Turn your backyard into your own personal campsite with these tips!

We’re all dreaming about an epic vacation, but right now it’s safer to stay home. Don’t despair just yet — maybe you can’t go on a camping trip, but you can still enjoy camping. Set up a tent in your backyard and let the fun begin!

What do you need for camping at home

Just as if you were going on a real camping trip, when setting up your backyard campsite the first and most important thing you need is the right sized tent. Besides that, here are some important items to bring on your little backyard camping adventure:

  • flashlight
  • bug spray
  • sun protection
  • warm clothes

How to set up a backyard tent

If you set up your backyard tent properly, you won’t have to worry about rain and winds ruining your fun. So, choose a spot that won’t have direct sunlight in the morning, then set the foundation, roll out the tent atop, connect the tent poles, secure the corners to the ground and attach the rainfly.

Backyard camping ideas for families

Your tent is all set up and ready — and now what? As we all know, most camps offer a plethora of activities for kids and adults, and so can your improvised campsite in the backyard! Here are some fun backyard ideas.

  • Build a sturdy flagstone firepit and make s’mores
  • Organize a scavenger hunt
  • Play badminton or Frisbee
  • Catch fireflies with a keychain flashlight and a jar
  • Drink hot chocolate out of a thermos
  • Tell ghost stories before sleep

Don’t be discouraged from doing these activities if you have a small child. Follow our advice for camping with a baby and become a true camping pro!

Backyard camping party

After you’ve mastered basic camp-at-home activities for families, you’re ready to throw a backyard camping party! Take a look at these fun camping party ideas for families.

  • Hang string lights and create a mood: Those simple lights will add a magical touch to your camping party.
  • Sing and play around the campfire: Grab the guitar or ukulele, but spoons, pots and pans will do just fine, too!
  • Have an outdoor movie night: Turn a white bedsheet into a screen, spread out blankets, throw pillows in front of the tent and start the show.
  • Make delicious fireside snacks: Melt butter in a large Dutch oven, cook until browned and fragrant. Then remove from heat and stir in marshmallows until melted. Fold in peanuts, pretzels and salt until coated. Move the mixture to the pan and press into an even layer. Wait until it’s completely cool.

If you want to prepare food like you’re on a real camping trip, take a look at these 10 food ideas for camping with no fridge.

We hope to see you soon in Šimuni — until then, make the most out of camping at home!