Local vacations, also known as staycations have recently risen in popularity because of their affordability, and camping is a great way to explore the outdoors. By combining these two concepts, parents can create pleasurable family vacation in their own backyard. If a family has a tent and enough space to pitch it in, that family can get ready for some staycation fun without having to even get in the car.
Setting Up the Backyard for Tent Camping
In order for a family backyard camping experience to be truly enjoyable, be certain to address any hazards, such as large trees with dead branches, before setting up the tent. Be sure that the ground is not rocky and that all sticks that could poke a hole in the tent, or poke someone’s backside when he or she is trying to sleep are removed.
Children can help with setting up the tent and making certain that the "campsite" is free from debris. Set up the tent according to whatever instructions it came with.
Equipping a Tent for Comfort
Some basic camping equipment can go a long way toward improving a family’s camping experience. Sleeping bags are essential. Air mattresses are not as essential, but they certainly add comfort to a camping experience.
Also stock up on flashlight batteries. Have one flashlight for each person and one extra to keep in the tent. It is also a good idea to have a mat by the tent’s main entrance to keep dirt from getting inside. Family members can leave their outside shoes on the mat and walk around in socks or bare feet inside the tent.
Food for the Staycation Camping Adventure
Good food is often a part of the fun while your family is on vacation. With a backyard camping staycation, that part is no different. Think about what can be cooked on a grill, or over a fire pit if one is available. Hamburgers or veggie burgers and hot dogs always make good camping dinners. So does barbecued chicken, grilled steak or pork.
Perhaps some fresh cut watermelon could be provided to complement the main course. Do not forget to have fixings for s’mores for dessert, or maybe the children would like to toast marshmallows.
When everyone awakens in the morning, think about what could be cooked outside for breakfast. A great camping breakfast can be made in a cast iron skillet over a fire. Combine diced potatoes, onions eggs and cheese for a delicious one-dish meal. Coffee can even be made outdoors with a little preparation.
The Benefits of Backyard Camping
The benefits of backyard tent camping are many. If a family has young children that they would like to introduce to the thrill of outdoor camping, this kind of experience can be a good trial run before heading to a campground. If parents like to be outside, but do not like the idea of trekking in the middle of the night to a shared commode, the benefits of being outside of a family home are obvious.
Additionally, nobody has to drive anywhere to have fun with this kind of vacation. Children can catch fireflies in the backyard or stargaze for entertainment. The family could play a game inside the tent. With a little imagination and a small budget, families can have a great backyard camping vacation.
Backyard camping is fun when a few simple steps are followed. Be certain to equip the tent for comfort. Make sure the site is safe and uncluttered. Chose fun food food that can be prepared outdoors. Tent camping at home can be a relaxing staycation alternative to more intensive forms of travel.
For other great staycation ideas check out staycationidea.com.
Heather Phillips - A part-time professional freelance writer, antiques and rare books dealer, and homeschooling mother published in the field of ...
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