Each spring and fall, Kevin brings up the idea of going camping. I have to say, I’m not much of a camper. In fact, I kind of hate it. But each time my kids are excited and they really NEED to have a fun evening under the stars. So instead of just going camping last fall, I decided to take us backyard glamping. They get the experience and I get my bed inside. It’s a win win. So, whether it’s spring, summer or fall, here’s a few things you need to go camping in the back yard and a few ideas for glamping will make any backyard adventure complete.
Ideas for glamping – Finding shelter
To create a beautiful glamping space for camping in the backyard, you first need the shelter. We used this beautiful Cotton Canvas Bell Tent for our camping in the backyard adventure and loved it! Not only is it waterproof, but it helped to keep us a little warmer too. This tent is perfect for camping in the backyard or camping anywhere else too, In fact, a lot of people tend to use this tent as a Yurt option when they decide to go off the grid. It even has a spot for a wooden stove to poke through the chimney.
A place to dine
Once you have the shelter in place, you might want a spot to eat. So many ideas for glamping often include elaborate picnic table set ups. But, we don’t have a picnic table and I wanted something that was more simple.
While we have a large patio near us, we wanted to stick close to the tent. I set up a little table for us with two crates and an old piece of wood that was in the basement. It was easy to make comfortable by adding an outdoor rug and a few pillows. This way, we didn’t have to lounge on the ground.
Make camping in the backyard cozy
When it comes to ideas for glamping, it’s really the bed that counts, right? Again I didn’t want anything too fussy but I wanted the kids to be able to be comfortable. We used air mattresses we purchased from Walmart for camping in the backyard. We actually bought several different air mattresses to try out. I have to say, while these low ones make for nice photos, the higher ones from Walmart that you can find {HERE} are the most comfortable.
With the addition of a simple sheet, a blanket and a few pillows, our space we all set. We also used another crate as a bedside table. The candles I use are battery operated in here to keep everything safe.
Making it sparkle
When it comes to ideas for glamping, I’d be remised if I left out the twinkle lights. Lighting is an important element for glamping. It’s highlighted in all those dreamy photos you see all over Pinterest. If you want the real glamping feel when camping in the backyard, make sure to add some lights to your tent and outside of it as well.
On the inside of the tent, I used some simple fairy lights I was able to string through the pole loops. On the outside I used these these outdoor lights to define the space.
Camping in the backyard fun & games
While I hadn’t set up any games for us since it was starting to get dark, family games are always a good choice when considering ideas for glamping. Earlier this summer I bought a bunch of outdoor family games for us to use throughout the season. Giant Jenga with a carrying case and Connect 4 were by far our favorites!
However, for me, the best part about camping in the backyard is that I get to enjoy all the family fun and then get to sleep in my own bed inside. And alone too! 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by, friends! I hope that these ideas for glamping are ideas you can take and translate into your own camping in the backyard fun. For more of our family fun experiences, click {HERE}.
What a fun idea to do some upscale camping in the backyard! This would totally be a treat for the kids to do this.