There are countless campgrounds specifically set up for tent campers, RV campers, even glampers…but what about hammock enthusiasts? Are you struggling to pick the next place to hang your hammock? Never fear! We’ve gathered 21 of the best hammocking spots in the US for you to explore!
1. Sequoia National Park, California
First up is Sequoia National Park in California! This hammocking haven just happens to be the home of the General Sherman giant sequoia, the largest tree in the world. Hammock camping is allowed in this park, and it offers plenty of exciting activities such as hiking, cave tours, and birdwatching!
2. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Next up on our list of US hammocking spots is Kings Canyon! Kings Canyon is often lumped in with Sequoia as if they were one park, seeing as they’re located right beside each other. In fact, if you’re truly ambitious, you could make a combo hammocking trip out of it! Keep in mind that the crown jewel of these parks is their trees, and all hammock camping must prioritize the safety of the arboreal population. Most hammock campers recommend bringing along some kind of tree protector to hammock with.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Another gorgeous California national park, Yosemite is a hammock camper’s dream. The landscape is beyond breathtaking, and if you’re a fan of waterfalls, this is the park for you. Hammock camping is allowed, though as with Sequoia and Kings Canyon, they require a protective cover for the trees you lash your hammock to, and you’re not allowed to tie anything around oak trees at all.
4. Joshua Tree National Park, California
California is in possession of a host of the hammocking spots in the US, and we can’t leave out Joshua Tree National Park! While you’re forbidden from lashing your hammock to the trees here, you are allowed to tie them around rocks or attach them to climbing bolts. Joshua Tree is a great place to go if you’re looking for a more desert-themed adventure.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
When picking out the best hammocking spots in the US, we can’t forget about the Northeast! Acadia National Park in Maine is the perfect place to take in the rock-crowned shoreline of the northeastern Atlantic, and though no backcountry camping is allowed, you’re permitted to use your hammock within the campgrounds offered in and near Acadia.
6. Ocala National Forest, Florida
Not wandering too far from the Atlantic for our US hammocking spots recommendation, the Ocala National Forest in Florida almost doesn’t seem real. Boasting turquoise crystal-clear water and myriad wildlife species (including manatees!), you can’t go wrong when you decide to set up your hammock here.
7. Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia
West Virginia might not be the first place that comes to mind as a prime hammocking destination, but you don’t want to miss out on Coopers Rock State Forest! With 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic canyon views, and plenty of opportunities for rock-climbing or cross-country skiing, this forest has something for everyone. It’s completely welcoming to hammock campers—in fact, the Rhododendron Campground is only open to tent or hammock camping!
8. Zion National Park, Utah
Full of sandstone cliffs and picturesque rivers to explore, Zion National Park can’t be counted out for your next hammocking trip. Hammock camping is welcomed here, as is backcountry camping. Be sure to bring your rock-climbing gear along!
9. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan
Michigan is full of stunning camping destinations, and when it comes to hammocking, Tahquamenon Falls has got to be one of the best places to go. These beautiful waterfalls are unbeatable, and the park is especially spectacular in the autumn months, when all the trees change to their vibrant fall colors. Hammock camping is allowed here all year round, so if you’re ambitious enough to take on some winter camping, this state park is the perfect place to choose!
10. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
The next park on our list of US hammocking spots is the ultimate hidden gem of Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park looks like something plucked straight from a storybook, and its various caves, rock formations, and awe-inspiring waterfalls are unbeatable when it comes to hiking, backpacking, or hammocking trips! However, if it’s the waterfalls you’re coming to see, make sure you visit in the spring. By summer, there’s a risk that the water will have dried up considerably.
11. Olympic National Park, Washington
Next on our list of hammocking spots in the US is Olympic National Park! This mountain-lined national park is perfect for hiking and hammocking enthusiasts alike, and even if you’re not one for higher elevations, you can enjoy yourself roaming the untamed Pacific coastline.
12. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is another destination made for mountaineers. With over 700 miles of trails to hike, beautiful jewel-toned lakes, and plenty of waterfalls and stone gorges to take in, there’s no lack of wonder to be found here. Backcountry campers and hammock campers are welcome, but be careful! Once you step foot in this park, you’re in bear country. Keep bear spray on your person and be sure to properly secure all food.
13. Papago Park, Arizona
Unlike some of the other US hammocking spots on this list, Papago Park is more on the modern side. While it still offers hiking, the most popular destination being the Papago Park Butte Loop that takes you around the sandstone buttes that make up quite a bit of the park, there are more modern attractions as well. Papago Park contains both the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, so if you’re looking to hammock while still getting a taste of civilization, consider Papago Park!
14. Zaleski State Forest, Ohio
Zaleski State Forest is a fantastic place for backpackers, especially those who bring along their hammocks. Not only does this forest offer hiking, it also offers the opportunity to horseback ride! However, some hammock campers warn of crowds, so be prepared to share your space a bit if you go during a busy time of year.
15. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
While absolutely stunning, Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t for the faint of heart! As the name suggests, it’s mainly composed of mountainous terrain, which means altitude sickness is a risk, and avalanches happen often in the winter and spring months. Still, if you’re experienced with higher altitudes and backpacking, you can absolutely have a fantastic trip here. You’re welcome to backpack and hammock, but you’ll have to make reservations by filling out a wilderness permit.
16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
200 miles of hiking trails await you at number 16 on our list of hammocking spots in the US! Grand Teton National Park is another mountainous destination with ample opportunity for skiing, hiking, and backpacking. However, if you’re planning to backcountry camp here, you’ll need to make a reservation and apply for a permit before you arrive!
17. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a glorious mix of water, cliffs, and forest that comes together to make one of the ultimate US hammocking spots. This park will even give you the opportunity to potentially sleep beneath the Northern Lights—though your chances go up in the winter, when the days get shorter and the nights get longer. You can take a peek at the Aurora Forecast a month or so before your trip to see how likely you are to catch a glimpse of these colorful natural nightlights!
18. Biscayne National Park, Florida
There’s nowhere better to take in the beauty Florida has to offer than the Florida Keys, and there’s nowhere better to camp in the Keys than Biscayne National Park! Between coral reefs, protected mangrove swamps, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of endangered wildlife, and the option to snorkel past a shipwreck, you’ll never get bored in this island park. The Biscayne National Park camping experience is one of a kind!
19. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
For those who love being near local wildlife, you can’t do any better than Assateague Island National Seashore. Though interacting with the wild horse population on the island is strictly prohibited, it’s remarkable enough just to coexist with these graceful and magnificent animals. These horses are the very same that inspired the popular book “Misty of Chincoteague”, and a hammocking trip to this island will give you the chance to walk through the world of a childhood storybook!
20. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is home to some incredible wildlife and vegetation. You’ll find several unique species of cacti, birds, reptiles, and all kinds of other plants and creatures living within this park. There are sand dunes and hiking trails to trek through and plenty of opportunities for backpackers and hammock campers to set up camp. However, make sure you come prepared for the Texas heat!
21. Aguirre Springs, New Mexico
Last but not least on our list of the best hammocking spots in the US is Aguirre Springs in New Mexico! This destination is the perfect blend of mountain and desert, and it’s located right next to White Sands National Park, known for housing the biggest gypsum dunefield in the world! Whether you stick to Aguirre Springs or wander a bit outside its borders, you’re sure to find all kinds of stunning landscapes to watch over while you hang your hammock.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hammocking Spots in the US
No matter where you choose to strike out on your next hammocking adventure, you can’t go wrong with these 21 US hammocking spots! Did we miss any of your favorite hammocking spots? Do you spot any of your favorites on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Check out our best tips for hammock camping below!