Hammock Camping at Yosemite National Park

When people think of national parks, the first two images that usually pop into their heads are the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Half Dome, along with being a natural icon, is a world-class tourist destination that everyone should visit during their lifetime. That said, Half Dome is just one small part of the expansive Yosemite National Park. 

While some people think of visiting a national park as taking a day trip to drive through it and stopping at scenic overviews for pictures along the way, the best way to truly experience the Yosemite Valley is to plan a camping trip. Featuring hundreds of miles of trails and countless historical locations, Yosemite National Park is a great place to spend a week or more camping — especially if hammock camping is something that you’re interested in.

At Hennessy Hammock, we have designed the most comfortable, durable, and functional portable camping hammock of all time. Designed to handle the jungles of Southeast Asia, the deserts of the Southwestern United States, the boreal forests of Northern Canada, and just about any other extreme location, a Hennessy Hammock camping hammock is built to handle whatever you throw at it. 

Continue reading as we discuss hammock camping in Yosemite National Park, as well as how our ultralight backpacking hammocks can take you farther on your next adventure.  

Yosemite National Park: General Information

Yosemite National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in the country — but don't be confused — there are still plenty of wild things to do there. Featuring wild outdoor activities like rafting, horseback riding, backpacking, climbing, biking, and more, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast within the confines of the park. Heck, the park even has amenities like spas, luxury hotels, and private cabins for those who like the finer things in life. Learn more about the park today by visiting the National Park Service website.

What to Do

When you are planning on visiting Yosemite National Park, be sure to first check the National parks Service website to see if there are any closures or restrictions. In doing so, you won’t have to travel all the way to the park before learning the trail that you were most excited for has been closed for maintenance. 

Offering activities for the rugged outdoorsman and the city slicker, Yosemite National Park has a diverse variety of activities available. For some, the best activity might be a ranger-led interpretive program. For others, a two-week backpacking trip might seem like a better alternative. Luckily, both are options. Browse all of the activities offered at Yosemite National Park today. 

Fees

• Entrance: $15–$300
• Campgrounds: $5–$50
• Wilderness camping: Inquire with park

Campsite Availability

Yosemite National Park is a very large park, meaning that different campsites are open at different times of the year. That said, unless there are mid-season closures or restrictions, they all are open within predetermined dates. Learn more about each campsite and when they are open by visiting the National Park Service site. 

Climate

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet above sea level to 13,000 feet in elevation. Because of this, there are a number of microclimates within the ecosystem. When planning a camping hammock trip, be sure to consider what time of year it is and the location within the park that you intend to visit. In doing so, you will be able to better prepare. Learn more about the average temperature and precipitation of each month. 

Hammock Camping in Yosemite National Park

If you have ever considered going on a backpacking trip, you have likely heard about the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail. As two of the most iconic thru-hiking trails in the country, countless people flock each year to the Yosemite Valley to try and experience even small sections of the trails. That said, if you strike out trying to get a permit for either of those trails, there are still plenty of other trail systems in the valley that you would enjoy trekking with your ultralight backpacking hammock. 

Depending on the time of year that you are visiting the park, the weather could be very warm or very cold — making it extremely important to do your research. In the summer, campers might be able to sleep in their camping hammocks under the stars — with no need for a rainfly. Other times, however, a camper might want to carry insulation for their camping hammock to avoid a cold, sleepless night in the rain or snow. Before packing up your ultralight camping hammock, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. 

Recommended Gear

The best part about camping with an ultralight backpacking hammock is that they are fully adaptable to meet any need that might arise. Are you going to be camping in a place without trees? Simply set up your camping hammock on the ground using a hiking pole like a bivouac bag. Are you going to be hiking long distances? Then opt for a lighter model or strip the weight by exchanging your rain fly. With a camping hammock, the opportunities and adaptations are limitless. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite camping accessories for our ultralight backpacking hammocks. 

SnakeSkins

When you are planning on hiking upwards of 10 miles per day, every second counts — meaning that cooking breakfast and camping hammock tear down should be quick — getting you on the trail faster. The SnakeSkins are an instant stuff sack for your Hennessy Hammock camping hammock that allows you to take it down and pack it away in seconds. 

With an average takedown time of 30 seconds, the SnakeSkins are the perfect stuff sack to get you on the trail faster. Learn more about SnakeSkins today. 

Shop Hennessy Hammock Today!

If you are looking for a high-quality ultralight backpacking hammock for your trip to the Yosemite Valley, we urge you to check out our inventory of proven camping hammocks. Adventure awaits — let a Hennessy Hammock take you farther.