Backyard Camping Ideas

Camping in your backyard on private property is allowed in most areas. If you live in a city or populated suburban area, be sure to take down your tent after a day or two, though, as many areas have restrictions on lengths of camping. Check with your local ordinances to be sure.

Backyard camping is generally safe, though consider the safety of your neighborhood when deciding whether to backyard camp overnight. If you live in a rural area with a lot of wildlife, practice the same wildlife safety you would if you were camping farther from home.

With a bit of imagination, you can personalize a fun backyard camping night for you and your family. Take stock of what you already have available — whether that’s grilling tools, comfy cushions or a space to gather — and then pick a theme: movie night, an outdoor grilling competition, ghost stories or Fourth of July — you name it. Once you pick a theme, decide what you’ll need to make it happen. For Priya, this meant a fire pit, a cozy tent, string lights for ambience and, most importantly, food.

Once Priya gathered all her camping supplies, she was ready for the fun to begin. The first thing she needed to do was build an outdoor fire pit. Lowe’s made the process easy with step-by-step instructions. You can design a custom fire pit using retaining wall blocks or use a fire pit kit for a simple DIY project. A storebought fire pit or fire ring is another option. A fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard, and it can provide many nights of entertainment for family and guests, whether you’re backyard camping or just gathering outside in the evening.

Need to brush up on your campfire technique before backyard camping? Review how to quickly and safely make a campfire.

After her fire pit was ready to go, next on Priya’s list was setting up a tent. She wanted something fun and nostalgic and that her young niece and nephew could help put together. Adding some pretty LED string lights, fun floor cushions and a blanket, she created a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. She also added some turquoise Adirondack chairs for a pop of color and extra seating.

If you don’t plan to sleep outside, or just want to keep things simple, you can create a simple A-frame tent with a sheet or tarp like Priya. If you’re looking for something sturdier with potential to use for future camping trips, there are many options for family-friendly, weather-resistant tents. If you plan to sleep outside, sleeping bags and pillows are also a must to keep everyone warm and comfortable. If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, upgrade your accommodations with an air mattress.

No night of camping is complete without snack options. For Priya and her family, pizza over the grill was non-negotiable. They added charcuterie and wine for the adults and gelato, s’mores and Italian soda for the kids. A cooler kept the drinks and gelato cold, while the fire pit doubled as a grill with the help of a fire pit cooktop.

Another option is to cook on a backyard grill. The possibilities for camping food are endless. Hotdogs, hamburgers or veggie burgers cooked over the fire or on a grill can be a delicious dinner, while chips, fruit and veggies, trail mix and popcorn are fun snacks. Other fun additions are hot chocolate or apple cider heated over the fire. Check out our recipe ideas for spring grilling and barbecue.

Don’t forget to keep your family and friends safe and comfortable with basic camping supplies. Flashlights and lanterns add ambiance and help everyone move around safely once the sun goes down. Bug spray and citronella candles or garden torches keep mosquitos and other insects at bay, and sunscreen is a must for daytime camping activities. Depending on your climate and the time of year, warm clothes may also be necessary for nighttime.

A benefit of backyard camping is that if you forget anything, most camping supplies are just a few steps away inside!