Best Portable Hammock Stand for Camping
Share this post
Imagine after a long exhausting hike, you find yourself gently swaying in your hammock in the mountain breeze. Swinging in a hammock can help reduce stress levels in the body. You can’t do that lying down in a tent. Your camping experience will be so much more elevated when stress levels go down.
Hammocks are now a popular accessory to camping, and do not take up much space. But sometimes you may not be able to find strong enough trees in your camp area to set up a hammock. It is not easy to find completely aligned trees to hang it perfectly. If you do, you probably find them at a location which is far away from your fellow campers. That is why a hammock stand portable allows the flexibility for you to set up your hammock with a stand basically anywhere, in the desert, beach or in your very own backyard.
If you just want to skip and get the best portable hammock stand, we recommend Sunnydaze Universal Hammock Stand as our top choice.
Table of Contents
Why Trust Us
Jules and Ken
We are outdoor lovers, travellers, and writers all rolled into one. You have seen our posts here reviewing lots of different types of outdoor gear, camping equipment, RV equipment, kayaking, to cycling. Our reviews are guided by our years of experience being outdoors. We are happy to share our knowledge with you to make a better choice when you are outdoors.
Whether you are looking for the best affordable, the best overall or best quality portable hammock stand, just know that you are at the right place. We have reviewed it all and you can save the trouble of reviewing it yourself. In this guide, we have listed down 5 hammock stands as our top picks for Best Portable Hammock Stand For Camping.
5 Best Portable Hammock Stand
Why get a portable hammock stand
You can enjoy your leisure time, by taking in the scenic views of the beautiful sky while staying away from the rocks on the ground when you camp.
It swaddles you, like how a baby is cuddled to her mother. So comfortable that you will not believe that you have drifted off to dreamland.
You can shift it to the shade when it is too hot or nearer to a campfire if you need to stay warm. As it does not take much space, you can easily store it in the car trunk and carry it to your campsite.
You do not need to wait for 10 to 20 years for the trees in your backyard to grow to your desired height and strength. A hammock stand acts as a substitute for two trees. It has a super load bearing capacity that some trees may not be able to provide.
Some parks prohibit tying a hammock to a tree to minimize damage to the tree. Having a camping hammock stand will allow you to abide by all the park rules while still enjoying the experience of camping in a hammock.
By hammock camping away from trees, you can avoid the dangers of falling branches and lightning hazards.
Your hammock stand can become a private spot for you and family to spend more time together in the backyard. It is a great place for reading books on the summer weekends. Alternatively you can bring it for outdoor events like concerts or festivals.
View More Camping Tips
How to choose a hammock stand
A standing hammock stand may look simple, but there are some important factors to consider.
Portability
Looking to relax in a mountaintop? Then get a hammock frame that is easy to fold up and lightweight enough to transport for camping trips. If you do more car camping, then you can afford a larger stand.
However, if you plan to move around a lot like backpacking or kayak camping, you will want to pay attention to one that folds up to a smaller size.
Weight
Weight plays a factor in decision making. Lighter versions weigh less than 35 lbs while heavier ones can reach up to 100 lbs.
If you plan to travel with a hammock stand, you would want one that comes with a carry case. You can store all the components and haul your travel hammock around. Some hammock stands come with a carry case, so you may not need to purchase it separately.
Height
You will want a hammock stand to be around 3.8 to 5 feet in height, so that your hammock will hang approximately 18 inches off the ground. But that will also depend on the cord or chain tension used.
Durability
As a hammock is usually used outdoors, you would want something durable to withstand the elements of the sun and rain.
Metal rust resistant stands are recommended as they are cheaper and durable in comparison to wood. Check that the metals are properly coated so that it will not rust when there is contact with moisture. Wood usually attracts problems such as termites and decay issues.
Make sure the hammock stand is able to support your own weight. If it is just you and your partner, and you want to travel light, you can opt for a double hammock with a stand.
Consider also if you have a few kids with you who may all jump in on the hammock with you. If this may be a possibility, look for a stand that is strong enough to hold more people.
Budget
Usually, the more portable it is, the less affordable it becomes. Of course if you are able to get better quality hammock stands, it will be able to last you a long time. This makes the price worth paying for.
