Hanging laws in your state question

**Hawk-eye** · 09-25-2012, 15:28

Originally Posted by JRR

Here in Alabama it's only legal to hang horse thieves and cattle rustlers.

First thing I though of when I read the thread title ... glad to meet another feller that "ain't right" as my grannie use to say!

**ibgary** · 09-25-2012, 18:22

Originally Posted by KenDavis500

How do I find the 'official' law for hanging in my state's parks?

I live in TX. I've checked Texas Park & Wildlife website. I've done a google search. All with no success.

Any suggestions?

Call the park and ask to speak with the supervising ranger or superintendent.
It's easier to get gorgivness than permission.

**JaxHiker** · 09-25-2012, 21:34

Originally Posted by ibgary

Call the park and ask to speak with the supervising ranger or superintendent.

I'd say this is the easiest way to find out. I'm hoping our 1-yr pilot program here in Florida turns into a permanent acceptance of hammocks.

**Unmighty** · 09-26-2012, 07:30

Show and Tell!! Be polite and always keep a good attitude and you will be surprised what you are allowed to do!

**Brute1100** · 09-26-2012, 10:00

I have hung in lost maples and garner state park, and discussed it with hill country state natural area and so far no one has balked at the idea... I guess most people don't want to start trouble with the bearded shaved headed biker...

**Kyle** · 09-26-2012, 10:06

Originally Posted by Cannibal

All State Parks in Colorado have a rule against hammocks; more precisely, a rule against attaching anything to trees. Heck, in the city parks, you can't put anything in the ground so forget about bringing that shade tent for a day in the park.

That said, the city parks are militant about enforcement. Almost to the point of being silly. The Rangers that work the State Parks are a little more forgiving...depending on both your mood, and theirs'. I have been told to take my hammock down a few times in the past 4 years. All but one of those experiences was pleasant. The unpleasant one was a lost cause from the moment I was approached and I didn't even bother to plead my case or explain; just packed up and moved on. The other experiences were about 50/50. A few times they listened and understood, but politely stood firm. A few other times, they asked me to get out of sight with my hammock and "have a nice evening".

It is against the rules and I respect that fact. It won't stop me from pleading my case, but that is always done with the understanding that I will move without a fight. I get my way about half the time. Seems like good odds in this world.

That's a bummer. Didn't know about the city park stuff, I assume that includes things from trees as well as in the ground (lol)? And national parks are still a go, right? Good thing I'm investing in "stealthy" gear while I gear up for backpacking.

**Cannibal** · 09-26-2012, 10:12

Originally Posted by Kyle

And national parks are still a go, right?

Yep, National Parks and Forests are good with hammocks. There are a small handful of exceptions to that, though. Very high-use areas, such as Yellowstone, do have specific rules about attaching things to trees and structures. However, those rules (all that I am aware of) only apply in the designated formal camping sites; not to the backcountry. I had a great discussion about this with a gentleman at the BLM a few years ago. He is the one that gave me the information, so I tend to believe it.

**Bad Biscuit** · 09-26-2012, 11:42

My backpacking/hanging destination is so far off the closest trail (still using LNT, of course) that I've never had a ranger or anyone else question me.

I like it that way, too!