For many families, summer isn't complete without an annual camping trip. Whether in an RV, camper, or tent, the feeling of being unplugged and spending time with loved ones cultivates irreplaceable memories. If you want to recreate the slowed-down, intentional feeling camping evokes but don't have time to plan an entire trip, you can always throw a nostalgic campout in your backyard. While it may not be exactly like camping in the wilderness, they allow for many of the same activities—and even more benefits (like access to indoor plumbing and air conditioning!).

The Campsite

If you want to have a cozy evening and a good night's sleep, ensuring your backyard campsite is comfy is of utmost importance. First, pick a flat and level location for your tent, and remove any sticks, rocks, and other debris. Before assembling your tent, lay down a large tarp to ensure the floor area stays dry and doesn't rip on the ground.

The easiest way to make any space cozy and warm is by bringing in layers: If you're camping in your backyard, chances are your items will stay relatively clean (compared to spending the night in the wild), so feel free to use as many sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows as you see fit. If you want to go the extra mile, blow up air mattresses and create an elevated "bed." Or, for even easier cleanup, use a sleeping bag and padded mat. Add battery-operated or solar-powered string lights or lanterns for extra ambience and light after the sun sets.

After your tent is ready, prepare any other spaces you'll be using during your campout. Set up chairs around a firepit and have wood ready for when you start the fire. Make sure picnic tables are cleaned off and ready for use.

Campout Meals and Snacks

Cooking and eating meals around the fire is one of the best (if not the very best) part of camping, so making sure you have delicious meals prepped for cooking over the fire is a must. Since you'll only be in the backyard, there's no need to stress over ingredients that need to be refrigerated—you can grab them from inside when it's time to cook dinner.

When planning what meals to make, consider how easy the meals would be to prepare over the fire. Opt for meals that require only one or two pots or pans and are easy to eat. Go for the classics like hotdogs and burgers, or try less-traditional options like cooking baked potatoes in tin foil or making a big batch of taco meat over the fire and serving up nachos or tacos. For breakfast, whip up scrambled eggs and pancakes customized with berries and chocolate chips.

No campout is complete without campfire treats. Make sure to stock up on s'mores supplies, popcorn, and other snack mixes.

This Iconic Meal from ‘The Parent Trap’ Is Back—and You’re Going to Want to Make It ASAP

Activities and Entertainment

Having a backyard campout is the perfect excuse for disconnecting from the digital world and spending uninterrupted time with friends and family. Playing games and planning activities helps you make the most special memories. Before heading outside, grab a deck of cards to entertain yourselves while dinner is cooking or before heading to bed. For a more elaborate activity, project a movie onto a white sheet with a portable projector for an outdoor movie night. Or, if you're all gathered around the fire making s'mores, take turns sharing stories or answering questions from a question card deck.