NY State DEC says "camping hammocks" not allowed in DEC campgrounds.

**Philsweep** · 06-17-2016, 17:34

Originally Posted by SoaknWet

In NY they also call that homeless! Sorry but I couldn't resist the temptation! My bad.

This one made me laugh. NY is the worst even as far as taxes. We do have some beautiful country.

**G...Hawk** · 06-17-2016, 18:57

Originally Posted by pinay_lovr

Maybe this has already been answered, but do they allow 'cowboy' camping? No tent, hammock, tarp...just sleeping under the stars.

Apparently this is only a campground situation; the answer is probably it is not allowed.
( A number of years ago was told, on the phone by DEC office, that you can camp by the hiking trails if you hike a few hundred yards from the trail heads. )

Originally Posted by SoaknWet

In NY they also call that homeless! Sorry but I couldn't resist the temptation! My bad.

yes

**Philsweep** · 06-17-2016, 21:02

Originally Posted by G...Hawk

Apparently this is only a campground situation; the answer is probably it is not allowed.
( A number of years ago was told, on the phone by DEC office, that you can camp by the hiking trails if you hike a few hundred yards from the trail heads. )

This is not just a campground situation. The letchworth trail which is part of the fingerlakes trail is a no hammock and tent free area. You are only allowed to sleep in the lean-to's I have been backpacking in this area for a few years and never had a problem. When I called about the lean to which is protocol. I was told no tents and no lean to's.
yes

**G...Hawk** · 06-18-2016, 08:54

Originally Posted by Philsweep

This is not just a campground situation. The letchworth trail which is part of the fingerlakes trail is a no hammock and tent free area. You are only allowed to sleep in the lean-to's I have been backpacking in this area for a few years and never had a problem. When I called about the lean to which is protocol. I was told no tents and no lean to's.
yes

Is Letchworth Trail in a state park or a DEC forest or campground ?

**Marmaduke** · 06-18-2016, 13:05

Originally Posted by G...Hawk

Is Letchworth Trail in a state park or a DEC forest or campground ?

Letchworth is a non-DEC State Park, the Letchworth Trail is part of the FLT, inside of the State Park. Camping on the Letchworth Trail is only allowed at two Lean-tos, legally. Many people here have said they have had no issues stealthing on the Letchworth Trail.

**campacker** · 06-18-2016, 15:31

However people choose to proceed I hope all interactions with the DEC or other continue in a patient and respectful manner. I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but maybe a reminder to keep in the back of your head, we do not need nor want this to turn into an "axe grinding" demonstration.

Hang in there.

**G...Hawk** · 06-19-2016, 14:25

.
AT preMAHHA_69.jpg . AT preMAHHA_68.jpg.

Spring MAHHA group hammock hang

**Dunkard_trapper** · 06-27-2016, 15:43

FYI an email I just received from the DEC

Dear Mr. Lemley:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the issue of hammocks and their suitability for camping in the DEC campgrounds.
This has been a growing topic in the last few years and we recognize that the level of interest and popularity is growing.
Currently, the DEC Campground regulation prohibit them for sleeping at night. There are several concerns, the appropriateness for sleeping, and providing a sufficient degree of privacy for the camper as well as the neighboring patrons. We also have an issue with the possible damage to trees.
We are currently reviewing and evaluating the best approach to handle and work through this issue. We realize that more and more, the newer hammocks are starting to provide sufficient coverage and privacy. With that being said we are willing to consider them.
Our caretakers have a lot of discretion in determining appropriate camping equipment and judgement to determine impacts.
You mention specifically North South Lake, and we have been studying this situation there as a special case study.

If the Hammock provides sufficient covering for the occupant that no passer by or neighbor can reasonably view the sleeper, and the trees are sturdy enough to handle the straps, and hammock is still within the designated camp pad, then we will allow it on a trial basis. Please work with the Campground Caretaker and notify them that you will be using a hammock upon check in so we can all better ascertain the impacts and work together to evaluate the use.

Thank You,
Mike Buzzelli