Top tips for camping in your back garden

There is so much fun to be had in your own back garden, whether it’s a family night out with the kids or just pitching your tent to check no repairs are needed before you travel further afield in the summer months. 

So, if there’s a dry night forecast coming up and you have the space, then we would definitely recommend pitching up outside your own house for a couple of nights. It may not be your chosen destination, but with so much uncertainty going on in the wider world it’s all about making the best of our current conditions and finding the joy in staying at home.

We’re not pretending back garden camping is as thrilling as the true outdoor experience, but with a little preparation, you can make it an enjoyable activity for the whole family.

Here are some pointers to ensure you have an enjoyable time camping in your back garden…

Camping in the garden can be a great way to create lasting memories with the kids. This is a great opportunity to get the whole family involved, you could even use this as a tester before the real camping holidays commence. There’s no pressure to get the tent up quickly, instead a unique learning experience to show the kids how to set up for an outdoor experience. 

If the kids are sleeping in their own small tent then get them to put their own up. It’s never any harm to teach them good camping habits from an early age and encourage them to fall in love with the outdoors at an early age.

Of course, if you are a seasoned camper then you’re sure to have sleeping bags to help keep you comfortable. Make use of them.

If the family has decided that camping in the back garden is on the cards, make sure you follow your own rules and don’t pop back into the house every few minutes (unless for emergencies, of course).

Include even for meals in the rules – you want the camping experience to be as authentic as possibe, so come prepared.  If you don’t have equipment  for this already, whether its cool boxes or even a camping stove, consider implementing this into your plan for garden camping. 

If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a barbecue and the weather is on your side-  this is a great excuse to use it. Afterall, who  doesn’t love burgers, hot dogs or sausages sitting outside a tent in your own back garden? If the sun is shining then just relax and close your eyes – you could be anywhere in the world!

Lastly, don’t forget the marshmallows or the s’mores for toasting! This is one of the most loved parts of camping. And the late-night snacks for the kids – remember, this is supposed to be a fun experience…

Dust off the board games and remember to bring them with you, so you dont break any rules of re-entering the house (with the exception of emergencies). If board games arent enough, this is also a great opportunity to plan some outdoor activities, because ultimately – what better way is there to enjoy valuable family time than with inclusive, fun games. These are the kind of memories that you and your family will cherish. 

The games you can plan for depend on the space you have available, ranging from hide and seek if you have a large outside space to a simple game of charades if you’re more restricted. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a good old scavenger hunt. Obviously, if you are playing games, this may be cause for some excitement shouting from the whole family. Remember to keep the noise down in the evening, as you don’t want the neighbours knocking at your door! Whilst on the topic of noise, it’s probably also best to keep any music for daytime hours, and even then not at disco decibels!

A home away from home. Even if home is a stone’s throw away for now. There are many ways you could make your garden camping spot feel a little magical, and the kids will love it. A good way to get that cosy feel- don’t underestimate the power of lanterns and torches. 

Comfort is key to achieving a cosy feel outdoors. Think blankets, camping chairs, warm sleeping bags and pillows. Your favourite mugs for hot chocolate wouldn’t go amiss, and as mentioned above, ambient and cosy lighting around your camping area. 

This is the most important piece of advice. Life can get busy, it’s easy to feel as though time is moving too fast. Don’t wait on circumstances when you have everything you need right under your nose. 

Travelling far and wide across the great UK for a camping adventure, with so many beautiful spots to visit – but this doesn’t mean you have to wait! Get accustomed to the outdoors by starting in your back garden. The most important thing to remember- experiences are made from the people you get to enjoy them with.