• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work with Me
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizer
    • Dinners
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Grilling
    • Condiments and Spice Mixes
  • Kids
  • Outdoor Living
  • DIY BEAUTY
  • Gardening
  • Shop
  • FAVORITES
  • Subscribe

Juggling Act Mama logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • DIY
  • Travel
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Holidays
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Family

    Backyard Camping Ideas

    Published: Jul 3, 2020 · Modified: May 17, 2022 by Ang Paris · Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links·

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Share
    9Shares
    Backyard camping is a great experience for your whole family and you don’t have to pay for your campsite or worry about forgetting something at home! We have loads of great ideas and tips for making the most of your staycation adventure! via @jugglingactmamaBackyard camping is a great experience for your whole family and you don’t have to pay for your campsite or worry about forgetting something at home! We have loads of great ideas and tips for making the most of your staycation adventure! via @jugglingactmamaBackyard camping is a great experience for your whole family and you don’t have to pay for your campsite or worry about forgetting something at home! We have loads of great ideas and tips for making the most of your staycation adventure! via @jugglingactmama

    If you are looking for a fun activity that is close to home, then you can’t get much closer than your own backyard! If you’ve never been camping before, or aren’t sure if your kids would even like camping, backyard camping can be an excellent option for your family!

    backyard camping ideas - mom and two boys setting up a yellow tent for camping

    You don’t have to worry about leaving the comforts of home, and you don’t have to pay for your campsite! Backyard camping is a great experience for both your kids and yourself, so here are some excellent backyard camping ideas to get you started.

    By the way, you'll want to be sure to visit NWF for your chance to win $300 in camping gear!

    The National Wildlife Federation

    Build a fire pit for your backyard

    Campfires are a staple of camping! If you own your home, consider putting in a fire pit (or a temporary one) in the backyard to make your camping experience more fun! There are plenty of DIY fire pit ideas that you can put together in just a few minutes, and they will yield hours of campfire fun for your whole family!

    EASY DIY FIREPIT - THE INSPIRED ROOM
    EASY DIY FIREPIT - THE INSPIRED ROOM

    The kids can put together these easy Fire Starters in just a couple of minutes. These work like a charm!

    Plan your camping adventure during a nighttime event

    Meteor showers and other cool astronomical events can make your outdoor camping experience so much better! If you’re able to, plan to camp outside during one of these events to get a fantastic view during your nighttime camping experience!

    Check out this Astronomy Calendar for information on moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses, and more. You can also learn how to make a star wheel here.

    If you don’t have any of these near you in the foreseeable future, you could always do it during a night when you know you’ll be able to see fireworks.

    backyard camping ideas - dad and little girl setting up a yellow tent for camping

    Cook your meals outside

    Cooking outside is a big part of camping! While you could go inside to get your hot dogs and cook, why not take your cooking outside! Roast hot dogs over a campfire, or take advantage of the grill!

    Here are some great recipes for grilling:

    Challenge yourself to stay outside as much as possible, even when it’s time to cook with these delicious dishes!

    Grilled Potatoes
    These are the Best Grilled Potatoes you'll ever eat. They are easy to make and the best grilled summer side dish.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
    This Lemon Pepper Chicken has a tangy lemon flavor that pairs beautifully with pepper and garlic to deliver just the right amount of punch.  Pair this recipe with a simple side salad for the perfect summer meal!
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Photo of Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and grilled lemons.
    Mediterranean Grilled Veggies
    This is the best guide for how to cook vegetables on the grill and it will become a new Summer side dish at your house.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Close up of Grilled Veggies cropped square.
    S’mores Skillet Dip
    Loaded with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows, plus a drizzle of caramel, this Smores Dip is a decadent game day treat, party dessert, or family game night treat.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Grilled Asparagus
    Grilling asparagus in tinfoil imparts flavor without burning and gives you perfectly tender, perfectly cooked veggies every time.
    Get the Recipe >>>

    Turn your campsite into a glampsite

    If you want to turn your camping experience into a staycation experience, consider turning your campsite into a glampsite! Add some fun additions to your traditional tent such as comfy pillows and fairy lights, and make this little spot your own! You could even forego the tent for a fun teepee style DIY tent instead!

