Where to Hammock in New York: The Best Hangout Spots Revealed

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If you’re wondering whether the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of New York City have any room for hammocking, I’m here to tell you that they do. I’ve researched some fantastic spots for hanging a hammock and enjoying a moment of relaxation across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Whether you’re a seasoned hammocker or a newbie looking to embrace this calming pastime, I’ve got you covered. So grab your hammock, and let’s explore the hidden oases of New York City together!

Hammocking Essentials: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before we set off on our hammocking adventure, let’s quickly cover some basics. First and foremost, always respect the environment and adhere to the rules and regulations of each park or public space. I can’t stress enough how important it is to familiarize yourself with any specific guidelines for hammocking. Also, please use tree-friendly straps that won’t damage the bark, and only hang your hammock on sturdy, healthy trees.

Here are some essentials to keep in mind:

1. Hammock and Straps: Invest in a high-quality hammock and tree-friendly straps to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
2. Weather Protection: I always recommend bringing a rain fly or tarp for shelter in case of unexpected weather changes.
3. Bug Net: Trust me, if you’re hammocking during bug season, a bug net is a must-have to keep those pesky critters at bay.
4. Insulation: A lightweight underquilt or sleeping pad can provide added insulation on chilly days.
5. Stands: If the park allows, you can bring up stands to hang your hammock. Just remember that size matters. A 15-foot stand is suitable for 13 feet hammock but not a 12-foot or 9-foot hammock.

Now that we’re all set let’s dive into the top hammocking spots in each borough!

Best Hammocking Spots in Manhattan

1. Central Park: Hammocking in the Heart of Manhattan

Central Park, the crown jewel of Manhattan, is brimming with picturesque spots for hanging your hammock. With 843 acres of lush greenery, it is the fifth-largest park in the city; you can easily find a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Sheep Meadow – This expansive, 15-acre lawn is perfect for lounging on a sunny day. The tall trees surrounding the area provide an ideal setup for hammocks, and the stunning views of the city skyline are a bonus. Just remember that hammocking is only permitted when the meadow is open to the public, typically from April through October.
2. The Great Hill – Located on the west side of the park, the Great Hill offers a quieter, more secluded area for hammocking. The tall trees and gently sloping terrain create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
3. The Ramble – The 38-acre woodland area provides a serene, natural setting for hammocking. The winding trails and dense foliage in the Ramble create a hidden forest oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Find a secluded spot among the trees and enjoy the tranquility.
4. The North Woods – The North Woods is another woodland area in Central Park, featuring waterfalls, streams, and rustic bridges. This enchanting setting offers plenty of opportunities to hang your hammock and immerse yourself in nature.

2. Riverside Park: Relaxing Along the Hudson River

Riverside Park stretches four miles along the Hudson River and is a haven for hammocking enthusiasts. The beautiful waterfront views, lush green spaces, and towering trees provide plenty of spots to hang your hammock and unwind.

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1. Sakura Park – This small park, adjacent to Riverside Park, is particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season. The cherry trees create a stunning backdrop for hammocking and offer a unique, picturesque setting to relax in.
2. The Promenade – The Riverside Park Promenade provides fantastic views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey skyline. With plenty of trees lining the walkway, you can find a cozy spot to set up your hammock and take in the breathtaking scenery.
3. River Run Playground – Near the northern end of Riverside Park, the River Run Playground area has a great mix of sun and shade, perfect for hammocking. The nearby playground and open spaces make it a family-friendly destination too.

3. Battery Park City: Hammocking in a Waterfront Oasis

Battery Park City, a 92-acre planned community on the southwestern tip of Manhattan, offers a variety of green spaces and waterfront views, making it an excellent choice for hammocking.

1. Teardrop Park – This 1.8-acre hidden gem within Battery Park City features lush landscaping, unique rock formations, and tall trees, offering a secluded spot for hammocking. The park’s tranquil atmosphere provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
2. Wagner Park – With its manicured lawns, lovely gardens, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, Wagner Park is a popular spot for hammocking. The park’s ample trees and open spaces allow you to find the perfect hammocking spot while enjoying the waterfront scenery.
3. Battery Park – The southernmost tip of Manhattan is home to Battery Park, a historic park with gorgeous views of the harbor and Ellis Island. The park’s trees and green spaces offer a pleasant setting for hanging a hammock, while the nearby attractions, such as the SeaGlass Carousel and Castle Clinton, make for an enjoyable day trip.

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Best Hammocking Spots in Brooklyn

1. Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s Hammocking Haven

Designed by the same landscape architects responsible for Central Park, Prospect Park is a 526-acre oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, offering numerous spots for hammocking. As a matter of fact, it is the second largest public park in Brooklyn, behind Marine Park.

