Stealth Urban Camping

**Woolman** · 03-30-2013, 11:32

My son and I just came back from an early spring overnighter in the Ottawa On Greenbelt just several miles from my house. The temp was -8 C overnight. It felt like July wrapped up in my JRB Mt. Washington 4 quilt set. The only sound of civilization was the odd vehicle in the distance but that was soon drowned out by the coyote serenade.

It's always nice to be able to test winter gear close to home in case you have to bail in the middle of the night. Another reason to camp in the city.

**Tucson Tom** · 03-30-2013, 12:13

You know, I am totally into this. And I live only a few miles from the edge of a National Park, where camping is forbidden (west section of Saguaro National Park). Unfortunately there is a dearth of suitable trees or other anchors. I leave to your imagination the concept of hanging a hammock from Saguaro Cactus. That idea could go in all directions, including the citation you would doubtlessly get if you got caught doing so. No, I don't think I will go there, but the potential photo op is tempting above all else ....

but as others have said, it is amazing how alone you can be just a short distance off of a well travelled trail. I have always made a point of "stealth camping" off to the sides of trails.
If you know how to read a topo map it is easy to plan ahead and predict camp areas where you will be totally isolated, often with a great view, even in heavily travelled areas.

**g2outdoors** · 03-31-2013, 19:56

There's all kinds of great urban hangs here in CO Springs. You do have to be careful though...if the fuzz catches you, you are very likely to get ticketed.

**rbinhood** · 03-31-2013, 20:34

A few thoughts:

1.Safety---maybe not a problem on Crown land, but definitely an issue for people hanging in urban parks. Many people are murdered, robbed, raped, etc. in city parks. Be careful, it's a jungle out there.

2. Theft---I wouldn't leave my gear for even a minute. Several people here have had gear stolen. Much bigger problem the closer you are to other people.

3. Johnny Law---Most parks have strict laws against camping. If you get caught, I wouldn't necessarily count on the ranger giving you a break. I work with many of these types, and some of them can be the worst when it comes to being reasonable. Fines can be ridiculously high. You could buy a very nice quilt with the amount of one fine.

**default** · 04-01-2013, 05:51

remember this word of advice on "gray (grey?) area" camping...

"sorry sir, i was just testing out some new gear and its so darn comfy i fell asleep..."

cant tell you how many times thats saved my butt, and it also helps if your other gear is stowed neatly so it doesnt look like youre homeless and camping to get by.

**Taliesin96** · 04-01-2013, 07:52

Stealth hanging is awesome

we do it all the time and no ones ever knows were there.. its a park and used alot as a off leash park and even the dog's don't see us. just yesterday we were there hanging for a few hours and a off leash dog wandered in the woods, had a poo and my daughter yelled at the owner for not picking it up.

there is a huge clearing that is used for dogs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9457800...8046/lightbox/

**gcy24** · 04-01-2013, 10:03

Originally Posted by DonRox

This is great a buddy and I were just discussing this the other day. We have some great areas here in northern Ohio that are great to camp in but not allowed. In the summer some stealth camping would be great to do.

I see you're from the falls! Man the cuyahoga valley is PERFECT for this kind of thing. I was just there this past weekend for an overnighter. Also the local metro parks and even waterworks park have great hidden spots!

**larrybourgeois** · 04-02-2013, 13:20

Originally Posted by Woolman

My son and I just came back from an early spring overnighter in the Ottawa On Greenbelt just several miles from my house. The temp was -8 C overnight. It felt like July wrapped up in my JRB Mt. Washington 4 quilt set. The only sound of civilization was the odd vehicle in the distance but that was soon drowned out by the coyote serenade.

It's always nice to be able to test winter gear close to home in case you have to bail in the middle of the night. Another reason to camp in the city.

Cool beans Woolman, the Greenbelt sure has a ton of places to hang a hammock eh. Glad to hear your boy is dig'n this hang'n stuff now too.

Can't wait to get fully mended back up again, to hook up with you guys again on another hang.

Hang loose.

lb

**Ryn8tor** · 04-02-2013, 14:00

Originally Posted by Stormstaff

What do you do with your car if you drive?

I've thought about this and if I needed to stealth camp with my car nearby, I would think to find a park with an automobile service station nearby. That way my car would be parked as if for an appointment the next day, so not to arouse suspicion by the police/neighbors. Just check to see when the garage opens so you know by what time to get your car.

There is a forest preserve near where I live and when I first got a hammock, I tried to setup during normal park hours when a county park ranger stopped and asked me if I'd seen anyone and some kids. I guess they had reports of a family camping in that particular preserve. I wonder if he thought I was part of that family.

**larrybourgeois** · 05-22-2013, 19:44

Not sure if the pics will show? If they don't....HELP.

Hey there Woolman, here's a pair of pics of one of my latest solo Urban hangs

right up on the Ottawa River Western Parkway. I thought it was kinda cool that I could ride my bike right up to it too.

No sign of the hang'n police, so far.

Although I didn't stay the night, I did indeed, enjoy a whole day of just hang'n around in a beautiful spot, lounge'n, snack'n and exercise'n my weakened left leg, on that nicely uneven terrain...

There are so many places like this, close by, that I will be hang'n in this year for sure. Hope to have you and your boy Jay, share some of them with me soon.

Anyone else out there got a picture or two of your set up in an urban and or stealth place? Don't be shy. We digs pics!