    A-FRAME TENT - SPRAY PAINT & CHARDONNAY
    A-FRAME TENT - SPRAY PAINT & CHARDONNAY
    • Put up String Lights for a festive look.
    • Decorate with some DIY Paper Flowers.
    • Hang some decorative bunting around your backyard.
    DIY TIN-CAN LUMINARIES
    TIN-CAN LUMINARIES

    Get creative and do some fun activities

    Camping is fun when there are things to do! If you don’t live close enough to go hiking nearby, consider making your own fun at home!

    You could do a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard, play outdoor games, or even play some card games from your patio tables! Whatever you decide, get creative and see what kinds of fun outdoor activities you can come up with while you’re camping!

    Be sure to let your kids get involved too so that everyone has a chance to do something they enjoy.

    Here are some backyard camping ideas you might like to try:

    • Make a giant Twister board on your lawn
    • Put together a Popcorn Bar
    • Create String Art on Canvas
    • Catch Fireflies
    • Play with Homemade Bubbles
    • Play Giant Tic Tac Toss
    • Try some Educational Board Games
    BACKYARD MOVIE THEATER - PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
    BACKYARD MOVIE THEATER - PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
    DIY Lawn Games collage image.

    Many of these DIY Lawn Games are perfect for backyard camping. Giant Jenga or Tic Tac Toe are options the whole family can play together.

    Whether you don’t want to head to the campsite or want something fun to do during the weekend with your kids, I highly encourage giving backyard camping a try! You might be shocked how much fun a simple camping trip in your own backyard can be!

    More Easy Backyard Camping Ideas

    • Summer Essentials Tote
    • Outdoor Drink Holders
    • Inflatable Loungers
    • Campfire Stories

    You can find more Back Yard Camping Activities here.

    Keep the Bugs Away

    There's nothing worse than bug bites so keep them away with some all-natural methods like our Insect Repellent Jars or these Bug Bombs made from fresh herbs.

    All-Natural Insect Repellent Jars are perfect centerpieces for keeping the bugs away during your summer gatherings
    INSECT REPELLENT JARS

    More Summertime Ideas

    • Close up of Cowboy Burger with bbq sauce and onion rings.
      Cowboy Burger Recipe
    • Close up of cowboy spice rub on a small wooden spoon.
      Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe
    • Close up of Homemade Montreal Seasoning Mix in a jar with a small wooden spoon.
      Montreal Chicken Seasoning Mix
    • Bacon slices on a gas grill.
      Grilled Bacon
    • Dollar Tree Herb Planter with live plants.
      Rustic Herb Garden Planter
    • Woman creating a Succulent Terrarium with small succulent plants and a fish bowl.
      How to Make a Succulent Terrarium
    • Easy to Make Garden Markers square collage with text overlay.
      Easy to Make Garden Markers
    • Wooden Spoon Garden Markers
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Share
    9Shares
    « How to Hang Patio Lights
    Strawberry Salsa Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

    More about me →

    POPULAR POSTS

    • Top down view of teriyaki chicken wings.
      Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings - Baked
    • Grilled Petite Sirloin Steak on a cutting board. Int he background, a blue towel and a small green ramekin with Cowboy Steak Rub with a wooden spoon.
      Petite Sirloin Steak Recipe
    • close up for Ruth's Chris Steak Butter on a plate
      Ruth's Chris Steak Butter Recipe
    • Sheet Pan Pancakes with Pancake Mix
    Delicious Smoothie Recipes Story

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Republication Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Copyright Notice
    • Trademarks

    Juggling Act Mama is a lifestyle blog for busy moms that want to do it all. Enjoy amazing recipes, fantastic projects, and incredible travel ideas for living your best life.

    READER FAVORITES

    • Close up square image of Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake in a bowl with a fork.
    • Close up of cowboy spice rub on a small wooden spoon.
    • Close up of Puff Pastry with Chicken on a plate.
    • Top down image of sweet potatoes with brown sugar.
    • Close up of Mermaid Drink Lemon Drop cocktail.
    AS SEEN ON

    Copyright © 2023 Juggling Act Mama

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT