The ultimate guide to backyard camping

During isolation, backyard camping is set to become one of the hottest trends of 2020.

Backyard camping is one of the quickest and simplest ways to enjoy a night out under the stars with minimal hassle at any time of the year, but with the family now in isolation, it is now the greatest way to get the kids out into nature.

While everyone has been doing the right thing staying at home, all this spare time has inspired people to get very inventive with what to do with it. When looking for entertainment options around the home some have done a bit of out of the box (house) thinking and looked to their backyards for some adventure. After all, creativity comes from necessity and we travellers need to get outside once in a while.

Supplies

Almost everything you need for a backyard sleepover is already at home. Your BBQ is probably already in your backyard, if not you probably already have a portable BBQ or gas stove somewhere. Tarps, tents, rope, sleeping bags or your caravan will have you covered for shelter.

Also, pack some clothes, board games, books, all your favourite camping food in an esky/caravan fridge and turn off the WiFi because the real trick to getting that proper adventurous feeling is to pretend that your house isn’t right there.

DIY Ideas

Get together as a family beforehand and plan out a design for your backyard campsite. Whether you have a fixed BBQ or a portable one, try to plan your site around it. If you are lucky enough to have a fire pit you already know what to do there (after checking local fire bans of course).

Incorporate parts of your existing outdoor living area into your campsite, patios and drainpipes can make great tent poles for your campsite. Find a nice flat surface, measure out where your tents will go, where to lay the tarps and don’t forget to allow for some open space where you can see the stars.

You can never be too creative either, decorate your space and go all out with it. String up some outdoor fairy lights to illuminate the area at night, set up some candles, or even create your own glowing pathway (see below).

For those who don’t have a firepit or much room for a one, you can really get that authentic camping feeling with these simple DIY mini fire pit ideas. No campfire stories are complete without one.

Family Activities

Once you’ve set up your tent and organised your campsite, its time to get stuck into some fun outdoor activities. Think of all the fun activities you would normally do on a trip away, and alter them to the space you have. Or try something new altogether…

Get Creative

The internet is your number one source of simple and inexpensive art and craft ideas that will compliment your backyard camping perfectly. Try making some glow stick lanterns to brighten up your campsite at night, some outdoor drink holders for mum and dad, or set yourselves up with a game of 'lawn twister'.

Get Active

The confines of the yard don’t mean that you can’t stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors.

Go for a neighbourhood hike combined with a game of eye-spy, organise a backyard scavenger hunt, have a mini-game of Frolf (Frisbee Golf), or keep track of all the different types of wildlife that you didn’t realise called your backyard home.

If backyard space is an issue, nothing beats raiding the family board game stash for some friendly competition. And no camping trip is complete without a few decks of cards.

Once night falls it’s time to lay down with a blanket and gaze at those stars. There are some incredible interactive apps available that enhance the experience and will also teach you a thing or two along the way.

Cooking

One of the greatest things about spending the night outdoors is all the delicious, classic and nostalgic camp-specific foods you have no excuse not to indulge in. Another great thing is that a lot of these delicious treats require minimal ingredients and equipment. BBQ snags, hot dogs, toasted marshmallows and making damper, bring some of these timeless recipes out of the kitchen and into your backyard camping site. Not just for your kids but for your inner kid too!

Equipment

Having your kitchen just inside is certainly no excuse for letting all your camp cooking equipment get dusty. If you don’t already have your own equipment, however, there’s no time like now to get a head start on some good gear that’ll surely see some use in the coming months ahead. Nothing will make it feel more like a real campsite than your own camp oven.

Campfire Damper

One of the easiest and most ingredient available campfire recipes. Traditionally cooked buried under the coals, this twist on that original and tasty treat will suit backyard firepits almost anywhere. Try them with golden syrup, honey or any other of your favourite spreads or toppings.

Toasted Marshmallows

No recipe on this one, you know what to do. Best experienced with proper jumbo campfire marshmallows.

Campfire Smoky Bean Breakfast

If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, try this one-pan recipe twist on an original breakfast combo.

I’m sure growing up you had some favourites of your own to bring too. However, if you are struggling for some inspiration, take a look at these 25 camping recipes with 5 ingredients or less.

Indoor Camping

Now don’t think that we’ve forgotten those families who may not have as much space in their yard or no yard at all. Apartment living is no excuse for not pitching a tent in the living room or balcony and there is still just as much fun to be had.

A lot of the ideas mentioned above can be easily adapted to the indoors. You can still set up your outdoor tent, or perhaps go for a cosier linen and sheet type of set up. You can still string up some lighting, the glow stick jars still work a treat, and if you’re feeling really creative, you can still set up a (faux) indoor campfire with items from around the house.

Don’t forget to gather up all the indoor plants in the house for the ultimate outdoor feel.

Camplify

However, if you are wanting something a little extra, Camplify has your next holiday under the stars covered. We are on a mission to make ‘van life’ accessible to all and there is no better way to keep the camping spirit alive during COVID-19 than to camp out in the backyard with your loved ones.

Start planning your next trip by exploring thousands of unique campervans, caravans and motorhomes all available for hire for your next adventure.