You don’t need to pay for a weekend getaway or book an Airbnb. Only 36% of Americans like short-term rentals anyway. Instead, consider investing your time and energy into transforming your backyard into a campground.
It’s more affordable than you think to create a beautifully landscaped backyard that doubles as a family campground, perfect for creating lasting memories. With just a few hours of work, well-placed twinkle lights, and a cozy fire pit, you can turn your backyard into a summer oasis.
Budget-friendly lodging
You don’t have to have a luxury camper or hire a company to build matching cabins. With just a few basic pieces of gear and some items borrowed from your home, you can make your backyard cozy enough to sleep all night. Here’s how.
Pitch a tent
When people think of camping, they instantly think of sleeping in a tent. Before purchasing an expensive one, ask friends or family if you can borrow one, or buy one secondhand on Facebook Marketplace or other online garage sale sites.
Add cozy sleeping bags
The next step is to make sleeping more comfortable inside the tent. You don’t have to bring an air mattress, although no one will judge you if you do. All you need is a few sleeping bags, some pillows, and blankets from inside the house. If all else fails, put down a tarp and throw a few couch cushions on top of it. Using what you have will make it fun for the kids, and it’ll be wallet-friendly too.
Hang a hammock
If you don’t want to camp in a tent, another sleeping idea is to hang a hammock or even a patio swing. As long as you’re comfortable and safe from potential animals that might visit, you can enjoy a great night of sleep in the grand outdoors. Plus, incorporating cozy spaces for reading, socializing, and relaxing in your backyard can add value to your home. After all, home buyers love beautiful, well-staged outdoor spaces, and a hammock or swing can help with that.
Affordable activities
Once you know how you’ll be sleeping, it’s time to plan a few activities. You don’t need to spend money on fancy movie projectors or several pricey crafts. Enjoying your backyard means using what’s around you and the power of community to have a good time.
String lights for ambience
Hanging lights around your camping area is a good activity to do together. String lights are inexpensive, and you can ask your kids to help set them up. Twinkle lights add incredible ambiance and make the evening feel special.
Tell stories around the fire
It doesn’t matter what generation you’re from. For decades, the best part of camping has been storytelling around the fire. Ask each person you’re camping with to prepare a story, whether it’s funny, scary, or inspirational. Taking turns telling stories can help you feel more connected to each other.
Do some star gazing
Looking at the night sky is completely free. You don’t need a telescope to look at the stars. Simply grab a blanket, lean back, and watch the stars twinkle. This is a great way to connect with nature and think about the vast solar system.
Flashlight tag
There’s no need for laser tag equipment. Grab a couple of flashlights from inside your house, and play a game of tag. This game keeps kids off their screens and helps everyone burn some energy before bedtime.
Easy meals
Another important part of camping is deciding what to eat. Here are a few budget-friendly meals and classic snacks you can make and eat outdoors.
Campfire foil packs
Eat like an experienced hiker with some meat, vegetables, and tin foil. Simply wrap sausages, hamburger meat, potatoes, and other vegetables in tin foil. Don’t forget to top it with seasoning and maybe some butter. Put it on the campfire or your outdoor grill for a filling meal that will make you feel like a true camper.
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are another easy meal to make over the campfire or a grill. They are inexpensive and customizable. Bring a few condiments and toppings so everyone camping with you can make one just the way they like it.
S’mores
It wouldn’t be camping without s’mores. Find a few good, long sticks or get a wire hanger from inside to make the perfect tool for roasting marshmallows. Buy a variety of different chocolate bars to make the experience even more special.
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