Homemade Camping Hammock Tents

Tent image by Einar Bog from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

When camping in the backcountry, you don't need an expensive camping tent. A homemade camping hammock tent is sturdy enough to provide protection from the elements and is easy to craft. Using only a few tools--most of which will already be part of your camping arsenal--you can craft your own shelter and not have to carry around a bulky tent. The lightweight feel of the hammock tent will prove even more beneficial, if you have to travel a far distance from your vehicle to camp site.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rope
Tarp
Stakes
Heavy rock

Step 1

Knot a rope between the two standing posts from which your hammock is anchored. Knot the rope approximately 12 inches from the top of the hammock on the side furthest away from the ground. Keep in mind that the hammock will sink several feet toward the ground when in use.

Step 2

Pass the tarp over the rope so it hangs evenly on each side. Check that the tarp reaches the ground. If it is several inches above, this is OK.

Step 3

Anchor the tarp into the ground using stakes. Locate small grommets, or rings, at each corner edge of the tarp. Pull the tarp taut if it does not reach the ground, and pound each stake one by one through each of the grommets until four stakes are inserted. The width of the tent can extend well beyond the width of the hammock as long as the tarp forms an A frame, meaning that the sides are not fastened together.

Step 4

Pull the tarp back lengthwise if you just want shelter from the sun, but not full coverage, which would be more suited to rainy conditions. Peel the tarp back so it's half its size lengthwise. Lay the pulled-back section over the rope.

Tips & Warnings

Set up your hammock tent in an open area to prevent falling debris and/or tree branches from crashing down on the tent.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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