7 States That Are Perfect for Hammock Camping

a camping hammock in set up in the United States

 

According to the National Park Service, a camping trip can help you build life skills, improve your health, and give you a chance to participate in a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Camping has always been one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States, and that popularity continues to grow due to the rising interest in alternative camping methods, like hammock camping.

What Is Hammock Camping?

Hammock camping is no different from tent camping — except instead of sleeping in your tent, you sleep suspended above the ground. Intrigued? You should be. Many campers who opt for hammock camping over traditional do so because it’s a more comfortable, adventurous, and rewarding camping experience.

Where Do You Camp in a Hammock?

You can go hammocking anywhere that allows backcountry or dispersed camping, as well as many designated and public campgrounds. Some of the best places for hammock camping in the U.S. are national and state parks and national forests because they offer endless outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife.

Why a Hammock?

Although tent camping has its time and place, hammock camping is a worthwhile endeavor because:

  • Hammocks take up less space: If you’ve ever gone backpacking, you know every single ounce of weight in your pack matters. Most hammocks take up less space than tents, making them easier to carry. Use that extra space in your pack for something else, like snacks or an additional blanket.
  • Making camp is easy: Setting up camp doesn’t require finding the perfect patch of flat, dry, or root-free ground. All you need is a couple of stable trees, and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep.
  • You might sleep better: Speaking of root-free ground — have you ever tried sleeping with rocks or roots underneath the tent floor? Even the best camping pads are no match for things like damp tents or sloped ground. Sleeping in a hammock eliminates these concerns — as well as the pressure put on your body — so you can find the most comfortable position possible. Because hammocks are off the ground and surrounded by moving air, you’ll stay a lot drier, too. Research shows that sleeping outside in the fresh air can help also help combat poor quality sleep.
  • The view is unmatched: There’s something extra special and immersive about sleeping under the stars. In a tent, you get to hear the sounds of nature around you. In a hammock, you get to be a part of it.

Why You Should Plan a Hammock Camping Trip

Hammock or no hammock, camping is good for mind, body, and soul:

  • Being in nature is beneficial: You already know that spending time in the great outdoors is peaceful and exciting, but there are proven health benefits associated with nature and fresh air as well. Being outside for as little as 10 minutes can have profound stress-reducing effects. Fresh air also helps energize and refresh your body. Some studies even suggest that spending time outdoors can make you a happier, more creative person overall.
  • It’s a chance to unplug: In today’s world, it can be challenging to find an opportunity to unplug and disconnect from social media, work, school, and the demands of everyday life. Taking time to disconnect is vital for our wellbeing and can lead to better sleep, deeper connections with other people, and a greater awareness of the present moment. What better time to reset your mind and focus than with a hammock camping trip?
  • It’s fun: Let’s be honest — the biggest reason you should plan a hammock camping trip is because it’s a lot of fun, especially if you’ve never tried hammock camping before. Grab your closest friends, your favorite pet, or head out for a solo trip and pitch your hammock wherever your journey takes you.

Where Can You Go Hammocking?

Wondering where the best places are for hammock camping in the U.S.? You can find unique spots and breathtaking trails all across the country — but these seven states stand out as some of the best hammock camp locations:

1. California

Yosemite State Park

California has a little bit of everything, including sun, sand, lakes, forests, and mountains.

  • Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is known for three things: enormous sequoia trees, an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Where can you hammock camp in Yosemite? The park has more than a dozen designated campgrounds, or you can get a wilderness permit to overnight camp almost anywhere in the park. Wherever you choose to hammock, you’ll find no shortage of things to do, whether it’s rock climbing, birding, stargazing, or winter activities.
  • Joshua Tree National Park: Explore California’s desert wilderness at Joshua Tree National Park and camp in one of nine established campgrounds. You can also set up your hammock outside of the park, which is still close enough for easy access to rock climbing, hiking, and — of course — the Joshua trees.
  • Malibu: If your idea of an outdoor vacation calls for sweeping views of the ocean and endless miles of sandy shore, look no further than Malibu. Set up your hammock at one of two campgrounds: beachfront Leo Carrillo State Park or Malibu Creek State Park, which is a hot spot for filming locations and California wildlife.

2. Utah

A buffalo standing in Antelope Island State Park

Utah has some of the country’s tallest peaks, and the best place to see those is from one of the state’s numerous state parks.