1. Long Meadow – The Long Meadow, a vast, open lawn area, boasts plenty of trees to hang a hammock. The picturesque setting, framed by gently rolling hills, is perfect for a relaxing day in the park.
2. Nethermead – Located in the center of the park, Nethermead is a serene meadow surrounded by woodlands. The surrounding trees provide ample opportunities for hammocking, while the peaceful atmosphere allows you to unwind fully.
3. The Ravine – As Brooklyn’s only forest, The Ravine features nearly 150 acres of woodland to offer a secluded and natural setting for hammocking. The lush vegetation, waterfalls, and streams create a serene environment that feels worlds away from the city.

2. Brooklyn Bridge Park: Hammocking with Iconic Views

Brooklyn Bridge Park, a vibrant waterfront park along the East River, offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The park’s green spaces and tree-lined pathways make it an ideal location for hammocking.

1. Pier 1 – The park’s largest pier provides a mix of open lawns, gardens, and tree-shaded areas, perfect for setting up your hammock. The sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan skyline add to the appeal of this popular spot.
2. Pier 6 – Located at the park’s southern end, Pier 6 features a large lawn area and a variety of trees suitable for hammocking. The park also offers playgrounds, sports courts, and a seasonal water lab, making it a great spot for families.

3. Fort Greene Park: A Historic Retreat for Hammocking

Fort Greene Park, a 30.2-acre park in Brooklyn, offers a historic setting with lush greenery, rolling hills, and plenty of trees for hammocking. Designed by the creators of Central Park and Prospect Park, this park has its own unique charm.

1. The Great Lawn – The Great Lawn, located in the center of the park, offers a large open space surrounded by majestic trees. It’s a perfect spot for hammocking and enjoying the park’s peaceful atmosphere.
2. Monument Plaza – Near the park’s iconic Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument, the area provides a mix of shaded and sunny spots for hanging your hammock. The surrounding trees and the historic backdrop make for a memorable hammocking experience.
3. The Hill – The highest point in the park, The Hill offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding neighborhood. Plenty of trees make it an excellent spot for setting up your hammock and enjoying the scenery.

Best Hammocking Spots in Queens

1. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: World’s Fair Legacy

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fair, is a vast park with a rich history and diverse landscapes. It offers numerous opportunities for hammocking amid its iconic landmarks and picturesque green spaces.

1. The Unisphere – This iconic, 12-story steel globe serves as the park’s centerpiece and provides a unique backdrop for hammocking. The surrounding trees and green spaces offer plenty of options for finding the perfect spot.
2. Meadow Lake – As the largest fishable freshwater lake in New York City, Meadow Lake provides a serene and picturesque setting for hammocking. The park’s shoreline features numerous trees and shaded areas where you can set up your hammock and enjoy the water views.
3. Queens Botanical Garden – Though a separate admission fee is required, the Queens Botanical Garden offers a beautiful and tranquil environment for hammocking among the park’s lush foliage and colorful blooms.

2. Astoria Park: Hammocking East River

Astoria Park, nestled along the East River, boasts fantastic Hell Gate and Triborough Bridges views. The park’s ample green spaces and tree-lined pathways make it a popular destination for hammocking enthusiasts.

1. Great Lawn – The Great Lawn in Astoria Park offers a large, open space surrounded by trees, perfect for setting up your hammock. The views of the bridges and the Manhattan skyline in the distance add to the appeal of this spot.
2. Shore Boulevard – The tree-lined Shore Boulevard runs along the park’s edge, providing numerous opportunities for hammocking with waterfront views. The gentle breeze off the East River makes this a relaxing spot to hang out.

3. Forest Park: Queens’ Largest Continuous Forest

Forest Park, a 538-acre park in Queens, is home to the borough’s largest continuous forest. The park’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open meadows, offer numerous spots for hammocking.

1. Strack Pond – This serene pond, located within the park’s forested area, is surrounded by trees and provides a peaceful setting for hammocking. The pond’s calm waters and secluded location make it a hidden gem within the park.
2. Oak Ridge – The Oak Ridge area of Forest Park features large, open meadows and a mix of oak and pine trees. The rolling terrain and picturesque scenery create an idyllic setting for hanging your hammock.
3. Forest Park Drive – The tree-lined Forest Park Drive, which winds through the park, offers numerous opportunities for hammocking among the park’s lush foliage. The quiet, shaded spots along the drive make for a relaxing and peaceful hammocking experience.

Best Hammocking Spots in the Bronx

1. Van Cortlandt Park: The Bronx’s Green Gem

Van Cortlandt Park, the third-largest park in New York City, boasts a variety of landscapes and recreational areas. The park’s expansive green spaces and abundant trees provide ample opportunities for hammocking.

