Hammocking in Florida State Parks

**JCINMA** · 12-14-2010, 19:17

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I received this reply from a general inquiry on hammock camping:

Thank you for your interest in Florida State Parks. Unfortunately, Florida State Parks do not allow anything to be tied to trees so setting up a hammock tied between two trees would not be allowed. This is a rule that applies to all Florida State Parks. We have specified camping area and even in those areas you are not allowed to tie anything to a tree. Our policies are governed by Florida Administrative Code 62D.

In Florida Administrative Code 62D-2.013(4)a it states:

“All plant life, terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial, is the property of the State of Florida. No person shall cut, carve, or damage the bark, or break off limbs or branches or mutilate in any way, or pick the flowers or seeds of any plant or tree. Nor shall any person dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way impair the natural condition of any area; nor shall any person place debris or materials of any kind on or about any tree or plant.”

Just being picky, but it looks like that rules out tents in grassy areas, especially tent stakes.

**zukiguy** · 12-14-2010, 19:34

So, what's the problem. A pair of 10' 4x4s, two bags of quick set cement, a post hole digger and we're good to go. I wonder how long it is before the other tent campers get pissed about all these extra posts showing up all over the place. Hey that's LNT, right?

**islander** · 12-14-2010, 19:41

IMHO, I believe the people who came up with those rules & laws have rectal cranial inversion.

I find most hammock campers I've been around to be some of the most responsible, caring of their surroundings than any other group of campers.
...IMHO

**Winchester52** · 12-14-2010, 20:52

Originally Posted by JCINMA

Just being picky, but it looks like that rules out tents in grassy areas, especially tent stakes.

Originally Posted by zukiguy

So, what's the problem. A pair of 10' 4x4s, two bags of quick set cement, a post hole digger and we're good to go. I wonder how long it is before the other tent campers get pissed about all these extra posts showing up all over the place. Hey that's LNT, right?

Well, here is a thought.

So, you don’t want to cause any harm to any trees, bushes, shrubs or flowers. How about in EVERY State Park camping area, make available for hammock dwellers adequate arrangements to hang by installing posts. This can be done very inexpensively compared to what the Park system wastes every year.

Now we need someone with the know how to make this argument to the State Park System. I have a phone call in to the Directors office (850-245-2157) in Tallahassee and the lady took what I had to say and would speak to the person prior to him returning my call tomorrow. Rest assured I will bring up the posts, tent stakes in the ground and also the unfair treatment towards hammock campers compared to ground campers in my conversation.

Sure seems it would be alot easier and cost effective to make hammock camping available than to get everyone in a tent upset that they are no longer allowed to camp do to Parks Service descrimination towards hammock campers. I do not see them allowing hammocks to be hung from trees. Getting a statue that has been on the books since 1999 changed or reworded would take a long time and and some major clout from a few politicians. But hanging posts if you will would be a lot easier pill to push down their thoats IMHO.

I will update after I speak with someone tomorrow.

**PKT** · 12-15-2010, 07:14

I applaud my fellow Floridians within this group for taking the initiative to act on this matter.
It would be a great accomplishment if people within this forum could get
these regulations amended.

**aboyd** · 12-15-2010, 08:38

Being from Alabama, I would love to have the opportunity to hang in Florida's state parks.

**Oxblood** · 12-15-2010, 13:36

Well, yet another reason I won't ever be visiting Florida again any time soon.

**gargoyle** · 12-15-2010, 17:01

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I received this reply from a general inquiry on hammock camping:

Thank you for your interest in Florida State Parks. Unfortunately, Florida State Parks do not allow anything to be tied to trees so setting up a hammock tied between two trees would not be allowed. This is a rule that applies to all Florida State Parks. We have specified camping area and even in those areas you are not allowed to tie anything to a tree. Our policies are governed by Florida Administrative Code 62D.

In Florida Administrative Code 62D-2.013(4)a it states:

“All plant life, terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial, is the property of the State of Florida. No person shall cut, carve, or damage the bark, or break off limbs or branches or mutilate in any way, or pick the flowers or seeds of any plant or tree. Nor shall any person dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way impair the natural condition of any area; nor shall any person place debris or materials of any kind on or about any tree or plant.”

Michigan has the same basic laws written. I see the point to preserve the "natural habitat". It has to be written to be all inclusive.
Even the simple task of collecting firewood from around the campsite can be illegal. Yet it is seldom enforced.
I've tied up a clothesline plenty of times and never been asked for its removal.
I've seen hundreds of trees with nails, screws and ropes imbedded in them in our state parks. So, I see the need for the laws.

A recent trip to a local park this summer, a camper showed up in his large motorhome (he only lives 5 miles away from the campground, I happen to know him) and proceeded to chop down a few limbs so he park his monstrosity off of the paved campsite parking spot?? I told him to stop and he did. It's folks like this that the laws are written.
If all campers felt it was they duty to "trim the trees", there would be no trees left.

The local rangers here have never asked to have the hammock removed.
Good luck in your efforts to get the paperwork worded properly.

**Winchester52** · 12-15-2010, 23:01

Had a nice chat today with "Cannibal". We are going to have a hard time getting anything changed in the statues I am afraid. But if we as a group could get "Hang Sites" for no better description in the tent camping areas. That might be a bit easier to get some support. His thoughts were well based as he went a long way with this issue while still a resident here. Recycled telephone poles. Thats the answer... Oh what was the question

Tent spikes in the ground, maybe they might hit a root. Then that would be a violation of the statue

**Doc B** · 12-15-2010, 23:23

"Nor shall any person dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way impair the natural condition of any area; nor shall any person place debris or materials of any kind on or about any tree or plant.”

It is still workable. It is a matter of changing the wording in the policy, but not the actual policy itself. Insertion of one word "harmful" before "materials of any kind on or about any tree or plant.” would change the entire policy in our favor.

We are not dealing with the repeal of a code, just clarifying it. An environmental impact study would be great here. Anyone interested in emailing me before, during, and after pictures of trees you hang on? If I could compile a hundred or so, a simple trip to Tally to meet with FWC administrators could be all that is needed for success. I know a few of them and some are actually rational.

Best,
Doc