  • East Canyon State Park: Hikers, campers, and hammockers flock to East Canyon because of its access to East Canyon Reservoir, a popular boating and fishing destination. For a fun spin on hammock camping, reserve a stay at one of their hammock structures, which accommodate up to eight people.
  • Antelope Island State Park: Antelope Island State Park is a go-to location for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Head to one of the park’s designated campgrounds, and you might just see a bison, bighorn sheep, or antelope along the way.
  • Red Fleet State Park: Red Fleet State Park is located in the heart of Utah’s “Dinosaurland,” a name given to the region because of how many dinosaur fossils and bones have been unearthed there. Hammock where dinosaurs once roamed and get spectacular views of sandstone and desert landscape.

3. Tennessee

mountain view in great smoky mountains national park

Tennesse is a state full of history and nature, including one of the country’s most visited national parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park delivers on its name — mist, natural smoke, and towering mountains surround you everywhere you go. The park has several camping options, including backcountry, frontcountry, group campgrounds, and horse camps. One of the most visited attractions in the park is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop that takes you through beautifully preserved land and historic settlements. Wherever you hang your hammock for the night, keep your eyes open — black bears are abundant.
  • Cherokee National Forest: Cherokee National Forest is Tennessee’s largest tract of public land, and it’s especially beautiful in the autumn when all 650,000 acres of forest change color. The forest is home to hundreds of hiking trails, creeks, rivers, and waterfalls. You can camp in a hammock from the comfort of a designated campground, or you can set up camp almost anywhere in the forest without a permit.
  • Fall Creek State Park: This state park is named for Fall Creek Falls, a 256-foot waterfall that is one of the largest falls in the eastern part of the United States. It isn’t the park’s only tourist location, however — any camper looking to spend time in or near the water will feel right at home among the park’s several rivers, lakes, and gorges.

4. Washington

a hammock camper standing on the beach of Olympic National Park

Whether you’re heading to Washington State for a vacation on the seashore, fishing for wild salmon, or just want to learn more about the region’s rich history, there is no shortage of places to stop for the night.

  • Olympic National Park: Olympic National Park contains almost 1 million acres, ranging from rainforest and natural coastline to glacier-capped mountains. For backcountry hammocking, you’ll need a wilderness camping permit. One spot you can’t miss in Olympic National Park is Lake of the Angels, named for its ethereal scenery and seclusion. The journey to Lake of the Angels is very challenging, ideal for the experienced hiker looking for a true outdoor adventure with huge payoff.
  • Skyline Lake: Snow-sport enthusiasts love Skyline Lake for its snowshoeing trails and winter camping opportunities — just be sure you learn the basics of winter hammocking before you go.

5. Maine

scenic view in acadia national park

Maine is more than just lobster and lighthouses — though you’ll find plenty of those, too. It’s also home to some of the United States’ most beautiful parks. As you choose where to hammock camp, always keep in mind the season and local climate. Winter, spring, and autumn can bring heavy blankets of snow and ice to many northern states, including Maine.

  • Acadia National Park: To get to Acadia National Park, you have to drive or take a ferry from the mainland to Mount Desert Island. The journey is well worth the reward. Acadia National Park is where you’ll find Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the east coast. The region is also rich with wildlife — including seals and peregrine falcons — as well as rocky coastlines, wild gardens, and picture-perfect lighthouses. Although backcountry camping is not permitted here, Acadia has several public and private camping sites available to set up your hammock and enjoy the sights and sounds of the park.
  • Baxter State Park: If you’re looking for a backcountry experience, head north on the mainland to Baxter State Park. The park prides itself on being best accessed by foot, rather than a car, making it the ideal destination for hikers and campers looking to really connect with nature. You should have no trouble finding the perfect trees to attach your hammock to — the park has one of the most extensive forest management systems of the country.

6. Wyoming

grand teton national park

Wyoming is known as the Cowboy State, and you’ll certainly feel as adventurous as one while hammocking in one of these national parks:

  • Grand Teton National Park: Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts. The park celebrates the multiple facets of its cultural past, including the culture of the nomadic paleo-Indians who came to Jackson Hole shortly after the Pleistocene Ice Age more than 11,000 years ago. In a single trip, you can witness both swampy wetland and ice glaciers, making it a great hammocking destination for people who enjoy a little bit of everything.
  • Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone National Park is one of the most recognized national parks in the U.S., thanks in large part to its dedication to restoring the local wolf population — a fact you might want to keep in mind while you camp in the backcountry. Although no one can deny the beauty and adventure of the park’s numerous hiking trails, the real showstopper is exploring Yellowstone’s thermal basins. Spend your day witnessing active geysers and hot springs, then relax under the endless Wyoming sky from the comfort of your hammock — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a vacation.

7. Florida

Florida camping offers something a little bit different from other parks, thanks to its southern coastal location, barrier islands, and access to the Florida Keys.

