SoCal Hammock location suggestion for 1st timmer

**Rphen** · 03-23-2017, 13:03

I will be taking my college age daughter hammock camping during Spring Break for a couple of days. She has never been but is very excited to go. I want to be sure she has a good first experience so I'm asking for suggestions for a location in SoCal that would work for a young lady (a clean restroom would be a plus but not totally necessary). I was considering putting together a couple of turtle-dog stands to open up more location possibilities such as the beach or desert. I'm in Riverside County so anything I can get too within a couple hours drive would be at the top of the list.

I know she's doesn't want to hit any snow covered camps just yet - maybe in the future. So if you SoCal folks have any ideas, please post them here.

Thanks in advance....

**Holtgzy** · 03-23-2017, 13:29

Palomar Mtn State Park is beautiful this time of year. Mt. Laguna campground also fun. Anza-Borrego State Park is a great choice if you like the desert.

**Rphen** · 03-23-2017, 15:46

Originally Posted by Holtgzy

Palomar Mtn State Park is beautiful this time of year. Mt. Laguna campground also fun. Anza-Borrego State Park is a great choice if you like the desert.

Hey thanks for the suggestions! Leaning towards Palomar I think.

**cougarmeat** · 03-23-2017, 18:17

If she is new to hammocks, although it will take some of the New/Surprise away, I recommend you let her try out the hammock at home first.

I don't mean she has to spend that only one "first night" at home. I mean set up your stand and hammock, make sure you can get the right sag while setting the hammock at the right height for her (I like mine the same height as a chair so I can just swing my legs, put them on the ground and stand up). Then you can make a ridge line to get the same distances again; doesn't have to be structural - could be just a removable cord. Like setting it up in the afternoon and having her try it out - make sure she is diagonal, maybe take a little nap (easier than you'd think), etc.

In other words, see if there are any "kinks" that you can get out of the way before "overnight" - be especially conscientious of warmth.

**bobamos** · 03-23-2017, 22:29

Palomar is a nice place. Better check about hanging a hammock there. I was told recently that State Parks do not allow hammocks... Not sure myself so if you do check share with us what info you find. There is a nice place called Blue Bird Camp Ground off at Ortega at the Elsinore end of the highway. My wife and I live about 30 minutes from it and go there often. It is a National Park and allows hammocks.

**Rphen** · 03-23-2017, 22:55

Ohh Blue Bird sounds nice! I'll check that out.

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**Bizzz** · 03-24-2017, 09:00

Originally Posted by Rphen

Ohh Blue Bird sounds nice! I'll check that out.

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Palomar State park is great, but could be a gamble depending on the ranger. I have seen hammocks hung there, but the rules state nothing attached to the trees. I couldn't get a straight answer just that it depends on the ranger working that day.

I'm pretty sure Bobamos was referring to Blue Jay Campground where the group hang was just held, so you've already been there. The single sites are just another 1/2 mile up the road.

**Rphen** · 03-24-2017, 10:28

Originally Posted by Bizzz

I'm pretty sure Bobamos was referring to Blue Jay Campground where the group hang was just held, so you've already been there. The single sites are just another 1/2 mile up the road.

Yep I figured he meant Blue Jay and I did hit the Palomar website and saw where they say nothing attached to trees. Thanks Bizzz!

**bobamos** · 03-24-2017, 21:14

Blue Jay is where the group use to hang. It is right next to Falcon Group where we now hang. Blue Jay is a nice place and close to home for those in the OC..