Footprint
Your hammock stand will need approximately 10 to 15 feet of space so that it can secure more stability and not tip over. If you already own a hammock, make sure the stand is roughly 2 feet longer than the total length of the fabric. Hammocks in general are usually 9 to 10 feet long. If you plan to camp at the beach, then look for the thicker stand frame so that it is more stable on the beach. Alternatively, you can bury the frame until it reaches a more stable sand layer.
Types of Hammocks
The word “Hammock” comes from the Spanish word “Hamaca” which means “fishnet”. It was thought to be introduced by Christopher Columbus to Spain from his adventures. Years after that it was used in military and navy ships as official bedding. Over the centuries, cultures developed distinctive styles which characterize the various types of hammocks out there.
Brazilian Hammocks
Most Brazilian hammocks do not come with spreader bars, making it portable. That also means you will be enjoying them in a cocoon-like fashion. Usually, they are constructed with multiple fibers on a loom making it thick and best for colder climates. The material also makes this hammock long lasting. You will certainly enjoy them in a cocoon-like fashion.
Mayan Hammocks
Mayan hammocks can hold large amounts of weight, and also usually do not have a spreader bar. They come in bright colors made of nylon or cotton, and are very pretty. You will realize how comfortable to lie in as it conforms to your curves. This is a lightweight hammock and durable.
Rope Hammocks
Rope Hammocks come with a spreader bar that helps keep two sides separated, so that it is easy to get in and out of the hammock. It features stitching designs that offer support and excellent air flow.
Sunnydaze hammock can accommodate hammocks that are between 9.5 feet to 14 ft in length. It has great flexibility to fit most types of hammocks, including Brazillian and spreader bar style. The spread legs are designed in a way so that it is less prone to tip over.
This is a heavy duty hammock stand, so no worries about bending of metal. It has a weight limit of 550 lbs, which is strong enough to accomodate 2 persons. You can use it as a hammock stand as well. The hammock stand is portable as it weighs only 25 lbs, which falls under the category of a light portable stand.
Setting up the stand is effortless as you do not need any tools for it. It uses a spring-pin locking mechanism to lock in the bars. However, there is no carry bag that comes along with it, so you need to buy it separately if you plan to transport it around.
Sunnydaze is overall an outstanding quality stand which can serve a high load capacity and yet affordable.
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Stable
Cons
- No carry bag
PROS
CONS
- Durable
- Affordable
- Stable
- No carry bag
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock
This is an all in one carry bag, hammock and stand. There is no need to trouble yourself to buy all of them separately. It is meant for use for a person or with company to snuggle with. You can hang it indoors as a loveseat or a chair, or bring it outdoors to the beach. The length of the bed is 87 inches, meaning you can literally sleep in any position you want. If you do not want to cocoon in it, you can lie diagonally in them.
There are 3 options of fabric to choose from, cotton, polyester and sunbrella. The polyester cloth is made of woven polyester fabric, which is thick and taut. It is strong enough to resist weather, mildew and rot. The cotton version is made of 100% breathable cotton which is very comfortable to lie on as it is soft and sturdy. The sunbrella version uses weather resistant fabric. It still looks perfect even after a season in the elements. This hammock breathes and you do not end up sweating in it.
If you want more flexibility, you can get the optional wheel kit. This makes it easier to roll your hammock stand under a shade if it is too hot. And to ensure your hammock last, you can get a hammock sleeve to protect your hammock from all elements the whole year round.
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock is super easy to assemble and disassemble, that you do not really need the set of instructions. It has a 9 foot compact frame and weighs only 30 lbs. Together with a carrying case, it is easy to carry, even on a plane.
Pros
- Double hammock with stand
- Carry Bag
- Washable Hammock
- Simple to set up.
Cons
- Hammock material can stretch over time.
PROS
CONS
- Double hammock with stand
- Carry Bag
- Washable Hammock
- Simple to set up.
- Hammock material can stretch over time.
ENO Nomad Hammock Stand is a two 4-legged stand, connected by a long pole that is collapsible. You can use the ridgeline for your tarp or to hang camping lights. You can see cords connecting the poles so you will not lose any part when assembling. It even comes with quality aluminium stakes to secure it to the ground.