  • Blue Springs State Park: Blue Springs State Park is the best place to go if sightseeing and wildlife viewing is your favorite camping pastime, as it is home to a large concentration of manatees. Campers can also enjoy off-shore recreation, including snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and boating.
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park: There are two primary reasons campers head to Ichetucknee Springs State Park: warm-water tubing in the springs and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole. While you’re hammocking, expect to encounter friendly Ichetucknee wildlife, like Sherman’s fox squirrels and gopher tortoises.
  • Little Talbot Island State Park: According to the park, one of the best ways to experience Little Talbot Island is by setting up a hammock in the forest off along any of the barrier island’s popular hiking trails. While you’re there, enjoy natural coastline beaches, ancient sand dunes, and some of the best off-shore paddling on the coast.
  • Ocala National Forest: Ocala National Forest in the north-central region of Florida protects 387,000 acres of sand pine scrub forest. Camping is enjoyed year-round, with many visitors opting for dispersed camping for a peaceful, immersive trip.

Check Out These Hammocking Destinations

Find Quality Hammocks and Camping Gear at DutchWare

DutchWare has everything you need for a backcountry hammocking adventure, including hammocks, hammock accessories, camping gear, and more. DutchWare also offers DIY hammock camping kits, so you can get exactly what you need for your next trip. All DutchWare products are durable, reliable, and crafted with real hikers and backpackers in mind, including high-quality, lightweight gear suitable for all types of outdoor excursions.

 

hammock camping versus tent camping

checklist of gear you need for hammock camping

The Complete Hammock Camping Setup Checklist

Are you looking for an unforgettable, immersive adventure? Give hammock camping a try! Hammock camping is just like it sounds — you make camp and sleep wherever you can pitch your hammock for the night. Hammock camping is perfect for adventurous outdoor-lovers, and it’s beginner-friendly! Hammock camping offers quick and easy portability, so you can set up and pack up camp whenever the mood strikes you.

Unlike a tent, you can set up your hammock in just the right spot to enjoy sweeping views of a hillside, sunset, or waterfall. This versatility makes it perfect for trail lovers and explorers who want to see as much of the great outdoors as possible.

If you’re new to the world of hammock camping, we’re here to help! We have compiled a complete hammock camping gear list to help you choose all the items you need for your first hammock setup.

For further resources, be sure to check out our Beginners Guide to Choosing the Right Hammock.

Here are the hammock camping necessities you don’t want to forget:

the complete hammock camping checklist graphic

New to Hammock Camping Guide: Hammock Camping Gear

The important thing to remember when researching quality hammock hiking gear and the best hammock camping accessories is to seek lightweight items, preferably those intended for this type of camping. Non-backpacking camping supplies, like tents, stoves, and kitchen gear, can be cumbersome and heavy after just a few minutes of hiking. Keep an eye out for supplies you can use in more than one way to maximize space. For example, you can use stuff sacks and storage pockets for both your hammock and to keep things organized inside your daypack. Ridgelines can double as a clothesline to dry towels or swimwear.

When packing your bags, use this beginner’s hammock camping guide and checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

Hammock

Your hammock is the star of the show, so you need to choose the right fit for you. DutchWare carries many types of hammocks to suit every kind of camper, so you’re sure to find the one you need. When choosing a hammock, consider your height, weight, and length. Proper sizing is crucial for your comfort when sleeping in a hammock. Avoid buying a lounging hammock, which is meant for casual, backyard use. Camping hammocks are made out of durable, outdoor-safe materials and are easy to transport.



Different hammock bodies to choose from include:

  • Chameleon: Chameleon hammocks are lightweight, durable, and ideal for sleeping and lounging. You can get a Chameleon in several fabrics, and each has its own weight rating and unique texture. They make great hammocks for beginners because they are a one-piece unit, meaning set up is easy. When you’re ready to upgrade, you can add attachments to enhance your experience.
  • Netted: Netted hammocks have a built-in bugnet to keep you safe from mosquitoes while you sleep. They come in half-zipped and half-wit variations, depending on how much coverage you want.
  • Netless: Netless hammocks are open-air, with no bug netting or enclosure, unless you attach one. They are comfortable, straightforward, and versatile.

Bug Protection

If you’re camping in the summer or in areas that attract mosquitoes, spiders, and bees, consider investing in bug protection. Some hammocks have built-in mosquito netting, while others are compatible with protective attachments to keep you bug-free all night long.


Choose one of the following bug protection methods for your camping trip:

When you’re not in your hammock, apply a quality insect repellant regularly and keep as much of your skin covered as the temperature allows.

