STRING HORSE CAMP

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High84°F
Avg Low68°F
Peak Rain Chance33%
Humidity83%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality23 · Good
Today
🌧
Light Rain
80°/66°
💧 22%🌬 7mph
6:17 AM8:47 PM
Tue
🌦
Drizzle
82°/68°
💧 20%🌬 8mph
6:17 AM8:47 PM
Wed
🌦
Rain Showers
80°/69°
💧 33%🌬 6mph
6:17 AM8:48 PM
Thu
🌦
Rain Showers
87°/67°
💧 26%🌬 4mph
6:17 AM8:48 PM
Fri
🌦
Drizzle
89°/68°
💧 22%🌬 5mph
6:17 AM8:49 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About TOW STRING HORSE CAMP

Overview Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the North Carolina portion of the park, this campsite offers miles of horse trails with a breathtaking scenic backdrop. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park.You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Tow String Horse Camp!Recreation With access to several of the Smokies' popular horseback riding trails, equestrians will never be bored. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles (1287 km) of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Tow String Camp. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.Facilities Tow String offers traditional woods camping, perfect for a getaway trip.You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Tow Strin

How to Get There

There is no street address for the horse camp. Tow String horse camp is located 4 miles north of Cherokee, NC off Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441). Turn right at sign for Tow String. Turn left after crossing bridge.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to TOW STRING HORSE CAMP

Heading to TOW STRING HORSE CAMP? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for TOW STRING HORSE CAMP?

No central reservation system listed for TOW STRING HORSE CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232481) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to TOW STRING HORSE CAMP?

There is no street address for the horse camp. Tow String horse camp is located 4 miles north of Cherokee, NC off Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441). Turn right at sign for Tow String. Turn left after crossing bridge.

How do I contact TOW STRING HORSE CAMP?

You can reach the park at phone: 828-497-9270.