Any campgrounds with showers open in April?

[Big Sweets]

As far a hammocks go I'll find out in person in a few weeks. But I will say that up until last year we have never had a problem with hanging tarps from trees. Last year it rained non-stop and even snowed ice pellets and we really had to have tarps. Now Rod, who used to be the DNR ranger at Turkey Run retired 2 years ago and we now have a new one with a bit of a Napoleon complex. Came up to us 2 years ago and made us turn our radio completely off when we had it very low and no one was camping near us, it was during quiet hours I admit. This was not a problem wed or thurs nights as there is really no one there. Familys get there fridays usually so I could see why. Our solution to that is night hikes through the treacherous waterways and a goretex bivy and spending the night in one of the sandstone caves.

[OneClick]

Found it! Here's the exact copy I was referencing in my last post:

"NOTICE: Attaching ropes, wires, or chains to trees, by any method is prohibited."

And no, I don't think they would find "this isn't a rope, wire or chain...it's a strap" very amusing (somehow the DNR and BMV seem to find the exact same personalities in people when hiring)

[kg8jk]

I know there are quite a few state parks in Michigan that are open in the winter and have shower facilities. Fort Custer State Park has mini cabins that are only $35 in the off season. Check the Michigan DNR site for more info on which parks are open and have bathrooms. Good luck!

[Jcavenagh]

I wrote a chapter and verse analysis of IL State Park/DNR rules in the 50 State Project thread. Hammocks are allowed in IL if you stay at an official campsite and do not damage the trees.
see post 52 at The-50-State-Project

[JKDmoo]

Thanks for all the responses and sorry I haven't been keeping up. It looks like I will be car shopping during this time off so if any trip happens it will be last minute.

Jcavenagh: The thought of having to go street lawyer on a DNR official would mentally ruin most trips for me. I am however enjoying ur blog.

[Big Sweets]

Went to White Pines State Park in Illinois over the weekend and had no issue with DNR on hanging our hammocks from the shag bark hickorys there. Many of the other groups camping there were very interested in our hammock set ups and while i'm no expert I was able to answer all their questions and referred everyone to this site.

[Big Sweets]

Just wanted to update this. Absolutely no problems this past weekend with hanging at Turkey Run State Park. We got down on Wednesday and the ranger was curious so we showed him how the straps work and not detrimental to the trees. There were also a few other hangers that we spoke to briefly but they were sleeping in tents. They were a little surprised that my friend and I were sleeping overnight in our hammocks, but told us they noticed our tarps and were curious as to what we were up to.