We dream of a weekends spent outdoors, but sometimes we can’t travel farther than our own yards. If finances, full campgrounds, health concerns, or social distancing restrictions are keeping you at home this season, that doesn’t mean you have to give up camping. With some creativity and flexibility, it’s possible to re-create an authentic camping experience right at home. You might not have the lake or the hiking trails, but you’ll still have the fresh air, starry skies, and outdoor fun.
Not convinced? Here are some advantages of backyard camping:
- It’s convenient. No need to spend hours on the road or in traffic to reach your weekend getaway location when it’s right outside your door. Plus, you don’t have to spend time packing and unpacking.
- It’s (relatively) cheap. You’ll save money on gas and camping permits.
- The food is better. Unless you plan to cook outdoors, at home you’ll have an entire kitchen you can use including a stove, oven, refrigerator, and freezer.
- You won’t have weather worries. If it rains, storms, or gets uncomfortably hot, it’s easy to simply head indoors—and crank up the air-conditioning.
- It’s a good trial run. If you’re new to camping or aren’t sure if your kids are old enough to try it, camping at home is a great low-stakes way to test it out. Not to mention, it’ll give you a chance to try out gear such as a new tent or hammock set-up.
- It’s pet-friendly. Have a dog (or cat!) you love but would never take to the campground? See how they do in a backyard camping situation. You’ll be close to everything you need if it turns out they’re more comfortable indoors.
Before you set up camp for the weekend, here are some ideas that will help you plan the perfect camping staycation:
Campsite Considerations
Your backyard camping accommodations will depend on where you live and the gear you have on hand. Here are some options:
- RV or camper: Set it up in the driveway or on a level spot in the yard. Done.
- Tent: Find a flat area in your yard that’s free of tree roots, rocks, or other sharp objects. If you want power for fans or other electronics, make sure the tent is close enough to the house so an extension cord will reach. Line the bottom of the tent with sleeping pads, yoga mats, cushions, air mattresses, bean bag chairs, or anything that will make it comfortable!
- Hammocks: Try sleeping in a hammock for the night. (Here’s how to set one up.) Keep in mind that sleeping in hammocks can get chilly. Make sure you have a pillow and enough blankets and possibly an insulating blanket on the outside. (Unless it’s a balmy summer night in July.) Depending on where you live, you might also want to use a mosquito net.
- Sleeping bags: A minimalist option is to simply roll out some sleeping bags on the ground. Be sure to add pillows, sleeping pads, foam cushions, or an air mattress underneath to make it more comfy. (If you don’t own sleeping bags, blankets will also work just fine.)
- DIY tent: If you don’t have a tent but want some shelter while you sleep, it’s easy enough to make your own pup tent. String a clothesline or paracord between two trees about 4-5 feet off the ground. (Fence posts or deck rails will also work as long as they’re sturdy enough.) Then drape a tarp or sheet over the clothesline. Make sure it’s large enough that the sides reach the ground. If possible, stake the edges of the tarp to the ground or anchor them in place with rocks or other heavy objects.
Backyard Basics
One advantage of camping at home is personalization. You can set up your camping spot exactly how you want it. (That said, make sure you follow your city ordinances about fire and noise. Different communities have different guidelines and restrictions.) Here are things that’ll make your yard feel more like a real campsite and a few extras that are just nice to have:
- Firepit: If your yard doesn’t already have a firepit, follow these instructions to build your own. (Here’s a cheaper method that uses cinder blocks.) If you’d like something less permanent, try Landmann's Outdoor Fireplace or this extra-large firepit with a moon-and-stars pattern. Make sure to set up your firepit a safe distance away from any homes, buildings, or trees.
- Water: Sure, the kitchen’s probably just a few steps away, but it’s nice to have an outdoor water source too. Set up a garden hose near your eating area or fill a water jug.
- Electricity: Many buildings have outdoor outlets, but whether your electricity source is outdoors or inside, you’ll want an extension cord or two. This outdoor extension cord comes in five lengths and two colors.
- Lights: From headlamps to solar lanterns, there are a lot of options when it comes to outdoor lighting. Check out our guide to outdoor lighting to see which lights you’ll need.
Bestseller No. 1
addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Heavy-Duty and Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights, Decorative for Garden or Patio, Black
- 【Energy Saving】These latest addlon LED outdoor string lights bulbs dramatically reduce your 98% electricity bills compared with incandescent bulbs.
- 【LED Shatterproof】Including 15 sockets and 16 Shatterproof LED bulbs (1 Spare wick). Adopting independent wick process, provides an additional layer of protection.
- 【IP65 Waterproof 】These weatherproof outdoor patio lights can withstand rain, sun, wind, snow, dampness and extreme temperatures for outside use.
- 【Dimmer Compatible】addlon outdoor string lights can be used with dimmer switch (not included) for greater mood lighting flexibility and soft glow.
