Backyard camping lights and a lamp on the floor
Backyard camping lights and a lamp on the floor

Wirecutter: Create Your Own Backyard Campground

Being stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure, especially if you’re fortunate enough to have some outdoor space. Unlike the appeal of a long-distance hiking trip—which relies, of course, on seeing new landscapes—the magic of backyard camping, especially with children, is creating a fantasy in an otherwise familiar environment. It’s theater that you invent for yourself. And as with all good theater, no matter how minimal, the illusion is sustained in the details.

After combing through all of Wirecutter’s recommendations for camping gear, we’ve come up with a collection of equipment and ideas for building a perfect backyard camping scenario without spending a fortune. However, all our picks are versatile enough that you can one day use them on family camping trips in the wider outdoors.

See the full article from Kit Dillon on Wirecutter's website here.

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

Naomi Hudetz
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

Media Mentions

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

Stephanie Soucheray
Reporter