Suspension System – Hanging Your Hammock

One of the most useful beginner hammock camping guide tips is to purchase a complete suspension system for your setup. The suspension system is how you will attach your hammock between two trees. A complete system includes tree huggers or straps to attach to the trunks, a hammock rope to string through your hammock, and end of hammock connection points like hooks, clips, and loops to connect the rope and tree straps.

Structural Ridgeline (optional accessory)

Ridgelines are an optional accessory that makes your hammocking experience more comfortable. Structural ridgelines consist of thin, strong rope that helps you control the amount of sag or tightness in your hammock. They keep your hammock safe from excessive pulling between distanced trees by absorbing the stress of the distance. You can also use a ridgeline to hold your bugnet or top cover.



Structural ridgelines can be either adjustable or fixed. Adjustable ridgelines like whoopie slings and Universal Constrictor Rope (UCR) let you easily readjust. They come in a variety of fixed lengths, and the standard starting point is 83% of your hammock’s total length.

2 end of hammock connection points

The end of hammock connection point is the hardware that connects the tree straps to your hammock. These hardware connection points are great for a beginner who is still learning the basics of hammock camping and anyone who wants to ensure they stay stable through the night. Connection hardware also makes it easy to adjust your hammock as needed.

Types of connection point hardware include:

  • Continuous loops
  • Whoopie slings
  • Cinch buckles
  • Dutch biners
  • Titanium toggles
  • Dutch buckles
  • Adjustable clips

Webbing

Hammocking can harm trees if you aren’t careful. Ropes and suspension systems can scratch away at the tree bark or put excessive pressure on the trunk. This damage is not always visible and can have lasting effects, like stunted growth or reproduction. One way to minimize the risk of tree damage is to attach webbing straps around the tree trunks to protect the tree bark. Once you secure the straps around the tree, you can connect and adjust your suspension rope without damaging the tree as you pull and move the hammock. Webbing straps are made of strong, low-flex materials, like Kevlar, polyester, polypropylene, and UHMWPE. Choose the length and style of your webbing straps based on your specific suspension set up.

Hammock Hardware

While it’s important to know how to tie basic hammock knots, different pieces of hardware make assembling and adjusting your hammock easier than using knots alone. Webbing straps, connection points, ridgelines, and full suspension help both beginners and experienced hammock campers have a successful trip.

To choose the hardware you need, consider:

  • The environment where you’re going to be camping.
  • How comfortable you are relying on knots only.
  • How much space and weight your hiking pack has available.

If you’re not sure how to use your hardware, read blog articles or watch video tutorials before you head out, so you can get straight to setting up when you arrive at your campsite.

Stuff Sack – Hammock Storage

Stuff sacks are very versatile to have on any hammocking trip, and you can usually find them with tarps and hammocks. Use your stuff sack to store your wallet, keys, utility knife, first aid kit, sunscreen, or other supplies. You can also use a stuff sack to protect small gear when hanging at night or during the rain.

Storage Accessories

Additional storage accessories are optional, but they can be handy to have around during any hammock camping trip. Some storage options are:

  • Ridgeline organizer: Ridgeline organizers are small, thin pouches with multiple pockets. You can keep the pouch on you, in your bag, or attach it to your ridgeline, so it’s secured with your hammock.
  • Peak shelf: Place a peak shelf at the peak of your hanging hammock, and you can store anything that requires deep space, like extra clothes, water bottles, and other gear.
  • Storage pocket: Standard storage packets have two pockets and are see-through, so you can find what you need right away. They attach to your ridgeline or D-rings.

Hammock Tarp

describes the purpose of a tarp

Hang a tarp over your hammock to create a makeshift shelter that can help protect you from rain and wind. Tarps come in all sizes and shapes, such as:

  • Asym tarps: Asym tarps are minimal coverage, lightweight tarps shaped with narrow slants. You hang these tarps diagonally, and their asymmetrical shape works with asymmetrical hammocks.
  • Hex tarps: You can pitch a six-sided hex tarp into an A-frame style for a tight, repellant surface.
  • Rectangle tarps: Pitch a rectangle tarp across your ridgeline to make a perfect tent-shaped barrier.
  • Winter tarps: Winter tarps have extended flaps to help manage cold temperatures and precipitation. You can use a winter tarp during any season where you want a little extra protection from the elements.



When choosing a tarp, make sure it extends 6 to 12 inches over the ends of your hammock for adequate coverage.

