The 50 State Project: US State Parks & Hammocks

[dakotaross]

Good stuff, Rev. As you're going along with this, might keep in mind that much of the issue is not with actual rules, but with application of those rules. "Nothing damaging trees" can get interpreted as "no hammocks" through human error, and a rule against hammocks gets perceived as fact. Not sure what your communication is, but inclusion our story, our plight, and what can be done to combat this incorrect perception might help. Such might be the issue with the WV Parks DA. Your list can be very helpful when it comes to reporting actual experience if it differs from actual rules.

I find the OK response interesting. My guess is that these are older, larger trees? Ones that, in general, most experience hangers are not likely to choose, perhaps? I think that would be a great subject for a separate thread, if not a separate forum.

[default]

Alrighty guys, I got the "BIG PHONE CALL"

Here is the email I got this morning.

The answer is nuanced. Is there a time and number that I can call you at?

Thanks,

Russ
--
Russel J. Wilson
Chief, Regulations and Special Park Uses

National Park Service
Washington Office
1849 C Street, NW, MS-3122
Washington, DC 20240

202 208-4206 phone
202 208-4178 fax


The National Park Service just gave me the best answers I have yet regarding NATIONAL PARKS ONLY

This is a tentative clarification on hammock camping in National Parks. Russ is actually going to poll the field to see what interest and feelings are toward hammock camping and get back to me with any ideas and if there needs to be something put out to the NPS regarding hammocks.

The NPS recognizes hammocks as a camping unit in a macro sense. It is up to the local rules to determine if hammocks are allowed based on the needs in a micro sense. I was told the federal definition of camping was basically erecting a tent OR OTHER STRUCTURE of natural or synthetic materials and laying bedding for the purpose of sleeping without building a permanent structure. Also, due to the system we generally use we meet the criteria of not damaging nature.

Russ also took the time this morning before emailing or calling me to search the site here to see what hammocking was about (as I linked this website to all people I emailed since it is the best resource for material) and he said he was quite impressed with the hammocks and how we used them, and that he learned a lot in the brief time on the site.

[Kalmed]

I like what you are trying to accomplish, and having one resource to collect/review this information would be helpful. I would imagine that many states have not had to review their definition of "camping" to implicitly or explicitly prohibited hammocks in their states. Does anyone have any concern that this may bring potential issues to the forefront, and the possible negative reactions, rules or laws being enacted as a result of the well-intended inquiry?

Sometimes it is best to plead ignorance and ask for forgiveness as opposed to be given permission.

[default]

Hi David,
You’ll be happy to know that we do not have a “No Hammock” rule in Vermont State Parks. We ask that you do no damage to trees. That is all.



Rochelle Skinner, Parks Sales & Service Manager
Vermont State Parks
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
103 South Main Street, 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671
[phone] 802-241-3665
[website] www.vtstateparks.com

[swankfly]

Rev,

I checked in with LA State Parks and posted the response here a while back.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ight=Louisiana

[default]

Good stuff, Rev. As you're going along with this, might keep in mind that much of the issue is not with actual rules, but with application of those rules. "Nothing damaging trees" can get interpreted as "no hammocks" through human error, and a rule against hammocks gets perceived as fact. Not sure what your communication is, but inclusion our story, our plight, and what can be done to combat this incorrect perception might help. Such might be the issue with the WV Parks DA. Your list can be very helpful when it comes to reporting actual experience if it differs from actual rules.

I find the OK response interesting. My guess is that these are older, larger trees? Ones that, in general, most experience hangers are not likely to choose, perhaps? I think that would be a great subject for a separate thread, if not a separate forum.

My aim with all this isn't to get rules changed or any major difference. At best, I want hammocks to be accepted generally as a "camping unit" alongside (or above, depending on perspective...) tents, RV's, etc. I am hoping to bring awareness theres a hammock that doesn't need screws to hang it and to arm ourselves with knowing where we can hang and IF we encounter an issue, the Park System has our backs.

Any parks that have a "no" stance I am talking with to see what can be done, and no one has given me a flat NO yet.

[default]

You are the first to inquire about the use of hammocks for camping. We do not have a rule against using hammocks other than the typically rules regarding camping in our campgrounds. We only have a few primitive areas, most of the camping in Nevada’s State Parks occurs in developed campgrounds. The use of hammocks would be evaluated on a park by park basis with the general rule being the potential damage to trees or camping structures. If the hammocks were attached as you describe and to trees and structures that are within you site and can support the weight of the person(s) it would likely be OK.



David K. Morrow, Administrator

Nevada Division of State Parks

901 S. Stewart St., Ste 5005

Carson City, NV 89701

(775) 684-2771

[XTrekker]

Rev, you're awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to do all this work.

[JaxHiker]

I'm on my phone at the moment but looking good so far. I'll try to get our FL guys to reach out to some of these states (like AR) to see if we can get other pilot programs rolling.

[Loki]

Kudos JaxHiker! You FL hangers did a great public service with your parks.