The 50 State Project: US State Parks & Hammocks

[Pock]

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but I'm skimming through the "ad rules" from Illinois, and I don't see where Hammocks are implicitly or explicitly prohibited. In fact, I would say that hammock camp would qualify as a "primitive camp". I haven't combed through it though, so if anyone else cares to maybe you could clarify further.

I agree TD. I am not seeing any language in the ad rules that would prohibit hammocks from being used. Here is the language "Primitive Camp - any camp using a shelter carried to a site via bicycle, canoe, horse or on the back of a camping member."

[gunner76]

Good work Rev.

[JohnVH]

Way to take the bull by the horns, excellent project which may become a full job!

[howlinmadman]

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.

This seems like it will be a great resource, and quite a task to undertake! I do kind of agree with Kalmed, as in I hope this doesn't end up explicitly prohibiting hammocks in places where it may have been a "grey" area before attracting attention to it! Having said this it's still a cool thing to be doing for the community!

[gunner76]

hope this doesn't end up explicitly prohibiting hammocks in places where it may have been a "grey" area before

Most likely not. Its due to work like this by folks like Rev who have gotten Florida to start allowing hammocks at their state parks ( on a pilot program ).

Of course I don't see how hammocks hung with straps are more harmfull than having to cut down trees and level the ground to create large paved parking lots for RVs at campgrounds.

[halfastronomical]

Good going, REV!

[hawghangar]

[QUOTE=REV;979095]I am in receipt of your information about the subject. At present, one of our policies can be interpreted to prohibit hammock camping. I’m interested in finding out more information from my colleagues in South Carolina and Florida. I appreciate you sending along the idea.



Greg Butts

Director, Arkansas State Parks

1 Capitol Mall

Little Rock, AR 72201

(Work) 501-682-7743

(Cell) 501-837-3070

[email protected]

www.arkansasstateparks.com

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This seems like it will be a great resource, and quite a task to undertake! I do kind of agree with Kalmed, as in I hope this doesn't end up explicitly prohibiting hammocks in places where it may have been a "grey" area before attracting attention to it! Having said this it's still a cool thing to be doing for the community!

Kinda +1 on this sentiment. I've never heard of an Arkansas State Park that prohibits hammock camping, but I hope some bureaucrat in Little Rock doesn't decide to make an interpretation based on an official inquiry - and create a formal policy against it.

[obxh2o]

You may use a hammock as a sleeping unit in a SD state park campground. Camping fees and regulations would be the same as those that apply to tent camping. You may not damage or destroy a tree but the hanging straps that you describe sound acceptable. Thank you for your inquiry.

LOL! The only South Dakota State Park I camped in had no trees.

[Boothill]

LOL! The only South Dakota State Park I camped in had no trees.

we sometimes call fence posts "trees" here, you might have been looking for the wrong thing

boot

[Agfadoc]

This is awesome, I intend to go across country this summer and wondered how I would plan it, which park etc. When you have gathered your answers were you going to setup a single thread where people can reference the states?