The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Camping

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:

backyard camping hammock

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!
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent, Navy
Outbound 8 Person 3 Season Lightweight Easy Set Up Dome Tent with Room Divider, Rainfly, Tent Stakes, and Carrying Bag for Camping, Blue and Gray
Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent 60 Seconds Easy Quick Set Up Tent Waterproof Pop Up Dome Family Hexagon Outdoor Sports Backpacking Tents Double Layer Flysheet Camping Sun Shelters
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent, Navy
Outbound 8 Person 3 Season Lightweight Easy Set Up Dome Tent with Room Divider, Rainfly, Tent Stakes, and Carrying Bag for Camping, Blue and Gray
Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent 60 Seconds Easy Quick Set Up Tent Waterproof Pop Up Dome Family Hexagon Outdoor Sports Backpacking Tents Double Layer Flysheet Camping Sun Shelters
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent, Navy
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent, Navy
Outbound 8 Person 3 Season Lightweight Easy Set Up Dome Tent with Room Divider, Rainfly, Tent Stakes, and Carrying Bag for Camping, Blue and Gray
Outbound 8 Person 3 Season Lightweight Easy Set Up Dome Tent with Room Divider, Rainfly, Tent Stakes, and Carrying Bag for Camping, Blue and Gray
Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent 60 Seconds Easy Quick Set Up Tent Waterproof Pop Up Dome Family Hexagon Outdoor Sports Backpacking Tents Double Layer Flysheet Camping Sun Shelters
Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent 60 Seconds Easy Quick Set Up Tent Waterproof Pop Up Dome Family Hexagon Outdoor Sports Backpacking Tents Double Layer Flysheet Camping Sun Shelters
  • 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.
Vivere Double Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand, Natural (450 lb Capacity - Premium Carry Bag Included)
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock for Camping Single Hammocks Gear for The Outdoors Backpacking Survival or Travel - Portable Lightweight Parachute Nylon SO Black & Grey
PNAEUT Double Rope Hammock with Stand Included, 12ft Heavy Duty Stand, 2 Person Traditional Cotton Rope Hammocks with Pillow for Outside Porch Patio Backyard Outdoor, Max 475lbs Capacity (Burlywood)
Vivere Double Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand, Natural (450 lb Capacity - Premium Carry Bag Included)
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock for Camping Single Hammocks Gear for The Outdoors Backpacking Survival or Travel - Portable Lightweight Parachute Nylon SO Black & Grey
PNAEUT Double Rope Hammock with Stand Included, 12ft Heavy Duty Stand, 2 Person Traditional Cotton Rope Hammocks with Pillow for Outside Porch Patio Backyard Outdoor, Max 475lbs Capacity (Burlywood)
Vivere Double Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand, Natural (450 lb Capacity - Premium Carry Bag Included)
Vivere Double Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand, Natural (450 lb Capacity - Premium Carry Bag Included)
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock for Camping Single Hammocks Gear for The Outdoors Backpacking Survival or Travel - Portable Lightweight Parachute Nylon SO Black & Grey
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock for Camping Single Hammocks Gear for The Outdoors Backpacking Survival or Travel - Portable Lightweight Parachute Nylon SO Black & Grey
PNAEUT Double Rope Hammock with Stand Included, 12ft Heavy Duty Stand, 2 Person Traditional Cotton Rope Hammocks with Pillow for Outside Porch Patio Backyard Outdoor, Max 475lbs Capacity (Burlywood)
PNAEUT Double Rope Hammock with Stand Included, 12ft Heavy Duty Stand, 2 Person Traditional Cotton Rope Hammocks with Pillow for Outside Porch Patio Backyard Outdoor, Max 475lbs Capacity (Burlywood)
  • 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.)
Flantree Sleeping Bag 4 Seasons Adults & Kids for Camping Hiking Trips Warm Cool Weather,Lightweight and Waterproof with Compression Bag,Indoors Outdoors Activities
Coleman Sun Ridge Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag 40°F Lightweight for Adults, Camping Sleeping Bag with Easy Packing and Draft Tube to Prevent Heat from Escaping,Blue
SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag 3 Seasons (Summer, Spring, Fall) Warm & Cool Weather - Lightweight,Waterproof Indoor & Outdoor Use for Kids, Teens & Adults for Camping Hiking, Backpacking (Emerald Green)
Flantree Sleeping Bag 4 Seasons Adults & Kids for Camping Hiking Trips Warm Cool Weather,Lightweight and Waterproof with Compression Bag,Indoors Outdoors Activities
Coleman Sun Ridge Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag 40°F Lightweight for Adults, Camping Sleeping Bag with Easy Packing and Draft Tube to Prevent Heat from Escaping,Blue
SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag 3 Seasons (Summer, Spring, Fall) Warm & Cool Weather - Lightweight,Waterproof Indoor & Outdoor Use for Kids, Teens & Adults for Camping Hiking, Backpacking (Emerald Green)
Flantree Sleeping Bag 4 Seasons Adults & Kids for Camping Hiking Trips Warm Cool Weather,Lightweight and Waterproof with Compression Bag,Indoors Outdoors Activities
Flantree Sleeping Bag 4 Seasons Adults & Kids for Camping Hiking Trips Warm Cool Weather,Lightweight and Waterproof with Compression Bag,Indoors Outdoors Activities
Coleman Sun Ridge Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag 40°F Lightweight for Adults, Camping Sleeping Bag with Easy Packing and Draft Tube to Prevent Heat from Escaping,Blue
Coleman Sun Ridge Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag 40°F Lightweight for Adults, Camping Sleeping Bag with Easy Packing and Draft Tube to Prevent Heat from Escaping,Blue
SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag 3 Seasons (Summer, Spring, Fall) Warm & Cool Weather - Lightweight,Waterproof Indoor & Outdoor Use for Kids, Teens & Adults for Camping Hiking, Backpacking (Emerald Green)
SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag 3 Seasons (Summer, Spring, Fall) Warm & Cool Weather - Lightweight,Waterproof Indoor & Outdoor Use for Kids, Teens & Adults for Camping Hiking, Backpacking (Emerald Green)
  • 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 camping roasting marshmallows