Ridgeline Suspensions

Ridgeline suspensions are either continuous or separated. Neither system is better than the other. Which one you should choose comes down to what kind of experience you want to have, and what will be easiest for you to assemble.

  • Continuous ridgeline: A continuous ridgeline is a single long cord that attaches from one tree to the other. The most significant advantage of a continuous suspension is that they make it very easy to adjust your tarp. If you’re camping alone, a continuous ridgeline is still easy to handle yourself with the right hardware.
  • Separated ridgeline: Separated ridgelines are two separate suspension lines — one for each tree. You buy separated ridgelines in pairs. Though adjusting your tarp is not quite as quick as it is with a continuous suspension, Stingerz and other hardware make it easy.


Ground Tieouts

Tarps help protect you from the elements while you’re in your hammock, but sometimes they can move around when the wind is strong, or you bump your line. To keep your tarp sturdy and secured in place, use ground tieouts to pull it taut. The number of tieouts you need depends on the size and type of your tarp.

Stakes

Use tarp stakes with ground tieouts to secure your tarp. Stakes are made out of weather-resistant materials, like titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber. When buying tarp stakes, make sure you have enough to go with each tarp tieout and consider packing a few extra just in case.

Tarp Sleeves

When it’s time to pack up camp and move along to a different part of the trail, you might find that your protective tarp is wet from rain and dew, or even sticky from tree sap. To keep the rest of your pack clean, slip a sleeve over the tarp before packing it away. Breathable tarp sleeves are ideal because ventilation allows wet tarps to dry without trapping moisture inside.

Insulation

Insulation is important when you’re sleeping in your hammock, especially in colder months, when the temperature can quickly change from uncomfortable to dangerous. Several types of lightweight hammock insulation are available, like top quilts and underquilts, to keep you fully encased and warm through the night. Choose whichever type of insulation works best for you. Though we recommend a combination of top quilt and underquilt for maximum insulation, a sleeping bag and pad will also work well.

Backpacking Camping Gear

While your hammock setup is the most important part of your camp, it’s not the only thing you need to consider. You also need supplies for cooking, starting a fire, and staying safe. Look for camping items specially marked for backpacking, as they will be more lightweight and compact for easy portability.

Add the following to your hammock backpacking checklist:

  • A backpack that fits comfortably
  • A portable backpacking stove
  • Ready-to-eat snacks and camping food
  • A water bottle or portable filtration system
  • Light layers and rain gear
  • A flashlight or headlamp
  • A trowel and plastic bag
  • A utility tool
  • A first aid kit
  • Sunscreen and insect repellant
  • Extra rope
  • A map, compass, or GPS navigator

If you plan to start your backpacking trip early, pack your bag securely the night before so everything is ready to go when you are. Memorize how you organize your hiking pack because you’ll need to pack it up again each time you move camp locations.

Tips and Tricks for Hammock Camping Setup

3 tips for your hammock camping set up

Not sure how to go hammocking as a beginner? One of the best things about this type of camping is the spontaneity and freedom of pitching your setup wherever you want, but a little preparation never hurts! Here are some tips for making the most out of your first trip:

  • Choose the right spot: Choose a spot with plenty of strong, spaced trees to set up camp. Never attach your hammock to any tree or structure that cannot withstand the additional weight. You should also choose a spot close to trails and scenic sights, as they are what make a camping trip truly unforgettable. If you’re new to camping, don’t choose a spot located in dense forests or near dangerous cliffsides. Instead, work your way up to more challenging campsites as you gain experience. For exact directions, check out this blog.
  • Set up camp first: When you find the spot you want to pitch your hammock for the night, don’t waste any time! Though your stomach might be growling from your hike, it’s a good idea to start pitching your tent while you still have light — especially if you’re new to hammocking. Once you’ve set up your hammock, you’re free to spend the rest of the evening around a fire and refueling before the next day’s adventures.
  • Know your surroundings: If you’re camping in an unfamiliar area, take time to research your surroundings before you go. Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife, including those you could encounter on the trails or while hammocking. Check all regulations and laws regarding camping and backpacking in the wilderness and acquire any necessary permits. Take a map of the area before you go so you don’t trample on private property or down steep trails.

Find Hammock Camping Essentials at DutchWare Gear

Now that you’ve used this new to hammock camping checklist to get all the gear you need, you’re ready to hit the trails and hike until you find the perfect place to pitch your hammock for the night. The best thing you can do as a new hammock camper is to invest in quality gear. At DutchWare, we design all of our hammocks and hammock accessories to be lightweight and simple to use, so they are perfect for hammock campers of all experience levels.

Visit us online to learn more about hammock camping for beginners and get your gear today!

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