Red River Gorge (Daniel Boone National Forest)
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.
Yes, hammock camping is common here, but you must follow the gorge camping setbacks and buy a recreation pass for overnight parking.
- Camping within 300 feet of any developed road or trail in the Red River Gorge is prohibited.
- Camping within 100 feet of the base of a cliff or the back of a rock shelter is prohibited.
- Camping or fires in rock shelters are prohibited.
- We found no hammock specific rule from the Forest Service. Use wide, tree friendly straps.
Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or campground host before you hang.
Hammockability breakdown
Ticks and mosquitoes are common from late spring through summer.
Humid summers with thunderstorms. Fall is cool and colorful.
- Gray's Arch Trail
- Auxier Ridge Trail
- Original Trail to Natural Bridge
- Koomer Ridge Campground
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park campgrounds
What to bring
Gear picks that suit a hang at Red River Gorge (Daniel Boone National Forest).
If you like Red River Gorge (Daniel Boone National Forest), try
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.
Yes, hammocks are officially permitted as long as you use straps that do not damage the trees.
Yes in many areas, but camping is banned at Graveyard Fields and limited to designated sites in parts of the Pisgah Ranger District.