By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Visitors to Oak Mountain State Park can now experience camping in a whole new way: Suspended four feet above the ground. It’s called Tentsile tree camping, and outdoor enthusiasts can already reserve one.

“We are very excited,” said park director Kelly Ezell.  “It’s always great to have a new amenity to offer, and I think this is going to be great. It looks likes so much fun. It looks like a tree house but it’s a tent.”

The new camping style is made possible through a partnership between Alabama State Parks and Birmingham-based Idlewild Adventure Company. Tentsile sites are located in Oak Mountain State Park’s main campground and backcountry camping areas.

Tentsile camping is described as a cross between a tree house and a hammock, allowing campers to sleep about four feet above the ground. Ezell said it’s a great opportunity for people to try out Tentsile camping without spending a lot of money on the equipment.

Oak Mountain will provide two Tentsile models: the Stingray and the Connect. The Stingray will sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children, and the Connect sleeps up to two adults. The models can also be combined to create a tree tent village that sleeps up to 12.

Campers can choose to experience Tentsile as a guided overnight trip led by Idlewild staff or as a do-it-yourself adventure with some training.

“There are some activities in the outdoor adventure world that make you feel like a kid again,” said Ryan Cavender, Idlewild’s founder.  “The Tentsile experience is really one that will make you feel like you are experiencing camping for the first time.”

Idlewild Adventure Company leads climbing, rappelling and backpacking trips and team-building courses. Idlewild also offers rental programs including Tentsile portable tree houses, slackline gear and a mobile rock-climbing wall.

Reservations must be made through Idlewild. For reservations and pricing options, call (256) 273-9596 or visit Goidlewild.com.