Hammocks not Allowed

[Nails]

You might wanna consider the following

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...2&postcount=23

Just a thought.

[NorseAmerican]

Hmmmm, no mention of straps. Regs were made for other uses besides hammock "tenting". My true feeling is I PAY for these parks, and do less damage to them than any camper there. Why are we discriminated against? Tree hugging is all and good, but there is a point where it becomes stupid.

We need to ask, confront nicley, and educate with facts about our LNT benifits so these office strapped officials see the light.
NA.....

[chiefams]

my straps hug trees very nicely... why can't people understand that hammocks give the trees an emotional boost because they get hugged all night!!!

[Narwhalin]

my straps hug trees very nicely... why can't people understand that hammocks give the trees an emotional boost because they get hugged all night!!!

LOL! Something to think about...

[warbonnetguy]

wires, ropes, and chains are quite different than webbing though. one damages bark, the other does not. obviously the rule is there to prevent damage, so if you can make a good argument that webbing isn't damageing the trees, "and it's not listed in the rule", then i think you'd have a good argument for it being ok. i wouldn't get in an argument with a ranger over it, be polite. But if you did get approached it would give them a chance to see it in action and see how it's tree friendly and give you a chance to explain how hammocks are very low impact and completely tree friendly when used correctly. most places don't even have that rule on the kiosk, you have to go looking for it on their website, so "i had no idea" is pretty believable. it's so easy for them to say "no" when asked before hand, but it's alot harder for them to justify such a rule in person when they can physically look and see that you're causeing no damage through responsible practices. maybe it will make them re-think blanket policies or hammocks in general.

[bushmonkey]

Straps are really good but not perfect. I doubt you would see marks from a hammock that was hung with webbing but when I slack-line I put cardboard or carpet around the trunk to protect the tree from the webbing. Granted there is a whole lot more force and movement from a slackline than a hammock but the concept is the same.

I would make sure to bring some "friendlies" (tree protectors) if you plan to hang a hammock in an area where "attaching ropes, wires, or chains to trees, by any method is prohibited" as it could probably help you avoid a ticket (or help you fight it) if you get caught.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Straps are really good but not perfect. I doubt you would see marks from a hammock that was hung with webbing but when I slack-line I put cardboard or carpet around the trunk to protect the tree from the webbing. Granted there is a whole lot more force and movement from a slackline than a hammock but the concept is the same.

I would make sure to bring some "friendlies" (tree protectors) if you plan to hang a hammock in an area where "attaching ropes, wires, or chains to trees, by any method is prohibited" as it could probably help you avoid a ticket (or help you fight it) if you get caught.

Even if huggers do some damage, the impact is still minimal compared to tent camping.

[Frawg]

First I would like to say to guySmiley and to caboyer no hard feelings on my part at all.

No sweat, amigo! Great posts!

[MacEntyre]

Call your tarp a tent and say that you are inside a tent with your hammock.

[Scouter_Ken]

Update on Burke Lake Park in Fairfax VA

Just talked with them and they do allow hammock camping as long as tree straps are used. the big concern is that some people using hammocks in the past inserted hooks into the trees.

Our boy scout is planning on camping there next weekend as part of a visit to DC and wanted to confirm their policy before arriving.