laws on sleeping outside?

[Plasterman]

Anyone us a hammock for camping?

[Twilight Error]

Originally Posted by Plasterman

Anyone us a hammock for camping?

I tried one a couple years ago, the three nights I was out weren't very comfortable, so I returned the Hammock to its owner and didn't bother buying one. I have friends who swear by them, I was swearing at it.

[Down South]

I've been using an ENO double nest hammock setup for a couple of years now. I much prefer it to a tent. Setup is quick and finding flat ground is no longer a requirement. I've been able to camp in parks when the campground was full but the ranger allowed me to setup in the woods nearby so I could still use the showers. The trick is to sleep diagonaly which makes a relatively flat surface. Check out the hennessey hammock website for some good info.

[Kafn8td]

I've thrown my sleeping bag out on picnic tables at rest stops and have never been hassled. I've ner set the tent up however.

[Mr_Gone]

Originally Posted by Twilight Error

I tried one a couple years ago, the three nights I was out weren't very comfortable, so I returned the Hammock to its owner and didn't bother buying one. I have friends who swear by them, I was swearing at it.

Same experience here. I know a couple guys who love sleeping in a hammock. For me, it kills my back and I wake up looking like a question mark and I need huge doses of Advil to function.

[hairsmith]

I have a friend that swears by camping at small community airports.
He has never had a problem and most have restroom's and even coffee.

[veesquared]

Originally Posted by theshnizzle

funny you mention that, i have always eyeballed the grassy area that splits freeways,some are like little forests and i bet no one but the odd cop pulls in there.

I have eyeballed those spots numerous times myself . The thing that always holds me back is the signs that say for official vehicles only at each crossover. I may be wrong but it seems that the land between the lanes would also be off limits. Many highways have guard rails on both sides of the road so you are mostly obliged to getting of the highway itself at these points.

[babarnette]

Originally Posted by veesquared

I have eyeballed those spots numerous times myself . The thing that always holds me back is the signs that say for official vehicles only at each crossover. I may be wrong but it seems that the land between the lanes would also be off limits. Many highways have guard rails on both sides of the road so you are mostly obliged to getting of the highway itself at these points.

Most areas in the south have signs that say "keep off median" on major highways and divided interstates. I don't know how strictly it is enforced though. There are some places on Hwy 49 south where the pines are thick enough that no one would ever notice you were there if you decided to do it.

[nuttynu]

what about crashing at the local 24/7 wal mart store.. hehe

[veesquared]

Originally Posted by nuttynu

what about crashing at the local 24/7 wal mart store.. hehe

Not all Walmarts allow camping Walmart publishes a book showing which do. still a good idea to contact the store manager and ask if it is okay.

[John Fabian]

Good advice on here. As the sun sets I have knocked on farmer's doors and asked to pitch my tent in the field "over there." I promise not to light any fires, just sleep and be gone at dawn. Even if they don't own the land, they always say yes.

[nuttynu]

Originally Posted by John Fabian

Good advice on here. As the sun sets I have knocked on farmer's doors and asked to pitch my tent in the field "over there." I promise not to light any fires, just sleep and be gone at dawn. Even if they don't own the land, they always say yes.

Yup, that's always a good option too. Be kind and friendly. And always clean up after yourselves.

[Knightwork]

Just a note most small towns are ususally pretty cool about bikes that come to the local PD and ask for thoughts on camping -I have stayed in the empty areas behind them and wake up at night to hear and see them coming out to check on me and when I got up in the am most invite you to come in, clean up and have a cup of coffee with them---

Also if you can get your hands on a railroad track map that shows abandoned lines --usually they are far enough off the main drag to enjoy the quiet--and you don't have to worry about drainage if it rains either

[charlesdarwin]

Small airports ain't as friendly as they used to be post 911. Cemeteries are generally good and quiet.

[divrnr]

I tried stealth camping with a hammock but I am a side sleeper and toss too much. Even sideways sleeping the backs of my knees killed me in the morning.

Now I have a forest green tent and I bought some hunter's camo netting to throw over the bike and go off into the bushes and stealth camp.