Tow String Horse Camp

Parking Tag Requirements. The park requires a valid Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Frontcountry campers may park at their designated campsite without a parking tag, but will need one if you park elsewhere in the park. Please note that parking tags will be required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for each campsite.

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. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by campground staff. Violators are subject to fines.

Pets. Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.

Garbage. Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!

No Showers or Hookups. There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.

Campfires. Fires are allowed in fire rings only.

Quiet Hours. Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Generator use is restricted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.

Where to Buy Heat-treated Wood. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal and is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont sell heat-treated wood during their operating season. Please visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a list of available vendors near the park. For additional information visit the park's Frequently Asked Questions about Firewood Policies web page.

You MUST have a horse to camp in a horse camp. There is a maximum of 4 horses and 6 people per campsite. Stay limit is 14 consecutive days. All horses must have a current Coggins test. Campers are responsible for cleaning their stalls before departure and placing waste in a manure trailer. Fires are allowed in fire rings only. Important Information: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Horse feed is also covered by food storage regulations. Pets are allowed in the horse camp but must be on a leash at all times and not left unattended. Pets are not allowed on trails.

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.

No Potable Water. With the exception of Big Creek, horse camps do not have potable water.

Fishing. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website www.nps.gov/grsm or call the park at 865-436-1200 for more information.