Backyard camping: 7 essentials you'll need
A starry sky, a pleasant crackling fire, fresh air and maximum comfort... What could be better and easier than backyard camping? This wonderful entertainment will be remembered by children for a lifetime and will bring no less pleasure to adults. At the same time, you don't need to go somewhere far from home, pack large backpacks, being afraid to forget something necessary.
Camping in the backyard is an opportunity not only to relax in nature, but also to introduce your children to camping, especially if you plan to go on a real hike. However, before you set up your tent, you need to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. The following list will help you organise an unforgettable backyard camping experience.
Tent
Of course, no backyard camping is possible without this detail. If you're buying a four-person tent for your family, remember that it can only accommodate so many people. Therefore, if you want a little more space, choose more spacious options to feel comfortable.
For installation, choose a flat place. If you can't find the perfect pitch, then go to bed with your head on a higher part of the ground. An important idea for camping in the garden is to set up your tent during the day so that at night, if necessary, it is easy to get to the house and the path remains free.
Another feature is to pay attention to the road. After all, if you are close enough to it, the headlights of cars will illuminate your temporary accommodation every time, preventing you from sleeping.
Another life hack for backyard camping is to use a tarpaulin if the bottom of your tent is not waterproof.
Scoop and brush
The idea behind backyard camping is to have fun and be active in nature. This means that kids will be getting in and out of the tent a million times. Make it a rule from the outset that no shoes are allowed inside. However, dirt and debris will inevitably get into the tent, so we recommend bringing a small set of a dustpan and a brush.
Air mattress
If you're backpacking, you'll probably sleep on a thin pad. However, you can make it a little more comfortable when camping in your backyard. We recommend using an air mattress for this purpose. A tip from experienced campers is to inflate it inside.
In addition to the mattress, you can also use lightweight foam mats, which are also convenient to take with you on real camping trips. These mats don't take up much space, are lightweight, and fold up easily.
Pillows
Backyard camping essentials include comfortable pillows. The house is so close, so there's no need to settle for a folded sweater or jacket under your head. Bring as many pillows as you need, because kids love to have lots of them.
Blankets or sleeping bags
The number of layers of clothing depends on the season and the weather, of course. However, it will certainly get colder at night, so make sure you have a warm sleeping bag or blanket when setting up your backyard campsite. If your child is cold or uncomfortable, they are unlikely to want to stay until the end.
You can buy sleeping bags for both adults and children that are designed for different temperatures, and they can be very creative, for example, in the form of a mummy.
Portable charger
Unless you want to go on a complete digital detox, you will need your mobile phone as an alarm clock in the morning or to check the time, etc. In this case, we recommend bringing a portable power bank for backyard camping, especially when you have to go to work or take the kids to school in the morning.
Flashlight
What to do when camping in the backyard in the evening? When the sun goes down, you'll definitely need flashlights. You can tell scary-funny stories around the campfire, illuminating your face, or you can organise a treasure hunt, having previously prepared a safe quest. You can also buy special lanterns for tents that hang from the top of the tent. This way, you can even read your favourite book before going to bed.
Fun ideas for backyard camping
For a truly unforgettable experience, it's worth considering whether you'll be doing any outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas of activities you can include in your list.
- Active outdoor games. Football, frisbee, badminton, or even twister are classic options that will provide friendly competition and hours of fun. Choose games according to the age of the participants and the space available.
- Board games. There are many different types of entertainment suitable for the outdoors. These can be cards, such as the much-loved UNO, or strategies.
- Books and magazines. If you prefer a quiet, relaxing holiday, you can immerse yourself in fascinating stories or even arrange a read-aloud around the campfire with discussions and impromptu performances.
- Another interesting idea for backyard camping is stargazing. If the night is clear, spread out a blanket, grab some pillows, and settle down together to look for constellations or use your imagination to create new shapes.
Don't forget to bring musical instruments or a portable speaker. When you think of a backyard or wilderness camping trip, you want to hear the melodic sounds of a guitar or ukulele. That is, of course, if someone in your group knows how to play an instrument. Even if they don't, portable speakers can help create a lively atmosphere.
