I wanted to point out this possibility because the group site at Grayson Highlands State Park, VA (GHSP) will soon be reserved for that weekend. If there is an interest, we should move quickly to make reservations.
I called last week & the group site was still available but I was reminded that all sites will be filled for that weekend as it is a very big event.
The cost is $67 per night for the whole group.


The rangers at GHSP were good folks & very helpful w/ our Mt Rogers Annual Winter Hang. They were also interested in our hammock set ups.
I mentioned the possibility of having another HF "group hang" during the active camp ground season. In addition to our HF members just having a good time in the park & surrounding hills, the weather & additional people activity in the park would be an even better opportunity for those interested to see how hammocks are being used.

At least one of the rangers we were talking to in camp (maybe both) immediately suggested we might even go so far as to promote it as an educational program. We talked about HF reserving the same group site for that purpose.

I see that as an exciting opportunity. Not only can we educate a few campers visiting the campground, but all rangers at GHSP. And it has potential to spread a positive good word about hammock use to other state parks as well.
Also, if they are as supportive as they sounded, they may even make ways (posters, hand outs, etc) to point backpackers & day hikers over to our group site if they are interested in seeing our hammock set ups.

Here's a thought that makes that even more exciting.
If the group site has not all ready been reserved for the weekend of the "Grayson County Fall Festival", That would be a great time to do it. I've taken groups there on that weekend in the past & used the group site. Not only do you have all the day hiking you want, but the Fall Festival is pretty neat too! I'll find a link, but it includes all the typical stuff you would expect, including crafts, making of apple butter, molasses, apple cider, food & live music.
The park will be at full capacity that week end.
The festival is held in the picnic area (a road you pass before the camp ground road) so you don't deal w/ that crowd unless you drive around to were it's at.

Also on the same weekend, they do the annual round up of all the wild ponies. They are checked out by veterinarians, & some of the young ones are auctioned off. That all so takes place in an area off the picnic road.

Here is a little about the festival.
http://www.ghfallfestival.50megs.com/
I'm sure there will be much more info available as plans are made for this years event. Wayne Henderson sometimes preforms there, as well as other talented musicians.

If reserving the GHSP group site for that weekend is of interest, it should be done quickly. The group site goes quickly for that weekend, as well as other reservations.

A couple more notes of interest... It could be possible that one or more of our hammock vendors (JRB, others?) may be interested in reserving a site in the "Vendors Area".
I'm sure it would not come close to something like Trail Days in sales, but it could do OK, especially if promoted.
Also, there could be an associated benefit between a hammock vendor in the festival area & an "Hammock Education" effort at the group site.

I personally find this an exciting idea & hope each of you will give it thought & consideration.

One other note of interest... I did learn that there are trails that can be walked between the camp ground & the Festival area (Picnic Area).