The 50 State Project: US State Parks & Hammocks

**Whiskeyjack** · 04-05-2013, 21:35

I hope you don't mind me adding a Canadian contingent to this thread (great idea Rev).
I e-mailed Ontario Parks in January about this as well. Here was their reply.

Thanks for your email – it certainly did cause a great deal of discussion and deliberation here between main office operational staff.

We have to follow policy regulations which are that only 3 tent structures are allowed on the designated campsite at one time. The reason for restricting the site to 3 sleeping structures is so that we can preserve the areas around the campsite. The area around the campsite (mostly where you would find trees and other shrubbery) is considered a buffer area where camping or structures are not allowed.

In other words if the tree that you attach your hammock tent to is in this buffer area, you cannot attach it to that. If you can find a campsite that has trees within the campsite area, you may use these trees to tie your hammock tent to.

Does this make sense – we hope so.

Regards,

Ontario Parks

**HURTHEART** · 04-05-2013, 22:49

Thank you for starting this project. I think you are going to make some beauracrats sleepless, thinking about how this sort of movement might affect their career!

I recently had a minor disagreement with a BLM Park Host, he did not like,me,my Medical Alert Dog, our hammocks or two females camping.

The guy was creepy, he spied on us. I have photo's to prove he was watching us.

I reminded him of the Federal Laws regarding Medical Alert animals, also that I would be having a discussion with his supiorer.

With your information I will have a little more power.

Again thank you.

**FBG** · 04-06-2013, 00:14

Originally Posted by NWOHanger

I hope you don't mind me adding a Canadian contingent to this thread (great idea Rev).
I e-mailed Ontario Parks in January about this as well. Here was their reply.

Thanks for your email – it certainly did cause a great deal of discussion and deliberation here between main office operational staff.

We have to follow policy regulations which are that only 3 tent structures are allowed on the designated campsite at one time. The reason for restricting the site to 3 sleeping structures is so that we can preserve the areas around the campsite. The area around the campsite (mostly where you would find trees and other shrubbery) is considered a buffer area where camping or structures are not allowed.

In other words if the tree that you attach your hammock tent to is in this buffer area, you cannot attach it to that. If you can find a campsite that has trees within the campsite area, you may use these trees to tie your hammock tent to.

Does this make sense – we hope so.

Regards,

Ontario Parks

Was this only the Ontario parks or some sort of National parks Dept? I'm not familiar with any of the Canadian park systems and am not sure how to label it.

**Whiskeyjack** · 04-06-2013, 05:14

It was strictly for Ontario Provincial Parks. National Parks are their own area. I can't think of one anywhere near me, so they aren't really a concern.

**drifter** · 04-06-2013, 08:52

FBG, thank you for the time and effort on that spread sheet, well done.

**Atlas918** · 04-06-2013, 10:45

Originally Posted by FBG

50 State Project: US State Parks & Hammocks Database

The only draw back to the table is you have to be added as an editor to make changes. Any editor can make changes and add additional editors. So if anyone would like to be added as an editor just let me know.

It'd be nice to get this to be a sticky somewhere.

**barkejos** · 04-06-2013, 14:18

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Nice work REV.
I can say Michigan park rangers do not have a problem with hammocks, in my experience.
We actually had a few of them stop for a long detailed tour of our rigs at the January Michigan Group Hang in Ludington, MI.

Awesome project. I cant wait to see what the rest of the states have to say.

And I am excited to see that there is a Michigan Group Hand not to far from me at a nice park!

**nyhiker50** · 04-06-2013, 15:39

Here's my spin on all of this. Thanks for the information, but I don't see NY anywhere.

Don't ask, Don't tell.
Stealth
How can you be found if no one knows where you are?
It's better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.
If you're traveling with a large group, then I guess you have to ask. They make more noise. It's also harder to hide more than three people.
Get off the trail or path as far as you can go and get out at first light.
Stay away from state and public campgrounds. They are over crowded and noisy in the warm months. Then you do have to ask permission.
Pick up your water and just keep going as it's getting dark
Remember, you have a hammock and can go almost anywhere, even if you have to go to ground on occasion.
This is not a full definitive list, but it sure beats checking around too much.

**Junebugdawn** · 04-06-2013, 17:00

Originally Posted by Latitude918

It'd be nice to get this to be a sticky somewhere.

+1 on this.

A STICKY indeed! This is a great source of ongoing information.

**ne_hanger** · 04-06-2013, 17:59

Originally Posted by REV

This is a great email I just got. If anyone is in this state and hammock's, please use the contact info at the bottom to send in some pictures!

Hello David,
Thanks for writing to us! Using a hammock instead of a tent is a great idea. We certainly welcome hammocks in our Vermont State Parks. There are no restrictions against their use. The only rule we have which might apply is that damaging trees is prohibited, however securing a hammock as you describe would not hurt the tree.

If you come across any, we would love some photos of hammock use in Vermont parks so we can help promote this fun way to camp (or nap).

Thanks again!
Nate McKeen
Chief of Park Operations
[email protected]

Last fall I stayed at Emerald Lake state park in Vermont. Really nice camp ground, reasonably priced, and no issues with using a hammock. I looked through the pictures I took that weekend but didn't find any of the hammock setup. When checking in I asked if it would be alright to use a hammock. I did get bit a of a strange look and a couple questions, but the bottom line response was, "don't cut or damage anything and you will be fine". Seems to be the basic LNT attitude that the folks on this board appear to follow anyway.

When car camping I have been carrying my tent with me so if someone does have an issue I can go to ground and I won't need to use the hammock. My feeling is I don't want to ruin a weekend of camping if some ranger decides hanging is not permitted.