Irritated with Missouri State Parks, need help!

[ebs675]

I am new to hammocks, but not to camping and backpacking. I am hooked by the way. Generally I prefer camping off of trails, but sometimes it is nice to just drive to a campground, with a cooler and other niceties, and then go on day hikes, knowing a cold beverage waits at the end

In excitement of using my new hammock on all my outdoor trips, I called Missouri state parks to make sure there were not any issues. To my surprise, they said that hanging anything from trees in a campground is prohibited. How frustrating and unfair! It seems like a person can drive in a huge RV with satellite dishes hanging off, and motorcycles fixed to the back, but I cannot even hang an environmentally friendly hammock between two trees. WTH!

I apologize for coming out of the gate venting, as a new member, but this kind of thing gets me worked up. It has previously irritated me that on MO land, they only allow backpacker's to build fires in designated camping spots and fire pits, whereas federal land allows more freedom, which is the whole reason we are out there in the first place.

But all venting aside. Has anyone ever had success in getting policies changed regarding hammocks. Perhaps through a petition and/or educating the state park administrators regarding the benefits of hammock camping?

Thanks

-E

[MAD777]

You'll get a lot of sympathy here in Florida because we can't have hammocks in State Parks either.

On the good side. State Parks are where most of the RV campers go and I'm trying to get away from "civilization", so I guess it kind of works itself out in a weird way.

[Cannibal]

On the good side. State Parks are where most of the RV campers go and I'm trying to get away from "civilization", so I guess it kind of works itself out in a weird way.

Yeah, but....

Consider Colorado. We too, have such annoying laws in our State Parks. I seem to keep moving to states that don't like hammocks; first Florida, now Colorado.

The difference is, some of the Colorado State Parks are simply beautiful and not crowded by R/Vs. Sure I can take you to some R/V nightmares in our parks, but they are the minority out here given the size (acreage) of some of our parks. It is terribly frustrating to find just a pristine spot while on a day hike, only to come to the realization that the only way for me to hang there and enjoy it, would be to commit a crime. Even a petty one like breaking that rule, would add to the troubles other hammockers may have; so, I kick the dirt and continue on my way.

Be thankful. The City Parks out here not only forbid the tying of anything to a tree, they actively write tickets for putting a stake in the ground. You know those pop-up sun shelters folks use? Denver loves them; they make a ton of money off the fines for using them properly.

Go to Federal land. The National Parks and Forests are hammock friendly across the board with only a few exceptions where very heavy use occurs.

[deerfu]

Try starting with and individual park and/or park manager and offer to do a demonstration. It can't hurt (unless you string it up with something like barbed wire). All kidding aside make sure you use tree straps if you try this

[deerfu]

You'll get a lot of sympathy here in Florida because we can't have hammocks in State Parks either.

On the good side. State Parks are where most of the RV campers go and I'm trying to get away from "civilization", so I guess it kind of works itself out in a weird way.

The rv's do crowd some but Florida has some great state parks. My modified hammock stand will go with me from now on.

[AaronAlso]

Everytime this topic comes up I contemplate how such laws, regulations, or guidelines come to be; and how they get changed. My only conclusion is politics and how does the political machine in our country work? Lobbyists! Generally the group with the loudest vioce gets heard.

Now, there are threads around here with discusions about how to approach park managers & such and sway their opinion, primarily through education. However, the creation of a non-profit national organization could develop enough clout to entirely have the "law" amended to include an exception for hammocks hung with webbing (a.k.a tree huggers) on a state by state basis. That is how laws are changed, made, & eradicated in our country.

This is the first time I made mention of such an organization in a public forum. I hope that oneday HF will be able to expand into that direction.

[Cannibal]

This is the first time I made mention of such an organization in a public forum. I hope that oneday HF will be able to expand into that direction.

Personally, I would be one of the first folks to join such a group and would do so with gusto.

As to HF, well, that's not what we're here for. We are here for you and for other hammock users, or curious folks, to learn, discuss, and evolve this method of sleeping we all like so much. We are neutral in politics and will remain that way for many good night's sleeps ahead.

[Jcavenagh]

I would suggest that you call back and get a chapter and verse citation to the actual rules(s). Then read the rules and see if you are being given good information. If the rules are not as you were told before, you will know the rules when and if challenged in the park. If a prohibition actually exists, you have a starting point for a dialogue.

[samiam2714]

Solution... Since you are going to camp ground anyways and driving your car. Bring a stand. My vario stand breaks down to just a few parts. I plan on making a tripod stand like the bamboo ones when time allows. To bring on work trips that require a hotel room. And you can place the stand any where you want it too especially if they are crotchety and want you to stay in designated tent areas.

Then you have no need to anger the rangers and fight the thing. Though i understand it is a matter of principle for some but in the interim you could do that.

[Stormstaff]

From my understanding, a lot of these laws go way back because of folks nailing clotheslines to tree, putting screw hooks into trees for the old backyard hammocks, etc.

I believe Rev, through education in the new greener ways, was able to get the ok in his state parks in his area as long as tree huggers and the such are used.

As for an organization like the NRA but for hammocks, sign me up. Cannibal can be member #1, I'll be happy with #2.