5 of the Best National Parks for Hammock Camping
Hammock camping is one of life’s simple joys. There is nothing better than relaxing in your hammock. Just imagine doing this while overlooking the amazing vistas of a few of the best national Parks.
There are few things that can compare to setting up your hammock in a beautiful spot with an unparalleled view overlooking natural treasures.
The best part is that you don’t even have to travel far. There are some amazing locations in your own state!
So pack your backpack and head on over to one of these astounding national parks that welcome hammock campers.
Trust us, once you see these parks, you’ll have your next hammocking adventure all planned out.
Acadia National Park
A place where pine forests meet up with the ocean, there is the best of both worlds in this national park.
Located in Maine, this national park is a northeastern favorite and has some spectacular views that will make great photo memories of your visit.
Acadia is also canine-friendly, so you can bring your best friend along for the trip.
Summer months are the most popular with campers and the ocean view draws people to the park.
September and October are great months to visit as there are fewer people, the weather is still wonderful and the forest is just starting to turn colors.
Acadia National Park offers breath-taking views and hiking trails. You will find yourself wanting to traverse a new trail every day and finding each one more beautiful than the last.
Yosemite National Park
In California, you will find this gorgeous gem among the Sierra Nevada mountains. This national park has a few challenging hiking trails, but well worth the effort.
Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls. Within its 1,200 square miles, you will also find deep valleys, giant sequoias, vast meadows, and wilderness areas.
Along with the amazing views and bracing hiking trails, you will come across some of the most beautiful bodies of water.
The Half Dome Cable Hike is one of the more popular hikes in Yosemite, but there are many more places and trails that will awe and inspire you.
This park has everything that an avid nature enthusiast could ever want. You will find yourself coming back over and over again, never being fully convinced that you have discovered everything that the park has to offer.
Glacier National Park
There are no words that can adequately describe the stunning natural beauty of Glacier National Park.
Located in Montana, Glacier National Park has pristine forests, rugged mountains, beautiful lakes, and meadows.
There are over 700 miles of hiking trails where you can experience true wilderness and solitude.
Called the Crown of the Continent, there are ten hiking trails in Glacier. It may sound like a walk in the park, but if you decide to hike all ten, it would take you a bit over five-month.
In 2011, Jake Baramante became the first person to hike all 734 miles in one summer. He documented his experience in Hike 734.
In Glacier, you will be able to experience alpine ecosystems, glaciers, goat trails, cobalt blue lakes, and jaw-dropping cliffs.
Zion National Park
In Utah’s first national park, Zion National Park, you can feel the air of history as soon as you enter.
You will be able to walk on the same paths that ancient natives people and pioneers walked. You will be setting up camp on sites where settlers rested hundreds of years ago.
Experience the rush of staring down into a narrow slotted canyon. If you are really adventurous choose to hike the 7.6 roundtrip Cable Mountain hike.
You will be able to spot the remnant of the cable system constructed in 1901 to haul lumber from the bottom of the canyon floor to the rim far above.
Just one of several hiking trails in Zion, a hike on one of Zion’s trails will ensure that you will be ready for a good night’s sleep in your camping hammock at the end of the day.
Grand Canyon National Park
And last, but not least, the Grand Canyon National Park. How can we make a list about camping and not include the Grand Canyon?
This is arguably America’s most famous national park and is a favorite among avid campers.
The canyon has some challenging hiking trails and astounding views. You get a real sense of adventure when you stand in awe of nature’s beauty.
Hammock is welcome in the Grand Canyon, but there are some restrictions. You must only use (as you should anyway) straps to suspend your hammock from trees.
During the day you need to release one side of the hammock so that wildlife does not get entangled when they are traversing the park during the day.
There is little vegetation below the rim of the canyon, but there are man-made structures in Indian Garden campground.
The grandeur and unique nature of the Grand Canyon will make for an unforgettable hammock camping experience.
In Conclusion
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” Before heading out to one of our national parks, check out their rules and regulations.
You will also get information on peak times in the parks and both popular sites, and those that give you more solitude.
Whichever park you choose, take the time to visit one of the parks that are our national heritage.
FAQs
Are hammocks environmentally friendly?
Most hammocks that are produced today are created with synthetic materials, such as polyester and virgin nylon.
Other companies that manufacture hammocks made from eco-friendly material like cotton or dyed cotton yarn, but these are not suitable for camping when the weather is cold.
Why did some states make hammocking illegal?
These are some of the most common reasons why several states ban hammocking.
To protect the trees - Thin straps and ropes cause abrasions onto the tree bark, which in turn compromises the tree's health.
Irresponsible choice of campsites - There have been some incidents where campers who have hung their hammocks above pathways, or stacking up beds on two trees.
Safety concerns - Inherent dangers caused by campers who attempt to climb tall trees to install hammocks 30 feet in the air, and some even dare to do tricks.
What is a hammock park?
Hammock parks are natural areas situated in different states, mostly in Florida. Most have picnic shelters, an observation platform, and a playground area.
Can you hang a hammock without trees?
Yes, you can hang a hammock even without trees. Find the right spot that has posts sturdy enough to support your weight.
Hammock frames come in various materials, shapes, and sizes, they are designed to be portable so you can hang your hammock anywhere.
Can you swing in a hammock?
Anyone can swing in a hammock so long as you position the rods and hammock perfectly.