Camping in your back garden can be a fun and affordable way to create magical memories with your family. With a bit of planning, you can turn your outdoor space into an exciting campground, without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for planning a budget-friendly back garden camping adventure.
Pick Your Campsite
First, scout your garden for the perfect campsite. Look for a flat area large enough to pitch a small tent or build a simple shelter. Consider shade and privacy from neighbors. For more adventure, opt for a woodsy corner or hidden nook. Just make sure to avoid pitched roofs where rain could collect.
If space is limited, get creative. A large patio or deck can substitute for a tent floor. Or string up a tarp between trees or poles to make a covered camping area.
Gear Up On The Cheap
You don’t need fancy equipment for backyard camping. Use what you already have at home, buy second-hand goods, or make your own. Here are some budget-friendly gear options:
- Tent: A small pop-up tent, tarp strung up with rope or blanket fort between trees/chairs.
- Sleeping bags and mats: Extra blankets, bedsheets, and pillows.
- Seating: Garden chairs, blankets/sheets laid out picnic style.
- Lighting: String lights, paper lanterns, flashlights.
- Cooking: Grill or camp stove, cooking pots and utensils, roasting sticks for cooking over fire.
- Food storage: Cooler, picnic basket, plastic bins.
Getting the kids involved in preparing homemade gear adds to the fun!
Plan Engaging Activities
The beauty of backyard camping is making your own entertainment. Get creative with activities to enjoy in your DIY campground. Here are some fun ideas that cost little or nothing:
- Singing camp songs around a pretend “campfire”
- Telling stories and jokes
- Reading aloud a chapter book before bedtime
- Playing classic camp games like hide and seek or tag
- Making shadow puppets on the tent walls
- Doing a nighttime scavenger hunt with flashlights
- Stargazing and looking for constellations
- Building a fort out of sticks and leaves
- Making trail mix or “campfire cones” with pie irons and tinfoil
If you are fostering children with fosteringpeople.co.uk, you can use some of the allowances to cover the cost of anything extra the kids might request.
Cook Up Campfire Favourites
Enjoy classic camping fare right in your own back garden. Cook up easy meals over a grill or camp stove, including:
- Tin foil dinners – meat and veggies wrapped in foil packets
- Hot dogs and s’mores roasted over a small fire or grill
- Hobo packs – ground beef, veggies, and seasonings cooked in foil
- Campfire stew or chili using canned beans and tomatoes
- Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
- Foil pack breakfast – eggs, potatoes, meat grilled in foil
Many campfire recipes can be modified to your family’s budget and dietary needs. Get creative with the ingredients you have on hand.
Set A Cosy Camping Vibe
Part of the magic of camping is creating a unique atmosphere outdoors. Set the scene with:
- Lanterns and string lights around camp
- An outdoor rug, fake fire ring, and camp chairs to define the space
- Nature decor like leaves, pinecones, and flowers
- Cozy blankets and camp pillows
- Your family’s favorite music playing
- Camp-themed books and magazines to read
Make Special Memories
Backyard camping is less about elaborate gear and activities. It’s more about spending quality time together and appreciating the simple things. Take time to make memories, like:
- Reading bedtime stories aloud in sleeping bags
- Snuggling close on a blanket under the stars
- Lingering over meals and conversations together
- Sharing hopes and dreams for the future
- Laughing over silly songs and jokes
With creativity and minimal supplies, you can craft lifelong memories camping just steps from your back door. Enjoy this special time with your family!
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