From camping to festivals or relaxing with a good book, hammocking is an ideal outdoor experience — but only if you know how to hang a hammock.
Most hammocks come with a set of instructions that are usually very user friendly. Still, it takes most newcomers a few tries to get their bearings. Not only do you need a beautiful location (and a view), but you should also consider the angles, hardware, and the right trees, as well as any extra gear you may need.
There are still some Leave No Trace guidelines to adhere to when hanging a hammock. However, if hung correctly, it shouldn’t cause much, if any, damage to the area. Not only do you want to avoid tree damage, but you also want a comfortable place to lounge or sleep. In this guide, we’ll break down all the need-to-know basics of how to hang a hammock.
Before You Hang a Hammock: Choose the Right Location
Once you get to know the LNT principles for hammocking, choosing the right location becomes much easier. These principles apply to both setting up your hammock for an afternoon and for hammock camping.
Are Hammocks Allowed?
Not all parks or land management areas allow hammocks to be used. Almost none of Colorado’s state parks allow you to hang or camp in hammocks, and a few national parks like Bryce Canyon in Utah have the same rule. While this may seem like a strange regulation, it’s there for a good reason.
If hammocks are hung improperly or overused on the same trees, again and again, they can cause extensive damage to those areas. In high-traffic parks, the need to reduce the region’s human footprint has required them to ban hammocks altogether, mainly due to improper use.
So, before you go somewhere for the day or a camping trip, always check with officials to make sure that using a hammock is allowed.
Set Up Away From Plant and Animal Life
One of the easiest ways to find a good hammock spot is to look for areas that have apparent human use. This could be campsites or picnic areas. Avoid going into areas that are very obviously not used by humans, as you will be trampling vegetation and interfering with animal habitats more intensely.
Also, be aware of what poisonous plants and insect nests are in the area. Check on and around the trees to avoid contact.
Be at Least 200 Feet Away From a Water Source
Avoid Pathways
Examine the Health of the Trees
How to Hang a Hammock
Use the Right Equipment
Secure the Right Height and Angles
- The optimal hammock setup is at a 30-degree angle opening toward the tree.
- Keep the lowest point of the hammock no more than 18 inches off the ground.