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.
SaleBestseller No. 1
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Bestseller No. 2
Jerritte 60FT LED Outdoor String Lights with 16 Edison Shatterproof IP65 Waterproof Bulbs, 2700K Dimmable Commercial Grade Patio Lights, Heavy Duty Outside Hanging Lights for Garden Porch Deck Decor
  • 【Energy Saving】60FT string lights dramatically reduce your 90% electricity bills compared with incandescent bulb ones. Ultra long lifespan could reduce the maintenance costs on changing bulb replacements
  • 【IP65 Waterproof & Shatterproof】The transparent plastic shade not only has the same light transmission as glasses, but also is drop-proof, waterproof and scald-proof, which keep you and your family safe when hanging string lights for patio, without worrying about shards of glass, and greatly reduce bulb replacements; IP65 waterproof patio string lights can withstand snow, sun, dampness, wind, rain, and extreme temperatures for outside use
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  • 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.

backyard camping bocce ball

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
Mattel Games Toss Across Kids Outdoor Game, Bean Bag Toss for Camping and Family Night, Get Three-In-A-Row for 2-4 Players
  • ​We took classic Tic Tac Toe and added some action!​
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Bestseller No. 2
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 for Kids Adult Family- 57 Pieces
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Hook and Ring Game Handmade Wooden Toss Game for Kids and Adults, Outdoor Indoor Games,Patio Decor,Yard Games,Wooden Hook and Ring Game for Bars, Party, Large Size
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SaleBestseller No. 4
Elite Sportz Ring Toss Game - Games for Man Caves, Apartments, and Outdoor Fun - Gift for Adults and Kids - Indoor & Outdoor Games for Family and Friends - Dorm Games, Party Games, Gifts for Men
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SaleBestseller No. 5
GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set with 6 Soft Rubber Bolo Balls and Travel Carrying Case - Choose Pro or Classic
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