The Beginner's Guide to Hammock Camping (Plus Expert Set-Up Tips)

Welcome to a very practical introduction to sleeping outside (enjoyably… and without fighting a tent). 

Hammock camping has a funny reputation. People either think it looks like the most relaxing way to camp imaginable, or they picture themselves sliding into a fabric taco at 2am while their mates sleep comfortably on the ground.

After a lot of nights camping, setting up at sunset, packing down in the rain, and testing gear in places where mistakes become very obvious very quickly, we can confidently say this: hammock camping is one of the easiest, most comfortable ways to sleep outdoors when you understand the basics.

With that in mind, this guide is written for beginners. We promise you don’t need any special skills or experience. You just need a basic understanding of how hammock camping works, the right gear, and how to avoid the common mistakes that make people give up after one bad night.

What is Hammock Camping?

Hammock camping is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of sleeping on the ground in a tent, you sleep suspended between two anchor points, usually trees. Your hammock becomes your bed, and in the right setup, part of your shelter as well.

Camping hammocks are usually different from the casual hammocks you might hang in the backyard. They’re designed to support your body evenly, pack down small, and handle overnight use. The best camping hammocks use wide tree straps to protect the bark and suspension systems that keep everything secure without damaging the environment.

So, why do so many people love hammock camping? Simple. You carry less gear. You set up faster. You don’t have to worry about rocky ground, roots, puddles, or finding the perfect flat spot. If there are trees, boom, you have a campsite.

For beginners, this simplicity is what makes hammock camping feel more approachable than traditional camping.

Ok But… is Hammock Camping Actually Comfortable?

This is the question everyone asks first, and it’s a fair one. After countless nights of hammock camping, we can confidently say it’s one of the most comfortable ways to camp IF you have a good hammock and you set it up right. Uncomfortable hammock camping usually comes from two things: 

1. Hanging the hammock too tightly.

2. Lying straight down the middle.

A hammock is designed to have some sag. That curve allows the fabric to support your body evenly. When beginners pull a hammock tight like a rope, it forces the body into an awkward shape and puts pressure on the lower back and knees.

Sleeping diagonally is the other key piece of the comfort pie. When you lie slightly off centre, your body flattens out. Your shoulders relax, your hips settle, and your spine stays neutral. This one teeny adjustment alone fixes most people’s issues of sleeping uncomfortably in a hammock. 

When set up correctly, the reality is that most hammock campers are surprised by how well they sleep. If you’re used to thin mats, uneven ground, or constantly shifting on slopes, a correctly hung hammock feels like a serious upgrade.

Related read: Tips for a great hammock camping trip

What You Need for Hammock Camping

One of the best things about hammock camping is how little gear you need to get started. You can build your setup gradually, but the essentials are very simple.

The Essentials

• A camping hammock. This is your bed, so quality is essential. A good camping hammock is strong, breathable, and designed for overnight use rather than lounging.

• Tree straps. Tree straps are wide straps that wrap around the tree to protect the bark. They also make setup quicker and easier because you can adjust height and tension without knots.

• A suspension system. This connects your hammock to the straps. Most camping hammocks include carabiners or loops that clip straight on.

With just these three items, you can comfortably sleep outside.

Helpful Extras for Beginners

• A blanket or under layer. One of the biggest surprises for beginners is how cool hammocks can feel at night. Because air moves underneath you, it can draw heat away on warm nights. A lightweight puffy blanket placed under your body makes a big difference.

• A tarp. If there’s any chance of rain or wind, a tarp is worth bringing. It adds protection and peace of mind without much extra weight.

• A pillow or spare clothing. A rolled up jumper or towel works perfectly as a pillow or knee support.

The best thing about hammock camping is that you don’t need to overpack. Hammock camping really works best when you keep things simple. And isn’t the simplicity what makes camping so bloody good? 

Related read: What to take camping (a checklist) 

How to Set Up a Hammock Properly

Most hammock camping horror stories start with a bad setup. The good news is that setup is easy once you know what to look for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3rQenVKQgA

Step 1: Choose the Right Trees

Look for two healthy trees roughly three to five metres apart. They should be solid and free from loose branches overhead. Avoid dead trees or anything that looks unstable.

If the trees are too close together, the hammock will hang too tightly. If they are too far apart, you’ll struggle to get enough height and end up sitting too low.

Step 2: Wrap Your Tree Straps 

Wrap your tree straps at about head height. This often feels higher than expected, but once weight is added, the hammock settles into a comfortable position.

The straps should sit flat against the tree with no twisting or slipping. This protects the tree and keeps your setup secure.

Step 3: Aim for a Gentle Curve

Your hammock shouldn’t be pulled tight. A slight sag is what allows the fabric to support your body evenly.

If your hammock looks like a straight line between trees, loosen it. A relaxed curve improves how comfortable your experience is and reduces strain on the suspension.

Step 4: Sleep Diagonally

This is one that lots of people don’t know about: always lie slightly off centre. This actually creates a flatter sleeping surface and prevents the dreaded banana shape that can make for a pretty uncomfortable sleep. This one tip alone can turn a bad sleep into an epic one.

Where Hammock Camping Works Best

After many trips, plenty of trial and error, and a few camps where we learned things the hard way, we’ve come to learn that hammock camping is brilliant in the right spots and mildly annoying in the wrong ones.

