Let’s Go Hammock
Find a Hang
A hammock in the middle of a forestPhoto: Mateusz Bajdak / Unsplash
Collection

Best Forest Hangs

Trees everywhere you look. The easiest hangs on earth.

  1. A view of a mountain with a sunset in the background
    1.Shenandoah National ParkRestrictions apply

    Leafy ridgelines and long views over the valley make Shenandoah a relaxed place to hang. Book a site marked hammock friendly and bring wide straps.

    Virginia, USA · Best May to June and September to October
  2. Boat on a wide river with forested banks and bridge
    2.Buffalo National RiverHang away

    Bluffs, gravel bars and clear water make the Buffalo a great hang between paddles. The park says yes to hammocks outright, so bring wide straps and enjoy.

    Arkansas, USA · Best March to May and September to October
  3. A small waterfall in the middle of a rocky area
    3.Pisgah National ForestRestrictions apply

    Waterfalls, balds and endless hardwoods make Pisgah a hammock playground near Asheville. Check the current camping orders before you go and bring a bear canister for the high country.

    North Carolina, USA · Best April to June and September to October
  4. A landscape with trees and hills
    4.Great Smoky Mountains National ParkRestrictions apply

    Dense hardwood forest means trees are never the problem in the Smokies. Follow the 10 inch tree rule, pad your straps and you will have one of the best hangs in the East.

    Tennessee / North Carolina, USA · Best April to June and September to October
  5. Snow-dusted granite cliffs and a waterfall above a forest in Yosemite National Park
    5.Yosemite National ParkRestrictions apply

    Granite walls, giant pines and a river running through the valley make Yosemite a classic hang. Campgrounds book up fast, so reserve early, bring wide straps or tree pads, and you are good to swing.

    California, USA · Best May to October
  6. Landscape photography of river with trees
    6.Olympic National ParkRestrictions apply

    Mossy rainforest, wild beaches and alpine ridges all in one park. Rules on hammocks are not spelled out, so bring a tarp for the rain, use tree savers and confirm at a ranger station.

    Washington, USA · Best July to September
  7. Green and brown trees under white sky during daytime
    7.Red River Gorge (Daniel Boone National Forest)Restrictions apply

    Sandstone arches, cliffs and thick hardwood forest make the Gorge a favorite with hammock campers. Respect the 300 foot setback from trails and roads, and stay clear of rock shelters.

    Kentucky, USA · Best April to June and September to November
  8. Green trees near lake and snow covered mountain during daytime
    8.Grand Teton National ParkRestrictions apply

    Few views beat the Teton skyline from a hammock by the lake. Book a site that lists hammocks, bring bug spray for early summer and use wide straps.

    Wyoming, USA · Best June to September
  9. Blue lake surrounded by green trees under blue sky during daytime
    9.D.L. Bliss State Park, Lake TahoeRestrictions apply

    Turquoise water and granite coves make this one of the prettiest corners of Tahoe. Hammock rules are not clear, so bring a stand as a backup and ask a ranger.

    California, USA · Best June to September
  10. A hammock from a tree over a body of water
    10.Ginnie SpringsHang away

    Crystal clear springs and the Santa Fe River make Ginnie a classic Florida hang. It gets lively on weekends, so go midweek if you want quiet.

    Florida, USA · Best March to May and October to November
  11. Green trees near lake under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
    11.Rocky Mountain National ParkRestrictions apply

    Alpine lakes, elk in the meadows and big pine and aspen stands give you plenty to look at from your hammock. Keep it inside your site, skip Timber Creek and watch the sky for afternoon storms.

    Colorado, USA · Best June to September
  12. Green trees on brown rocky mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytime
    12.Acadia National ParkRestrictions apply

    Spruce forest, granite shoreline and ocean air make Acadia a great East Coast hang. Pick a site with trees right at the pad and you are set.

    Maine, USA · Best June to October
  13. People on beach shore during daytime
    13.Yellowstone National ParkRestrictions apply

    Lodgepole forest, steaming geyser basins and wildlife everywhere make Yellowstone a bucket list stop. Rules on hammocks are not spelled out, so keep it inside your site, use tree savers and ask the campground host.

    Wyoming, USA · Best June to September
  14. Green trees and mountains near lake during daytime
    14.Maroon Bells (White River National Forest)Restrictions apply

    The Bells are one of the most photographed peaks in the country, and the aspen groves are made for an afternoon hang. Plan ahead for permits and shuttle reservations.