1. Parade Ground – This large, open field is surrounded by trees, creating a picturesque setting for hammocking. The Parade Ground’s spacious lawns allow you to find a quiet spot to hang your hammock and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
2. Van Cortlandt Lake – Located in the heart of the park, Van Cortlandt Lake offers a serene and scenic backdrop for hammocking. The surrounding trees and the tranquil lake create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
3. Indian Field – This historic park area features a mix of open meadows and tree-lined pathways. The abundance of trees provides numerous options for hammocking, while the quiet surroundings make for a restful escape from the city.

2. Wave Hill: A Scenic Retreat

Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural center in the Bronx, is situated on 28 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Hudson River. The garden’s breathtaking views and lush plantings provide an idyllic setting for hammocking.

1. Pergola Overlook – The Pergola Overlook at Wave Hill offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. The surrounding trees and gardens create a picturesque and tranquil environment for hammocking.
2. Aquatic Garden – The Aquatic Garden, featuring a lovely pond and a diverse collection of water plants, provides a serene and secluded setting for hammocking. The garden’s trees and surrounding foliage create a peaceful, shaded retreat.
3. Great Lawn – The Great Lawn at Wave Hill is a spacious, open area surrounded by trees and gardens. It’s an ideal spot for setting up your hammock and enjoying the beauty of the garden and the river views.

3. Pelham Bay Park: The City’s Largest Park

Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, offers a diverse array of landscapes, from beaches to forests. The park’s vast green spaces and numerous trees make it a hammocker’s paradise.

1. Orchard Beach – While Orchard Beach is best known for its sandy shoreline, the surrounding trees and grassy areas provide excellent spots for hammocking. Enjoy the beach atmosphere and refreshing sea breeze while you relax in your hammock.
2. Hunter Island – Accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Orchard Beach, Hunter Island features a mix of wooded areas and open meadows, making it a perfect location for hammocking. The island’s secluded setting and natural beauty create a peaceful retreat from the city.
3. Pelham Bay Golf Course – Although you can’t hammock on the golf course itself, the surrounding park area provides plenty of trees and green spaces for hammocking. Enjoy the park’s serene atmosphere while observing golfers playing on the nearby course.

Best Hammocking Spots in Staten Island

1. Clove Lakes Park: A Hammocking Sanctuary

Clove Lakes Park, known for its picturesque lakes and ponds, offers a peaceful environment for hammocking. The park’s tree-lined pathways and green spaces create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a day of rest and rejuvenation.

1. The Boathouse – Near the park’s boathouse, you’ll find a beautiful setting with trees and green spaces ideal for hammocking. The nearby lake adds to the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
2. Martling’s Pond – Martling’s Pond, with its calm waters and lush surroundings, provides a picturesque backdrop for hammocking. The pond’s tree-lined shore offers plenty of options for hanging your hammock and enjoying the tranquil setting.
3. Clove Lakes Park Trail – The trail that winds through the park features an abundance of trees, making it an excellent choice for hammocking. Find a secluded spot along the trail and enjoy the park’s natural beauty while you relax in your hammock.

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2. Greenbelt: Nature’s Haven

The Staten Island Greenbelt, a network of parks and natural areas, offers a variety of landscapes and recreational opportunities. The Greenbelt’s expansive green spaces and numerous trees provide ample options for hammocking.

1. High Rock Park – High Rock Park, a part of the Greenbelt, features a mix of forests, wetlands, and meadows, making it an ideal location for hammocking. The park’s diverse landscapes and abundance of trees provide a peaceful and secluded setting for relaxation.
2. Blood Root Valley – This picturesque valley within the Greenbelt boasts a diverse array of trees and plant life, offering numerous spots for hammocking. The valley’s quiet, serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place to escape from the city.
3. Moses Mountain – Although you can’t hammock on the mountain itself, the surrounding park area offers plenty of trees and green spaces for setting up your hammock. Enjoy the park’s natural beauty and breathtaking views while you relax in your hammock.

3. Snug Harbor: A Hammocking Oasis

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a 19th-century sailors’ retirement home turned cultural center, features beautiful gardens and picturesque landscapes. The center’s lush grounds and ample trees make it a popular destination for hammocking enthusiasts.

1. The South Meadow – The South Meadow at Snug Harbor offers a spacious, open area surrounded by trees, perfect for setting up your hammock. The meadow’s quiet, peaceful atmosphere allows you to fully unwind and enjoy the garden’s beauty.
2. The Healing Garden – The Healing Garden, a serene space dedicated to contemplation and relaxation, provides a tranquil setting for hammocking. The garden’s trees and surrounding foliage create a secluded retreat for rest and rejuvenation.

With this comprehensive guide to hammocking in New York City, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the city’s diverse parks and green spaces, each offering unique opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned hammocker or a beginner looking for the perfect spot, this guide will help you discover the best hammocking destinations in each borough.

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