It works best in forested areas where trees are naturally spaced and you’re not playing a game of “will this reach?” with your straps. It’s ideal for warm to mild weather, short trips, and weekends where you want to arrive, hang up, and relax without unpacking half your life. It’s also great for beach camping near tree lines, festivals, and casual overnighters where speed and simplicity matter more than square metres of floor space.

Where it struggles is anywhere with no trees, very exposed alpine areas, or cold conditions unless you are prepared with extra insulation. Some national parks also have rules around attaching gear to trees (which is fair enough) so always check before you go.

Our rule of thumb is simple: if there are solid trees, and the weather is playing nice, hammock camping is usually a very good idea.

What if You Can’t Find the Right Trees?

Sometimes, you’ll find yourself standing in a campsite, holding a hammock, slowly realising the trees are either miles apart, too skinny, or simply not cooperating. It happens. Even to people who “know what they’re doing”.

If the trees are almost right, you can usually make it work with small tweaks. Straps a bit higher helps when trees are further apart. Letting the hammock sag instead of pulling it tight helps when they are closer.

However, if you’ve arrived at camp and there are genuinely no usable trees, don’t stress and don’t force it. Hammock camping requires some flexibility. Many experienced hammock campers bring a simple backup option on unfamiliar trips, especially when they haven’t seen the site in person. That might be a lightweight mat or blanket, so you’re stuck improvising in the dark.

For car camping, festivals, or beach trips where trees are unpredictable or off limits, a hammock stand is another option. It’s not something you want to hike with, but it turns tree-free areas into instant hang zones and saves a lot of wandering around with straps in your hands.

The truth is, good hammock camping starts before you arrive. A quick scan of campsite photos or a look at satellite maps usually tells you whether trees will be your friend or your enemy. Plan for that, and you’ll have no issues (or, at least, less issues - camping is often unpredictable, but that’s what we love about it!) 

Hammock Camping vs Tent Camping

Look, it’s not one or the other. We use both. Hammock camping and tent camping suit different trips.

Hammocks are lighter, quicker to set up, and far more forgiving when the ground is uneven, rocky, muddy, or sloping in a way that makes setting up a tent impossible. You hang it, and you’re done. Packing up is also faster, especially after rain, because you’re not dealing with soggy floors or muddy corners.

Tents are better in extreme weather, exposed locations, or longer stays where you want space to move around, change clothes, organise gear, or hide from bugs. They’re also the obvious choice when there are no trees.

For beginners, hammock camping can be easier for short trips and chill adventures. Tent camping makes more sense for longer stays or unpredictable conditions. Neither is better. They just solve different problems!

Common Hammock Camping Mistakes to Avoid

These are the mistakes we see all the time, and yes, we have made every single one ourselves at some point.

1. Hanging the hammock too tight. This is the classic beginner move. A hammock needs a bit of sag to be comfortable. If it looks like a tightrope, loosen it.

2. Hanging it too low. You should be able to sit in your hammock like a chair without touching the ground. If your bum hits dirt, raise the straps.

3. Sleeping straight down the middle. Always lie diagonally. This one change fixes most comfort complaints instantly.

4. Forgetting about wind. Wind strips warmth like there’s no tomorrow. Even a mild night can feel cold when the air is moving underneath you.

5. Not practising setting up. Set your hammock up at least once before your trip. A backyard or park is the easiest way to avoid frustration later.

Ready to Try Hammock Camping?

If you’re new to hammock camping, the biggest difference between a great first night and a very average one usually comes down to the hammock itself.

Nakie hammocks are designed for everyone (especially beginners!). They’re super easy to set up, sized for comfortable diagonal sleeping, and made from durable recycled materials that hold up to countless outdoor adventures. 

If you want to try hammock camping without committing to a complicated setup or learning things the hard way, a Nakie hammock is the best place to start.

EXPLORE NAKIE HAMMOCKS

Beginner Hammock Camping FAQs

Will hammock camping hurt my back?

A correctly hung hammock supports your body evenly and keeps your spine in a neutral position, which means it shouldn’t hurt your back. Many people actually find hammocks more comfortable than sleeping on the ground once they learn to sleep diagonally.

Is hammock camping safe?

Hammock camping is safe when you use healthy trees, solid tree straps, and a suspension system designed for camping. Avoid dead trees and loose branches overhead, and your setup will feel stable and secure.

Do you feel like you’re going to fall out?

No. A properly hung hammock cradles your body and feels very secure once you are lying down. Hammocks are designed to hold far more weight than a person, and the fabric naturally keeps you centred rather than tipping you out.

Can you sleep on your side in a hammock?

Yes, many people sleep on their side in a hammock once they find a comfortable diagonal position. It may feel different at first, but most side sleepers adjust quickly and sleep just as well as they do on the ground.

How long does it take to set up a hammock?

Once you’ve done it a couple of times, setup usually takes two to five minutes. Beginners may take a little longer at first, but it’s still faster than pitching most tents.

Do hammocks damage trees?

No, not when you use proper tree straps. Wide straps spread the load and protect the bark, which is why they are always recommended and sometimes required in parks.

Is hammock camping allowed everywhere?

No, some campsites and national parks have rules about attaching gear to trees. It’s always worth checking local guidelines before you go to avoid surprises.