Tips To Create The Ultimate Backyard Camping Experience

More time spent at home means time to seize the everyday and rediscover the joys of your own space. Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are proud to help Canadians get there. We’re bringing you everything you need for the season, from at-home camping essentials to the coolest backyard must-haves.

This summer may be different than years past, but Canadians are still looking to spend time outdoors with their family - and what’s more Canadian than camping? Luckily, you don’t have to stray too far from home for the ultimate family adventure. In fact, you don’t have to go further than your own backyard.

With various social distancing and gathering regulations still in place across the country, a backyard camp-out is a fun and safe way to experience the outdoors. Not only is it a fun and relaxing family activity, it’s also the perfect way to introduce younger children to camping.

“Camping is a really great teaching tool,” best-selling travel writer Jayne Seagrave told Yahoo Canada. Seagrave, who has written several books including Camping with Kids: The Best Family Campgrounds in B.C. and Alberta, said camping is a practical and economical way to spend quality time together.

“It’s a chance for kids to learn responsibility,” she explained. “Going to bed at night being able to look up at the stars, listening to birds and animals. You can recruit children to pitch a tent, it teaches them to cook, and teaches them to be outside.”

A backyard campout helps familiarize first-time campers with the experience of sleeping outdoors even if home is only a few feet away. Camping is a great way to foster a positive relationship between your child and nature and provide them with the confidence they need to take on new challenges. Allowing them to pack their own bags, assist in pitching the tent and setting up camp helps develop problem-solving skills and resourcefulness while fostering a positive relationship with the outdoors.

Oh, and did we mention it’s also a lot of fun?

Opting for a backyard camp-out is a great chance for families to leave all of their devices indoors and exercise their bodies and imagination. A night under the stars, gathered around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories helps create fond memories.

We’ve rounded up several tips and tricks to make the most of your backyard camping trip below.

Set Up Your Campsite

Just because you’re camping, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your comfort. Establishing a home-base, even while camping can help put first-time campers at ease. This Woods Klondike Cabin Tent is large enough to comfortably fit six people and colour-coded poles to ensure easy set-up. Set up a functional and livable camp with thanks to the 6ft full front canopy, removable room dividers, ample pockets for storage and large mesh panels to provide simultaneous ventilation and bug protection.

Settling in for bed after a long day of fun can present the most challenges for home sick first time campers. Bringing a favourite blanket, pillow and stuffed animal can help make young campers sleep soundly, as well as a comfortable sleeping bag. Available in single and double sizes, the Coleman Granite Peak Sleeping Bag ensures your family will stay warm on cool summer nights. The lightweight bag is made with ThermoTech insulation material, perfect for temperatures between 4°C and 15°C.

Make A Comfortable, Relaxing ‘Dining Room’

Give every member in the family a designated seat around the fire with these Director’s Chair with Table by Woods. Each of these collapsable chairs are made with padding for extra comfort and a mesh pocket with zipper for extra storage. This multipurpose chair features a foldable table and drink holder making enjoying your campside meals easier than ever.

Extra lighting not only helps to create an inviting campside environment but it’s also practical for meal prep and navigating the unfamiliar campsite after dark. These Montmartre Heavy-Duty Outdoor String Lights by CANVAS allow you and your family to enjoy meals and endless hours of fun after the sun sets. Each 36ft strand contains 15 clear, clear vintage lights to provide an incandescent glow, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Create A Hassle-Free Cookout

A campfire is a classic element of a camping trip — but depending on local bylaws, it’s not always possible to make that happen in your own yard. Luckily, there are still easy ways you can enjoy your favourite treats like Smores and hot dogs safely — as well as go above and beyond with your campside cooking. A portable charcoal BBQ like this one from MASTER Craft lets you get that delicious smokey taste without the hassle of building a fire, and also gives you many more options (hello, steaks!)

Practice Campsite Safety

Aside from providing additional lighting, every campsite and camper should be well versed in how to use an emergency lantern. Setting campsite rules, preparing campers for potential emergencies (especially when out in nature) and practicing campsite safety is a must for young campers. This collapsable LED lantern has a five hour run time and rechargeable powerbank, so it’s a great choice for camping at home as well as preventing any trips or stumbles if you have to head back into the house for a forgotten package of graham crackers or a bathroom break.

Make Set-Up And Tear-Down Easy

Whether you’re in the backyard now or in the wilderness at another time, camp supplies can take up a lot of space. If you’re looking for an easy way to transport snacks, sleeping bags and folding chairs without making multiple trips to the car (or the garage for backyard campers) a folding wagon is a timesaving must-have. The Outbound Portable Folding Wagon can hold up to 150 pounds of gear and has two 360° front wheels, perfect for navigating uneven terrain.

Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are helping Canadians seize the everyday this summer, with tips, tricks and everything you need for the season. Click here for more!