How to Camp In Your Backyard

Camping in your backyard can be loads of amusement, no matter how old you are. It's great for keeping the kids entertained, it offers opportunities to check the night sky, stargaze, be noisier than usual, and lets you have friends over to stay who might not otherwise fit inside the house. Follow these instructions to have a pleasurable night you'll never forget.

Steps

Part 1 Setting up the sleeping zone

1. 1 Set up your tent. Depending on the number of family members and guests, you may need more than one. Ask your friends to bring their tents if needed. Follow the instructions or check out wikiHow's article on assembling a tent.
   • Use a good quality tent; this isn't the time for the beach shade. It must be a tent you'd really camp in, to protect you from the rain, bugs and wind.
2. 2 Prepare your bedding. You'll want your guests to be able to relax in comfort. Put something soft to lie on on the floor: A blow-up air mattress, thick comforter, or even couch cushions work well.
   • Fill the tent with soft toys, pillows, and blankets.
   • Have lightweight sleeping bags or cotton blankets for slight summer warmth, especially important if you live where the night temperatures dip considerably.

Part 2 Setting up seating

1. 1 Arrange a seating area. If you have a picnic table or a patio set, that would work best. Otherwise, set up a few lawn chairs and a small table to set out drinks and food. A low-maintenance option is to lay out a blanket in the sun, so that your friends can relax, eat, and chat. Be sure the grass isn't wet or damp!
   • Before laying out the seating area, do a sweep for doggy do-do, ant hills, prickles, or other things that might spoil the experience.

Part 3 Preparing food

1. 1 Purchase, or make refreshments. You could either prepare something ahead of time, or even order out. Pizza is a good option, if you are with a large group of people. Have a few bags of chips, or other snack items set out, as well as a cooler full of ice, a variety of drinks. For hot summer afternoons consider making homemade treats, including:
   • Pizza
   • Hot dogs
   • Fries
   • Popcorn
   • Lemonade
   • Chocolate chip cookies

Part 4 Adding fun activities

1. 1 Light a bonfire. A warm fire is a camping classic. Just be sure you have municipal permission (and if you are a child, you must have adult supervision). Remember to follow all fire safety precautions, and keep a close eye on your bonfire.
   • No matter what you choose, remember: safety comes first.
    
2. 2 Make use of that fire. Besides keeping warm, there are fun things you can do.Roast marshmallows, hot dogs, and just cozy up and stare at the flames. Tell stories around the fire. Do some of the activities around the fire.
3. 3 Plan some activities. You're camping in the backyard, so it's time to make the most of being outdoors. Here are some ideas to enjoy the occasion:
   
   
   • Stargaze
   • Sing fun camping songs
   • Hold a nature scavenger hunt
   • Go geocaching
   • Play games such as truth or dare.
4. 4 Make memories. Have a camera nearby to take silly snapshots of you, your kids, your family members, and your friends. Take one large group shot with everyone smiling and laughing. Be sure to make copies for everyone!