Abstract: A tie-down system for a retractable awning is positioned within the interior of the roll bar of the awning and includes a tie-down cord that is extendable from the awning for connection to a ground anchoring system. The flexible cord is biased into a retracted position substantially within the roll bar by a spiral spring that is secured at one end to the interior of the roll bar and at another end to a roller that is adapted to be rolled along the length of the roll bar. The roller also has secured thereto, and adapted to be simultaneously wrapped therearound with the spiral spring, a flexible strap, the free end of which is connected to the cord so that the spiral spring and strap cause the anchoring cord to be biased toward a retracted position while allowing the cord to be extended against the bias of the spiral spring to an operative tie-down position.