Hammocking in Florida State Parks

**Cannibal** · 01-03-2011, 23:37

Originally Posted by Caribou Bentspoke

Good to know, I'll remember to put up my fake $10 pup tent, and set up my hammock after dark if I ever make it to Florida.

Plenty of great hanging in Florida without going to a State Park. Ocala National Forest is one of my favorites and you can hang to your heart's content. Don't let the State Parks keep you out of Florida. The no-see-ums maybe, but not the State Park rules.

**cataraftgirl** · 01-03-2011, 23:51

Originally Posted by Sunny's_Trike

I really do appreciate the Kudo's from all. BUT, nothing is chiseled in stone yet, nor has it been all worked out. But I see good things to come from the help I am getting from Park Small. Without his open mind and his input to his management team. I dont think this would have been as easy, if at all possible.

So, lets see where this goes, but I gathered that this could be in the works as far as cost analysis, materials and design within the near future if all goes well.

Sometimes you just get lucky when you call a goverment office seeking help.

Just a thought, but maybe you could involve the boy scouts. I know here in Utah, there are lots of boys looking for an Eagle Scout project. Adding some hammock hanging posts might be a good project?????
KJ - a transplanted Florida native

**Just Jeff** · 01-04-2011, 00:01

Thanks for making this happen, Trike...even if it doesn't work out this time, it's progress.

This thread started off rather confrontational, but has gotten more civil as Trike has posted his progress. Please remember that HF is the go-to source for hammocking info...so it's likely that policymakers will look here while researching the issue. Posts that ridicule or belittle them don't add anything useful to the discussion, and make it harder for those of us trying to have a positive impact on the regulations.

Hammock Forums is here for the free flow of information, and is not an "advocacy" forum for any cause other than responsible use of the outdoors...but we do believe strongly that responsibility use includes not insulting the public servants who administer our recreation areas.

**islander** · 01-04-2011, 08:26

Originally Posted by Cannibal

Plenty of great hanging in Florida without going to a State Park. Ocala National Forest is one of my favorites and you can hang to your heart's content. Don't let the State Parks keep you out of Florida. The no-see-ums maybe, but not the State Park rules.

Much agreed with you Cannibal. I understand the Florida State Park policies, but there are miles & miles of open forest to hang from with my hammock.

Me, not much a politician, I'll stick to avoiding them while out in the trees

**Winchester52** · 01-04-2011, 08:48

Originally Posted by sandykayak

well done, Sunny. I'm going to forward your note to a friend who is the manager of a FL State Park. Maybe he can give me some info.

Well, do whatever you think... But jumping ahead of the process may do no more than muddy the waters so to speak. He may be a friend, but if it has not gotten down to his level within this short period of time. And he calls his boss it may make it look like we hammockers think its a DONE DEAL and it by no means is. Just my thoughts..

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

Thanks for making this happen, Trike...even if it doesn't work out this time, it's progress.

This thread started off rather confrontational, but has gotten more civil as Trike has posted his progress. Please remember that HF is the go-to source for hammocking info...so it's likely that policymakers will look here while researching the issue. Posts that ridicule or belittle them don't add anything useful to the discussion, and make it harder for those of us trying to have a positive impact on the regulations.

Hammock Forums is here for the free flow of information, and is not an "advocacy" forum for any cause other than responsible use of the outdoors...but we do believe strongly that responsibility use includes not insulting the public servants who administer our recreation areas.

You are so right on here Jeff.. I have been wanting to bring a point up, but did not want to offend anyone. But you have allowed me to give my thoughts since it goes with what you said....

It is my understanding the Parks Small has spent a good amount of time reading our forums as possibly others in his office... Even making remarks in jest can be easily miscontrued. Stealth camping or putting up my fake pup tent can be easily considered to mean we hammocker will do whatever we want to serve our needs. This I feel is far from the truth. Stealth camping is a chargable offense in a Fla State Park if the officer sees fit. Consider these things when posting, especially since it means alot to all who ever want to hang in Fla State Parks....

**opie984** · 01-04-2011, 12:03

I have camped at serveral SP's without the least trouble when hanging my hammock. The problem I have noticed more often is that the camping sites aren't designed for hammock camping, but tent camping. So quite frequently, there are not trees that are the proper size or distance to even hang a hammock. With that in mind, I think it is a much better option to push for adding poles to hang from.

I am giving serious consideration to heading over to that hang in Ocala. Might be a bit tough to swing since I have already camped one time and have one other trip already in the plans. But might be a fun trip to plan with my son.

Great legwork so far Sunny's Trike and keep us posted as to how we can help. I have been a member here long enough to know that there are great number of people here that would be more than happy to help provide materials or at least dig some holes and set posts.

**Winchester52** · 01-04-2011, 13:57

Originally Posted by opie984

I have camped at serveral SP's without the least trouble when hanging my hammock. The problem I have noticed more often is that the camping sites aren't designed for hammock camping, but tent camping. So quite frequently, there are not trees that are the proper size or distance to even hang a hammock. With that in mind, I think it is a much better option to push for adding poles to hang from.

I am giving serious consideration to heading over to that hang in Ocala. Might be a bit tough to swing since I have already camped one time and have one other trip already in the plans. But might be a fun trip to plan with my son.

Great legwork so far Sunny's Trike and keep us posted as to how we can help. I have been a member here long enough to know that there are great number of people here that would be more than happy to help provide materials or at least dig some holes and set posts.

Thank you for your support and if the need comes that I need some help I will post. But for now, I think we need to let the people at the SP office in Tallahassee have a bit of time to digest this. Many people voicing suggestions and waving their hand is neccessary in some cases. But as I have posted, I do believe this is acceptable to the parks management personel and they now need time to make a plan of action.

So, as soon as I hear anything worthwhile I will post. But for now, lets just be patient and see how it goes. No way can this ever be forced into happening is my opinion.

**MAD777** · 01-04-2011, 15:12

Originally Posted by Sunny's_Trike

... But for now, I think we need to let the people at the SP office in Tallahassee have a bit of time to digest this. ...

I do believe this is acceptable to the parks management personel and they now need time to make a plan of action. ...
for now, lets just be patient and see how it goes. No way can this ever be forced into happening is my opinion.

I agree whole heartedly! Sunny has been in direct communication with the good folks in Tallahassee on more than one occasion. None of us could have the understanding that he does of how we should best proceed.

Sunny has been gracious enough to step up and take the leadership on this very important issue. I, for one, am ready to folow his lead.

Thank again, Sunny!

**sandykayak** · 01-04-2011, 19:04

<<Well, do whatever you think... But jumping ahead of the process may do no more than muddy the waters so to speak. He may be a friend, but if it has not gotten down to his level within this short period of time. And he calls his boss it may make it look like we hammockers think its a DONE DEAL and it by no means is. Just my thoughts..>>

The quote I sent is very clear that Park Small will let you know. Haven't had any reply, so my friend may be traveling. All I asked was to let me know if he did get asked for his input. I specifically haven't mentioned which park he manages to avoid any problems.

**gunner76** · 01-04-2011, 21:26

Maybe they (Florida state parks) could do what I did and "plant" some telephone poles/ pier piling poles for use for hanging. 3 poles in a triangle would allow 3 hammocks to hang. It cost me about $45 per pole retail for my and I use them in my backyard. I am sure that could get a much better price buying in bulk

I tried 4x4's but they broke.