Plan a backyard campout

All the fun of camping, a few steps from the kitchen.

A backyard campout is the perfect first camping trip: tents, a fire (or a grill), stars and a real bathroom nearby.

Tips

• Check the fire rules. Some cities ban backyard fires. A grill or fire pit may still be fine.
• Set up before dark. Tents are much easier in daylight.
• Plan one night activity. Stargazing, flashlight tag or ghost stories.
• Have a backup plan. If it rains, it’s a living-room campout.

Checklist

• Tent and stakes
• Sleeping bags and pads
• Flashlights or lanterns
• Fire pit or grill (check local rules)
• S’mores supplies
• Bug spray
• Warm layers
• Rainy-day backup plan

Make this a plan with Before We’re Gone: free, and your guests reply without an account.