How feasible is hammock camping in California?

May 12, 2019 9:51 PM

I'm planning a bike tour from Portland to San Francisco via the coast and would ideally like to sleep in a hammock the whole way, but I've noticed online that some California state parks explicitly forbid it. How prevalent is this kind of policy?

I'm planning a route that will mostly take 101/1 or roads that roughly follow that path. I'd like to avoid taking more than maybe a minimal backup ground sleeping setup, but if it seems like I might get hassled for hammocking (or if hammocking with straps is unsafe for area trees), I'll likely just take my tent setup.

posted by Gymnopedist to Travel & Transportation around California (3 answers total)

The good people at HammockForums have been compiling the hammock-camping policies for state parks in all fifty states: The 50-state project.

Also, if you were to post there, I'm sure many people would reply with recent personal experience.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 10:12 PM on May 12, 2019 [7 favorites]

They definitely have hammock restrictions in parks I've been to in the East and North Bay. Even the non-camping parks warn about it.

You can use hammocks in Yosemite, but that's not on your route. Check with the specific parks you want to camp at to find out their official policies to be on the safe side.
posted by ananci at 10:58 PM on May 12, 2019

I'll answer your question about how feasible is it rather than your policy question. Have you considered self-supported hammocks? I see a few that're under 10 pounds, and under $100. I see some DIY ones that're under 5 pounds and under $40. I googled "lightweight hammock stand".

Another option might be a backpacking cot; I see reviews of 10 or more different designs.
posted by at at 10:14 AM on May 13, 2019