- 【addlon Promise】addlon's 3 Year Product Support: We proudly stand behind all of our products 100% and we offer 3 year quality support. Please contact us FIRST in anytime if you have any problems. We are glad to provide help.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Lights Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, 2700K Dimmable
- 【Higher Quality and Lower Costs】- 100ft Extra-long outdoor string lights are equipped with our upgrade heavy-duty wires and 52 shatterproof edison bulbs, which can be connected up to 15 strands easily. You could place them in a larger area without worrying about the length and frequent replacement. Over a 30,000-hour longer lifespan, our energy-saving string lights will not only provide brighter lighting but also cut down 90% of your electricity bills compared with incandescent ones.
- 【Weatherproof and Safer】- With our weatherproof technology, these durable outside string lights can withstand rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for you to leave them outside year-round confidently. Furthermore, the bulb shells are made of hard anti-drop plastic, protect you and your family while hanging the waterproof backyard string lights, no more worries about the suddenly broken glass shards.
- 【Classic Bistro Ambience】- These vintage string lights come with st38 tear-drop E12 bulbs which could provide a nice, soft yellow glow without being too bright or too dark. Besides, these led bulbs not only offer old-fashioned appearance, but also compatible with most dimmers (not included) to achieve better lighting flexibility. It will be a great choice for creating your little outdoor paradise, where you could enjoy your time after a busy day or have a cozy party with your friends.
- 【Super Convenient and Widely used】 - It's a breeze to hang these led string lights with built-in hooks or zip ties. We even improved the hooks, sockets, and cords for you to use our string lights without facing the sudden breaking situation. These easy-to-use party outdoor string lights are fabulous decorations for your garden, Bistro, balcony, terrace, pergola, gazebo, tent, pool umbrella, cafe, bedroom, living room, market, wedding, birthday, Christmas party or other scenarios.
- 【You Have Brightever's Words】- We proudly stand behind all of our products 100% and care every feedback of you. The satisfaction of our consumers with each purchase has always been and will always remain our top concern.
- Bathroom: Since you’re camping at home, this is one thing you don’t need to worry about! Just make sure the house is unlocked for everyone’s middle-of-the-night trips and you’re stocked up on TP.
Extra Amenities
- Grill: You can cook over the campfire if you want, but for more dependable backyard camping results, just fire up the grill. If it’s summer, chances are it’s all ready to go. Stick to camping basics like burgers and brats or take the opportunity for fancier camping fare.
- Festive lights: Decorate your yard with , string lights, or paper lanterns.
- Decorations: For a celebratory feel, now’s the time to break out party decorations like streamers or pennant garlands. Decorations aren’t usually on most campers’ packing lists, but you don’t have to pack for this camp-out anyway.
- Yard games: Break out the badminton, ladder toss, bags, bocce, or any other outdoor game.
SaleBestseller No. 1
EastPoint Sports Easy Setup Badminton Set - Backyard Outdoor Game for Family Fun - Includes 2 Racket & 2 Shuttlecocks
- SERVE UP SOME FAST-PACED RACKET ACTION - Deluxe Badminton Set that's fun and engaging for players of all skill levels. Like volleyball, players use rackets to hit a birdie over a net—with a goal of landing it on the opponent's side without return.
- HIGH-QUALITY SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Includes (1) 5ft badminton net and pole system, (4) official size badminton rackets with tempered steel shafts, grommets, and cushion grips, (2) white badminton shuttlecocks, and (1) set of game rules.
- EASY SET UP AND TAKE DOWN - Take it with you when you go—a portable badminton net that sets up in minutes so you can spend more time playing. Great for yard games, lawn games, beach games or backyard games for adults and family.
- EASY-CARRY BADMINTON NET FOR BACKYARD - Comes with a heavy-duty badminton bag for easy storage and transportation, making it easy to take it with you when you go.
- NON-STOP FUN - EastPoint Sports, and our family of recreational brands, design and deliver indoor and outdoor games with the best price-value in the industry—providing high-quality, innovative products and endless entertainment for you and your family.
SaleBestseller No. 2
SWOOC Games - Rustic Ring Toss Outdoor Game (All Weather) - 15+ Games Included - Vintage Wood & Rope Ring Toss Yard Game with Wide Grip Handles and Carrying Case - Yard Toss Game for Kids & Family
- 🤩 15+ GAMES INCLUDED - Choose from Classic Ring Toss or play exclusive SWOOC originals like Last Man Standing and Golf. Designed for all ages and skill levels. Never get bored with T-O-S-S (similar to H-O-R-S-E), Horseshoes, Trap Zone, & more!
- 💦 WEATHER & WATER RESISTANT - Polished and sealed to withstand the spills & splashes, indoors and out. Whether it's for the game room, patio, camping, lake, or beach. This family tossing game is built to handle it all.
