The 50 State Project: US State Parks & Hammocks

[Itsamescott]

i havent as of yet, but let them get their thoughts in order. being inundated with requests would probably only delay the process at this time. i feel that i provided enough info and references to the 1" straps being the minimum that, with luck, theyll have enough evidence to go with that as the rule.

You, sir, are the bomb diggity! Thanks again!

[cv66seabear]

After reading the PA state park rules, I see nowhere are hammocks specifically restricted, I did not write to them to get absolute clarification though. Considering a trip to Gettysburg...

[fartintone]

This email shows a lot of progress!!!! The best sentence is in italics

Georgia

Currently we do not have a specific hammock policy. Use of hammocks on trees at campsites is subjective and we are unable to say across the board where hammocks can and can't be used. It depends on the individual parks and their campsites.

To be suitable, the trees would need to be within the campsite area and not away in the woods or too close to a neighboring campsite. There are so many variables regarding using trees. We assume most hammocks using straps are non-damaging to trees. Hooks screwed or nailed into trees is prohibited. Free standing hammocks are allowed at any campsite.

Chattahoochee Bend is one of our parks that has platform campsites with hammock hangers. Also, sites with hammock hangers are in development at Tugaloo State Park.

It is advised to call an individual park before making a reservation for any type campsite that the intent is to use a hammock. Thanks,




Reservation Administration Office
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
(770) 389-7401

First of all, thanks for taking on this project.

With regards to two individual Ga state parks, Unicoi has allowed hammocks, Moccasin Creek does not.

[default]

Alrighty, latest one in is NC and all is a go there. Its nice to see a state get actively involved with helping us coordinate activities, and the fact that this gentleman is going to get in touch with all his park managers regarding this is refreshing.

Thank you for your interest in North Carolina State Parks. I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. After receiving your correspondence our staff conducted additional internal reviews concerning your request. You have brought up an interesting question with a camping apparatus that we do not see on a regular basis.



Currently we do not have a park rule that specifically applies to hammocks. However, based on your interest and through additional research we see the potential for this to be a growing segment for our campground users. Our interpretation of our existing park rule is that hammocks would fall under the category of camping equipment and our camping rule as written would also apply to hammocks. I will take a moment to review some of the key points of the rule but will attach a copy for review.



Camping is allowed in designated areas only. This is necessary to prevent damage to resources in the area surrounding the campsite. Many of our campsites do not have trees in the designated section of the campsite. In order to accommodate camping hammocks, it would be required that they be set in the designated camping area or no more than 10 feet off of the marked campsite. Park staff may designate limits for hanging hammocks due to fragile natural resources that are adjacent to many of our campsites. Branches or limbs should not be removed from trees to make them more suitable for hammock camping. As stated in your correspondence, appropriate mounting devices should be used in order to protect tree trunks from punctures or scars.



In most of our camping areas we allow six people per site. Given the limited number of large trees that are present in many of our campsites, it would be important for campers to consult with park staff to ensure that the campsite will support the use. It is our goal to provide a safe, high quality camping experience for all campers in our campgrounds. As a condition of using a hammock, we would require that it be suspended close to the ground for safety reasons and to provide privacy for other campers. It is also very important to be cognizant of common foot paths, in order to prevent other campers from being injured on low hanging mounting devices. Park staff may also request that the hammock be moved or taken down due to unsuitable tree type, tree condition, tree size, or proximity of tree and hammock to neighboring campsites.



We would gladly encourage hammock camping in designated camping areas where it can be supported by the environment. I will share this information with our park superintendents in order to eliminate any questions that may arise when park employees encounter visitors that would like to participate in hammock camping. I would encourage you and others that are using hammocks to advise park staff of your plans upon arrival in order to limit any confusion and to make sure that appropriate sites are used.



Thank you again for your interest in North Carolina State Parks. Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.



Sincerely,



Michael D. Lambert

Chief of Operations

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

919-707-9339

[Cali]

The US Army Corps of Engineers at Thurmond Lake Ga/SC allows hammocks.

[Mouseskowitz]

REV thanks for doing the leg (or finger) work on this!!!

To the Mods, is there any way we can get the post with the reference table moved near the beginning of the thread?

[Kaycee]

I contacted the Minnesota State Parks and asked about the remote sites at State Parks mainly the ones on the SHT. This is what I got back.

Good Afternoon Rob,

Yes, you can use hammocks in remote backpacking campsites, such as George H. Crosby Manitou, as long as you are not injuring the trees. There is no reason to even mention hammocks when making a reservation. Just say that you are tenting.



Thank you,



Joni



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Joni Liljedahl, Customer Service Specialist Int

DNR Information Center

500 Lafayette Rd

Saint Paul MN 55155-4040

1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)

651-296-6157 or 355-0135

FAX 651-297-3618

[Hammonkey]

nothing from California yet eh?

[Jcavenagh]

Liljedahl...hmmm...thats a Minnesotan, you betcha!

[Jcavenagh]

You know...these folks who manage the parks?...they really love the parks! They spend their whole lives trying to make them better and protect them from harm. Looking at most of these responses, pretty much every single one puts the damage to the environment at the top of the list. And, I think we all know they aren't exactly millionaires from their work.

I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.......