The main advantage of this travel hammock stand is its weight, at only 15 lbs, which makes it super mobile to carry around. It feels completely stable when you are in it. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, which can cater to most average adults. Its aluminium alloy frames make the hammock stand feel and look sturdy.
There are extra straps conveniently available for you to hang your backpack or extra gear from. You can set it up in less than 10 minutes with its simple shock-corded construction. It packs down to a very small sized carrying backpack at 28×10 inches. You will find that the bag is well built with pockets for storage of various parts.
Equipped with this hammock stand, you have the freedom during road trips to spend the night anywhere you can drive.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Includes a carry case
- Aluminium frame
Cons
- Less affordable
- No hammock is included
- Stand takes up a lot of space
PROS
CONS
- Lightweight
- Includes a carry case
- Aluminium frame
- Less affordable
- No hammock is included
- Stand takes up a lot of space
This folding hammock stand is a heavy duty steel stand that has no trouble in holding up to 400 lbs. There are a few holes for adjustment, if you need to adjust it to a higher or lower position. It is very secure and stable, due to its durable steel-tube construction.
It is an easy construction to put it together and take apart. It only weighs 30 lbs when packed up. And it fits well into a tote bag to store up your stand when not using. It does not take up much space when packed so small, so it is easy to store it in your RV. Note that some users found the carry case rather thin, making it susceptible to tear.
It is a simple yet functional design. It has a 9 feet stand that caters for almost all types of hammocks, up to 7 feet long. The hammock length can be flexible by raising or lowering the hammock stand. This stand will work with a spreader bar. It is great for camping on uneven surfaces, where the terrain can be wet and rocky.
When you camp away from trees, your Amazon Basics Hammock Stand stand will open up a variety of spot possibilities that will otherwise be not possible.
Pros
- Affordable
- Extendable length
- Comes with a carry case
Cons
- Carry bag thin
- No color options
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Extendable length
- Comes with a carry case
- Carry bag thin
- No color options
This camping hammock stand is a 3 in 1 set, it includes a hammock, a stand and also a carrying bag. You have everything you need for a camping trip, there is no need to purchase these items separately. Kanchimi Hammock stands can be adjusted to 6 different heights, based on your elevation preferences.
The hammock is made of high quality durable canvas which is weatherproof and durable to last you the next several years. As it is a canvas fabric, it can be washed in a washing machine. The hammock itself is 55.1 inches wide which is wide enough to accommodate up to 2 persons. There is a stuffing pillow included to rest your head while reading a book.
This 2 person hammock with stand is able to cater larger individuals up to 450 lbs. The stand is bolstered with metal support rings and galvanized steel hooks to make sure it is strong and durable. The portable hammock with stand works very well on uneven terrain like rocky surfaces or near rivers where the ground is muddy. So you can enjoy the pristine beauty of nature while taking advantage of the flexibility of hammock camping.
You can assemble this stand within 3 minutes without using any tools. There are detailed assembly step by step instructions in the form of pictures to make assembly a breeze. Its hammock case is made of ripstop fabric and comes together with heavy duty straps. This is advantageous if you want to take it down during winter months.
Pros
- Stuffing pillow included
- 3-in-1 (Hammock, Stand, carrying bag)
- Affordable
- 2 person hammock
Cons
- None
PROS
CONS
- Stuffing pillow included
- 3-in-1 (Hammock, Stand, carrying bag)
- Affordable
- 2 person hammock
- None
Summary
Hammock camping is a great way to take camping to the next level. All the top Portable Hammock Stands we have reviewed are generally equally outstanding. To look for the best hammock stand, consider the balance between its Portability, Weight, Durability, Budget, Footprint and the accessories provided. We find among the top hammock stands we have reviewed, Sunnydaze Universal Hammock Stand has the winning edge. We find this gem is reasonably affordable without compromising its essential features. Thus, it is not surprising that it has consistently the best reviews and comes out as one of the most popular choices among the camping community.
What's Next
For more comforts in camping, you can check out the best reclining camp chairs. To see more options for Hammock Stands, read here.
I hope you enjoyed this review and if you have questions about any of the Top Portable Hammock Stands, or want to leave your own personal review, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
You May Be Interested
