How to Set up a Camping Hammock

Hammocks are a great amenity for the wilderness, whether you are craving a daytime snooze on your camping trip or you want to avoid setting up a tent. Lightweight and simple to hang, camping hammocks can also be stowed in a backpack or other small space for travel portability. With a few simple steps, it only takes a few minutes to set up your portable bed under the stars.
Find two trees that are an appropriate distance apart. To measure, fully extend your hammock on the ground. The selected trees should be at least a hammock-length apart when the hammock is laid flat.

Step 2Choose larger tree trunks if the trees are pine or another soft wood. If you're hanging the hammock from hardwood trees, like aspens, a 4- to 5-inch diameter trunk will suffice.

Step 3Tie one end of your hammock rope or hammock straps to a tree, approximately 5 to 6 feet off the ground. To do this, wrap the cord around the tree and loop it through the hammock's hanging ring. Now, wrap the cord around the tree in the opposite direction. Do this several times.

Step 4Secure the remaining rope with several half-hitch knots. To make a half-hitch knot, cross the short end of the remaining rope underneath the long end. Bring it up and through the loop you've created, pulling downward to cinch the rope tightly.

Step 5Repeat the knotting process at the other end of the hammock, securing to the opposite tree. Leave a bit of slack in the fabric before tying the knots to increase the hammock's stability.

Step 6Test your hammock by sitting in the center of it. Ensure that it will hold your weight and that it does not sag all the way to the ground. Tighten or loosen as necessary.

Step 7Place a small piece of foam or an egg crate mattress in the bottom of the hammock. This will help stretch out the hammock so you don't feel like you're being swallowed by the fabric or rope. Set your sleeping bag on top of the foam bedding, and get ready to relax.

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