We're all dreaming of an epic summer vacation right now. At the same time, you and your family may be feeling like it's an impossible time to get away. But don't despair—if you can't hit the open road for your annual beach getaway or car camping trip, the next best option is to simply open your back door.
That's right—turning your backyard into your own personal campsite is a fun and pretty easy way to experience the great outdoors without packing the car and the bags and (perhaps the best perk of all) no one will ask, "Are we there yet?" (Another bonus: indoor bathrooms. Are you sold yet?) Create a backyard camp by pitching a tent, setting up the best camping chairs around a fire or one of these best camping stoves, and cook up some delicious campfire recipes (s'mores are a must-have sweet treat while telling spooky stories!). And if bugs are a problem in your backyard, don't forget the best bug zappers that really work!
These 25 backyard camping ideas will make your summer staycation a fun family memory—and maybe even a tradition—for years to come.
1
Pitch a Backyard Tent
You can go two ways here: Grab your best camping tent from the garage and pop it open, or get crafty and create a teepee for the kids.
2
Build a Backyard Firepit
Camping—even in the backyard—calls for a fire (you can't have s'mores without it, right?). To keep it contained safely, a sturdy flagstone firepit will keep the family warm and on a sugar high all night long.
3
Elevate Your S'mores Recipe
Next-level the regular s'mores trio of ingredients—graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate square—with these exciting combinations. We'll have one of each! Try these campfire dessert treats for a change of pace.
Get the recipe.
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4
Have a Scavenger Hunt
For a fun camping activity, take the kids on a backyard scavenger hunt. Write the names of insects, flowers, and trees on paper bags, and let them make a run for it. Collect each specimen in the bags.
5
Drink Hot Chocolate in Vintage Thermoses
Add a sense of history to the campfire with a vintage thermos filled to the brim with delicious hot cocoa.
Get the recipe.
6
Play a Backyard Game
Sure, you could bring board games and cards outside, but if you're in your backyard anyway, why not break out some fun lawn games? All ages will enjoy a game of corn hole, washer toss, badminton, Frisbee, giant Jenga, croquet, and more.
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7
Put a Spin on Campfire Hot Dogs
Ketchup and mustard are classic, but if you have adventurous campers in your crew, add some creative toppings to those buns.
Get the recipe.
8
Hang String Lights in the Backyard
Simple string lights add a magical touch to backyard camping. Hang strands of lights from four poles—mapping out your campsite—or hang them inside your backyard tent. Check out backyard string light ideas for fun ways to light up your space all year long.
9
Enjoy a co*cktail
For a refreshing adult beverage, try the Bee's Knees Shandy, featuring lemon juice, gin, and beer. Use a lager, pilsner, or any other beer you like.
Get the recipe.
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10
Tell Ghost Stories Around the Campfire
If the kids are old enough for some spooky fun, gather 'round the fire and see who can tell the best ghost story.
11
Make Camping Bug Bombs
Save the bloodsuckers for scary campfire stories. Sage, mint, and lavender come together for an all-natural, non-toxic way to repel pesky mosquitoes—meaning no one will be itching to leave the backyard campsite.
Get the tutorial at Tilly's Nest.
12
Try a New Burger Recipe
For an elevated take on classic grilled burgers, try a crowd-pleasing sweet-and-savory pork burger with summer peaches and goat cheese.
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13
Sing Around the Backyard Campfire
We get it—not every family can be the von Trapps, but that's okay. Make a list of your family's favorite tunes, grab the guitar or ukulele, and use some spoons or pots and pans to keep the beat. Bonus points if there's a harmonica player in the fam!
14
Make Campfire Popcorn
So long, microwave. Your campfire is perfect for making popcorn the old-fashioned way.
15
Watch a Movie
Turn an old white bedsheet or a canvas drop cloth into the big screen for an outdoor movie night. Spread out blankets, throw pillows in front of the tent, and start the show with camp-themed movies like Troop Beverly Hills, The Parent Trap, or one of these classic kids' movies.
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16
Grill Out
If you're in your backyard already, might as well cook up the best grilling recipes for dinner. Try these delicious bourbon BBQ glazed pork chops your family will love.
Get the recipe.
17
Catch Fireflies
Become a firefly phenom with a simple keychain flashlight, a Mason jar, and some DIY catchers. But remember: Once the light show is over, it's time for the fireflies to return to the wild.
Get the tutorial at Positively Splendid.
18
Make a Gooey Dessert
We all love a traditional s'more, but if you're looking to mix it up, try this Cracker Jack and Pretzel Treats recipe. It makes for the ideal fireside snack—especially since your kitchen is only steps away.
Get the recipe.
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19
Set Up a Backyard Ring Toss
When it comes to backyard camping ideas, why not play some family-friendly games like corn hole, washer toss, or a homemade ring toss game? If you don't have bowling pins handy, buy six small butternut squashes from the grocery store. Wrap them with washi tape in varying the colors. For the competitive crew, assign value and prizes.
20
Add Bandanas to Your Backyard Tablescape
One perk of backyard camping is that you can actually take advantage of the kitchen inside. Pack a plate and wrap it up with a bandana for safe passage to the yard. Bonus: The bandana also doubles as napkin.