    Colorado, USA · Best July to September
  15. A view of a mountain range with a lake in the foreground
    15.Glacier National ParkRestrictions apply

    Glacier has clear lakes, big peaks and plenty of conifers. Pack a solo hammock and wide straps, and pick a spot over bare ground inside your site.

    Montana, USA · Best July to September
A view of a mountain with a sunset in the background
Restrictions apply
7.5
Hammockability
Virginia, USA
Shenandoah National Park

Likely yes, since campsites list hammocks as permitted equipment, but the park has no published hammock rule, so use wide straps and stay inside your site.

Fall colorSkyline DriveEasy access
Boat on a wide river with forested banks and bridge
Hang away
7.5
Hammockability
Arkansas, USA
Buffalo National River

Yes, hammocks are officially permitted as long as you use straps that do not damage the trees.

Float tripsGravel barsSpring and fall
A small waterfall in the middle of a rocky area
Restrictions apply
7.4
Hammockability
North Carolina, USA
Pisgah National Forest

Yes in many areas, but camping is banned at Graveyard Fields and limited to designated sites in parts of the Pisgah Ranger District.

WaterfallsBackpackingForest hangs
A landscape with trees and hills
Restrictions apply
7.3
Hammockability
Tennessee / North Carolina, USA
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Yes, hammocks are allowed in campsites and designated backcountry sites with tree saver straps, but never in or on shelters.

BackpackingFall colorForest hangs
Snow-dusted granite cliffs and a waterfall above a forest in Yosemite National Park
Restrictions apply
7.1
Hammockability
California, USA
Yosemite National Park

Yes in park campgrounds, as long as you pad the trees, skip oak trees and keep it from becoming a hazard.

Epic viewsCampground hangsPhotographers
Landscape photography of river with trees
Restrictions apply
7.1
Hammockability
Washington, USA
Olympic National Park

Probably yes with tree friendly straps, but Olympic does not publish a hammock rule, so check with a ranger.

RainforestMoody vibesBring a tarp
Green and brown trees under white sky during daytime
Restrictions apply
7.1
Hammockability
Kentucky, USA
Red River Gorge (Daniel Boone National Forest)

Yes, hammock camping is common here, but you must follow the gorge camping setbacks and buy a recreation pass for overnight parking.

Hammock cultureClimbersBackpacking
Green trees near lake and snow covered mountain during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.8
Hammockability
Wyoming, USA
Grand Teton National Park

Yes at campgrounds like Colter Bay that list hammocks as permitted equipment, though the park has no detailed hammock rule.

Mountain viewsLakesideWildlife
Blue lake surrounded by green trees under blue sky during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.8
Hammockability
California, USA
D.L. Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe

Unclear. The park does not publish a hammock rule, and California State Parks protects all trees, so ask the campground before you hang.

LakesideSwimmingSummer
A hammock from a tree over a body of water
Hang away
6.8
Hammockability
Florida, USA
Ginnie Springs

Yes, hammocks are a common sight here, but this is a private park so follow the posted rules and do not cut or nail trees.

SwimmingTubingGroup trips
Green trees near lake under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.7
Hammockability
Colorado, USA
Rocky Mountain National Park

Yes inside the footprint of your campsite, except at Timber Creek Campground where hammocks are banned.

Alpine lakesSummer escapesWildlife
Green trees on brown rocky mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.7
Hammockability
Maine, USA
Acadia National Park

Yes in campgrounds, but only on trees you can reach without stepping off the campsite pad.

Coastal forestSunriseFamilies
People on beach shore during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.6
Hammockability
Wyoming, USA
Yellowstone National Park

Probably yes inside your campsite with tree friendly straps, but Yellowstone does not publish a clear hammock rule, so confirm with your campground.

WildlifeRoad tripsGeyser days
Green trees and mountains near lake during daytime
Restrictions apply
6.5
Hammockability
Colorado, USA
Maroon Bells (White River National Forest)

Likely yes with care, but overnight stays in the wilderness need a permit and designated sites near popular lakes.

Fall aspensPhotographersAlpine lakes
A view of a mountain range with a lake in the foreground
Restrictions apply
6.4
Hammockability
Montana, USA
Glacier National Park

Yes in campgrounds, but only single person hammocks over bare ground inside your site with straps at least one inch wide.

Big viewsSummer onlySolo hangs