Interesting (and humorous) rules on hammock camping in CT

**slowhike** · 06-17-2010, 15:26

Speaking of the "Clark forum group on yahoo", I wonder if we have many HF members taking part there?

**Knotty** · 06-17-2010, 15:32

In a previous discussion on the CT rules against hammock camping the bottom line was that the state campgrounds try to create tent areas that are safe from falling branches (widow makers). It's not that they're trying to protect the trees. In most cases of lawyers vs. freedom, lawyers win. Ugh.

**SkyPainter** · 06-17-2010, 15:36

Originally Posted by NFA

It's better to ask forgiveness than permission...just sayin'

Jamie - nfa

+1 Here! After paying the State Park Fee, most "rangers" don't even both to drop by to see that you are not building a log cabin!

**FalseAesop** · 06-17-2010, 17:17

At the Illinois state parks I've camped at the rangers have never bothered me about my hammock set up. Most I ever heard from one was asking how comfortable it was sleeping in, I don't think he'd ever seen a gathered end hammock.

My local county parks however (and there are a lot of beautiful parks in this county) have the "no hanging anything from the trees" rules. Shame.

**Shug** · 06-17-2010, 17:30

Kinda like the warnings on trampolines .... "Do Not Flip".
Silly.
Shug

**sir White Wolf** · 06-17-2010, 17:56

Originally Posted by Shug

Kinda like the warnings on trampolines .... "Do Not Flip".

Yea I liked that sticker made me LOL

So where do we do a Mass E-mail campaign to get this changed?

I was camping in Unicoi State park here in Ga. and after I was set up a ranger strolled by.
After looking in at my rig he made a mention of the "Rope or Wire rule"
Showing him that the straps caused no damage under weight he let me hang.

Now this isnt to say they are going to give any one the nod or its OK to do as ya want.
Just that a little education goes a long way.

We are every one of us the ambassadors to this that we love.

**Greg Dunlap** · 06-17-2010, 18:19

My brother bow hunts in CT and they allow tree stands to be erected in trees to accommodate bow hunters. Ask them how this differs from a tree stand in that they are strapped onto a tree. Seems to me if they allow one item to be used in a tree because it's strapped to it, they have to seriously consider allowing hanging straps for hammocks also.

**gargoyle** · 06-17-2010, 18:21

No problems with Michigan State Parks. At the recent MI Hang, we had a dozen hammocks hanging in plain view, some up close Ranger inspection.

No question was asked about the hammock.

**Ramblinrev** · 06-17-2010, 18:28

Originally Posted by Greg Dunlap

My brother bow hunts in CT and they allow tree stands to be erected in trees to accommodate bow hunters. Ask them how this differs from a tree stand in that they are strapped onto a tree. Seems to me if they allow one item to be used in a tree because it's strapped to it, they have to seriously consider allowing hanging straps for hammocks also.

Often State Parks abd State Forests are under different management rules. I don't know about CT... I only lived there 12 years but it was 30 years ago...
But in PA most if not all State Park areas are strictly closed to hunting. That may be the difference.

**FalseAesop** · 06-17-2010, 18:29

Originally Posted by gargoyle

No problems with Michigan State Parks. At the recent MI Hang, we had a dozen hammocks hanging in plain view, some up close Ranger inspection.

No question was asked about the hammock.

Good to hear Gargoyle, I'm helping out my folks by driving up to Mi this weekend so they can check out a retirement home (they both grew up in the thumb, and to the thumb they return). We're going to be camping once we get there, them in their RV, me in my hammock (sometimes the apple drops far from the tree I guess). I figured I'd just hang and deal with it if a ranger told me to take it down. Now though I'm looking forward to it.

Good I have my brand spanking new WBBB to break in.