How To Set Up A Hammock Without Trees. 5 Easy Alternatives (+Quick Guide)

You’re probably not the first person to wonder how to set up a hammock without trees. People are so used to seeing them depicted between trees that few can imagine hanging them up otherwise.

I’ve gone camping in the desert a few times, where you don’t see a tree for miles. I’ve also set up a hammock in my treeless driveway more than once, so I’ve got you covered.

There’s no reason you have to waste the comfort of laying suspended in a hammock if you can’t find two trees to set it up. In this article, I’ll help you explore the different ways to do that. So let’s get started.

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5 Creative Ways To Set Up A Hammock Without Trees

There is absolutely no reason to think you can’t enjoy a hammock if you aren’t around any trees. After all, the only thing you need from the trees is support. I like to think of the trees as supporting structures for your hammock setup. 

As long as your supporting structures are sturdy enough and measure correctly, there is no reason to limit yourself to using trees. I’ve personally used a hammock everywhere—from the back of my car in a parking lot to the top of a mountain.

Between Two Poles

As I’ve mentioned earlier, if the two structures you are using to set up your hammock are sturdy enough, you’re good to go.

When I say pole, I mean anything from a designated ‘hammock pole’ found in national parks; to the telephone pole in your cul-de-sac. To ensure your safety, I recommend that you give the pole a good shake before you start tethering your ropes. 

The best poles for hammocking are those that are fixed into concrete.

Between Two Building Structures

If you open up your eyes and search the area you’re in, you’re bound to find some way to secure the ropes to hang your hammock. I found that the biggest problem with this approach is that it can be difficult to find buildings that are at the correct distance away from each other. 

For most adult-size hammocks, you’ll want the two buildings to be 10 to 15 feet apart. 

Using A Hammock Stand

I don’t usually need to set up a hammock without trees, so other creative options suffice. However, if you find that you’re frequently in that position, consider investing in a dedicated hammock stand. 

A hammock stand is typically a portable (foldable) framework that can be used to support your hammock without the need for other structures such as trees, buildings, or poles. Consult with your camping equipment store for the best options for your hammock.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when buying a hammock stand:

• Consider how portable the stand is, especially if you don’t have much space in your vehicle to store it.
• Think about how easy it is to set up and dismantle when needed.
• Check the durability and strength of the materials used.

Setting Up A Hammock Between Trekking Poles

I’ve seen people on long hikes use their trekking poles to hang up their hammocks successfully. However, I must warn you that this isn’t easy. The process is considerably more involved, especially if you intend to support the weight of the hammock (and you) entirely on the trekking poles without any additional structures such as a vehicle or wall.

Remember that trekking poles are considerably less sturdy than trees recommended for hammock hanging. So, you’ll need to use a bit of geometry and physics in your setup, by using two trekking poles and a ground spike. 

Without getting into the boring details, you basically use the ground spike as the primary spike, and tie the two trekking poles to resemble a capital A on the other side. You can adjust the poles once the hammock is hung to ensure it stays off the ground. 

Using Your Vehicle To Set Up A Hammock

Last but not least, if you have a car, RV, or any other automotive vehicle, you can use it to support your hammock. In this case, the other end of your hammock can be tethered to a tree, pole, building, or other supporting structures such as trekking poles.

If you have two cars, you can also use them to set up your hammock instead of the second supporting structure. I highly advise that you do not hang your hammock on a stranger’s vehicle without their express permission.

A Step-by-step Guide To Setting Up A Hammock

Now that you’ve explored all the alternative ways to setting up a hammock when you’ve got no trees around, you may want to get the basics right first. Whether you’re hanging it between two trees, or any other structures to support the weight, here’s what you’ve got to do:

Step 1: Choose Appropriate Supporting Structures

The first step is to decide what’s going to support the weight of the hammock and the people who intend to lie in it.

Even after you’ve found the appropriate supporting structures, you need to ensure that the distance between them is appropriate. For most adult-sized hammocks, I recommend a distance between 10 and 15 feet. Remember that you can adjust the distance if using a trekking pole, but not when choosing trees. 

Step 2: Tethering The Rope

You’ll need to fasten your rope by wrapping it around the trunk or pole and tightening it after passing the free end of the rope through the loop. Make sure that the rope is snug and that it is tied at an appropriate height. 

Instead of measuring, I usually eyeball it—estimating that the rope is wrapped at shoulder length. This makes it easier to get in and out of the hammock, without it touching the floor when you’re in it. 

Step 3: Hooking The Hammock

Finally, once you have everything set up, you can proceed to hook both ends of the hammock to the tethered rope. Always ensure that the hammock is securely hooked to the rope before you proceed. I recommend testing the rope and the entire setup by pushing down on the hammock while still standing outside of it.

Tips On Getting Into And Out Of A Hammock

As simple as it looks, getting in and out of a hammock has the potential to cause serious injury. You also need to have the freedom to move your hands and legs to climb in and out. So, if I intend to use anything while laying in the hammock(such as a book), I always keep it where it is accessible, but not in my hands.

Here are more tips on climbing into and getting out of a hammock:

Getting In A Hammock

There are three basic steps to climbing into a hammock. With both hands-free, this is how you can safely get into a hammock:

1. Put one knee inside the hammock while still supporting your weight on your other foot (standing on it firmly on the ground).
2. Hold on to the hammock from both sides, and lower your torso into it so you’re lying face down in the hammock.
3. Lift your standing leg into the hammock and turn over.

Getting Out Of A Hammock

To get out of a hammock, hold on to both sides to support yourself as you move one leg out. After you put your foot on the ground a balance your bodyweight on it, you can stand up and raise yourself out of the hammock safely.

How To Set Up A Hammock Without Trees FAQs

What Is The Best Setup For Hammock?

The best setup for a hammock is between two trees, or at least between a tree and another sturdy supporting structure.

What Is The Best Way To Lay In A Hammock?

The best way to lay in a hammock to lower your body face first into it, and then turn around. 

What Do You Attach A Hammock To?

You can attach your hammock ropes tethered to a hammock stand, tree, pole, hiking (trekking poles), vehicle, or even a building. As long as the ropes are tethered to something that can handle the weight, the hammock is safe to lie in.

Can You Set Up A Hammock Anywhere?

You can hang up a hammock permanently on your personal property, or between temporary supporting structures in public parks and other public areas. Do not use other people’s property to set up a hammock without their express permission.

Final Thoughts On How To Set Up A Hammock Without Trees

While two trees are the best option for hanging a hammock, you may sometimes need to know how to set up a hammock without trees. Regardless of the method you use, ensure that the setup is sturdy and all the ropes are hooks are tight.

As long as the structures you choose to support your hammock as sturdy enough, setting them up is the same basic process.

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