- 🙌 WIDE GRIP HANDLES - Includes 6 vintage style brown and white rings. Crafted with wide wooden grips and extra firm rope to glide around the posts with ease. Designed for longer tosses, eagle-like aim, & bigger smiles!
- 😎 QUICK AND EASY SETUP - Start tossing in seconds.. The kid-friendly (no tool) setup makes game time a breeze. And bring the fun on the run with the handy carrying case. Weighing a family-friendly 2.5lb, it's hassle-free fun at it's finest.
- 🌳 ECO-FRIENDLY - Hand-crafted from 100% sustainably sourced New Zealand Pine. In partnership with Trees for the Future, a 501(c)(3) organization, SWOOC Games will plant a tree for every order. Let's protect this playground we call Earth.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit - Game for The Backyard, Beach, Park, Indoors
- IF VOLLEYBALL AND FOURSQUARE HAD A BABY - Spikeball is a fun, active, easy-to-learn game that can be played anywhere by anyone. The Spikeball Standard Kit is all you need for a good time.
- EASY TO LEARN FOR INSTANT FUN - Yard game experts and newcomers alike can pick up Spikeball quickly as it is easy to learn but difficult to master. Like volleyball, teams alternate possessions and try to spike the ball away from each other! Rule book included!
- PLAY ANYWHERE - Spikeball is perfect for the backyard, the beach, the park, the gym, and even your living room (if you're careful enough).
- SHIPS IN A SPIKEBALL BRANDED BOX! Choose "Ship in Amazon Packaging" at Checkout if it is a surprise!
- ALL YOU NEED TO PLAY IS INCLUDED - The Standard Kit comes with the Spikeball set, three balls (you only need one but extras won't hurt), netting, and a carrying bag for easy transport!
SaleBestseller No. 4
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-To-Score, Giant Game, Assorted
- Outdoor Games: The fun game is an oversized version of the classic connect 4-in-a-row; a large connect-all-4 is great for two players or teams requiring players to think ahead and plan their moves
- Brain Boosting: Our family games are exceptionally entertaining and help enhance motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive ability, problem-solving, counting, and reasoning skills
- Easy Assembly: This huge game is made of high-quality, lightweight materials that are easy-to-assemble in just 2 minutes without any tools or hardware to maintain; includes 42 rings in two team colors
- Certified Safe: Party games are GREENGUARD [GOLD] Certified for low VOCs and CPSIA compliant
- Product Dimensions: 47.6" W x 17.7" D x 46" H; adult assembly required
Bestseller No. 5
Megwoz Giant Tumble Tower, Stacking Backyard Game Stacking from 2Ft to Over 4.2Ft with 2 Dices|Scoreboard| Carrying Bag, Wooden Block Indoor Outdoor Game Set for Kids Adult Family- 57 Pieces
- 『57 PCS GIANT TUMBLE TOWER SET』MEGWOZ giant tumble tower comes with 57 pieces Tumble Blocks,2 pieces dice, 1 scoreboard & marker, and one high-quality handy zippered bag. Each block measures 6 * 2* 1.3", the toppling timber starts at 2 Ft (19 rows) tall and can be grown up over 4.2 Ft tall during play, allowing you to experience the joy of challenge and victory.
- 『PREMIUM QUALITY PINE WOOD & SAFE FOR YOU』Crafted from premium hand-selected New Zealand Pine hardwood, our wooden block is NON-Toxic, has No Splitting, No Cracking, durable enough for long-time use. The block corner edges are meticulously designed without barbs or burrs, which is safe for your family and can help to strengthen interaction with your family.
- 『EXCELLENT TEACH TOOL & SUITABLE FOR ALL AGE』Playing block stacking yard game is a good way to develop social skills like being patient, sharing, taking turns, and enjoying interactions with others, it also can help to foster the ability to focus. The giant tower is a great indoor game for adults and families of all ages with hours of quality entertainment.
- 『CONVENIENT TO TRANSPORT & FUN FOR ALL OCCASIONS』The family games for kids and adults comes with a durable carrying bag, which is portable, heavy-duty, and waterproof, storage the tumble tower blocks into the bag and take it anywhere you want, such as beach, camping trips, birthdays party, Christmas party, friends party, family activity, weddings, Pub, BBQ and park, enjoy the leisure time with your families or friends, enhance the relationship with them.
- 『THE BEST GIFT CHOICE & 100% RISK-FREE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED』It is easy to set up and can be enjoyed by the entire group. Our wooden block game set is a perfect gift for birthdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas or Father's Day and Mother's Day, and more. We offer 24-hour customer service and 30-day return, please purchase with confidence. Any questions, please feel free to shoot us an email.
- Pet priorities: If you invite your dog to join the fun, give them a cool and comfortable place to be. This elevated pet bed is made from breathable mesh and is easy to clean. When night falls, snap on this LED collar so you’ll always be able to spot your dog in the dark!
