The approach of May Long Weekend usually signals the start of camping season, but for most of us, we’re still waiting for it to be safe for campgrounds to reopen and travel restrictions to be lifted. In the meantime, why not bring the campsite home? Here are some ideas for transforming your outdoor space into a campsite. 

Set up camp 

If your RV is stored at home, perfect! Roll out the awning and set up camp under it. If not, you can still set out an outdoor rug or picnic blanket, chairs, and throw cushions, and maybe even string up a tarp or sheet for shelter. Light candles in mason jars or use string lights to create nice ambient lighting.  

Gather around a portable propane firepit

Enjoy the warmth and glow of a campfire in your yard or patio, minus the need for firewood, with a portable propane firepit. When we can go camping again, these firepits are great to have during fire bans, when they are generally still permitted.  

Play favourite campsite games 

What does your family like to do at the campsite? Play card games? Scavenger hunts? Horseshoes? Give everyone a turn to pick their favourite game and play it as a family. You’ll also find plenty of campground game ideas online.   

Serve a campsite menu

BBQ or cook on a camp stove, serving up your favourite camping foods. Can’t decide? Check out our favourite one-pot pastas, things to roast on a stick, vegetarian camping meals, or foil-pack suppers.

Dig in to some oven s’mores 

If you can’t roast marshmallows over the fire, make a batch of gooey s’mores in the oven or serve them as a dip. Sure, you won’t have the hazard of setting marshmallows on fire, but you’ll end up with the same delicious taste.

Virtually connect with your camping buddies 

Set up your computer or phone outside to video call the friends or family you would normally be camping with, and share memories and stories of past camping trips. 

Do some planning 

While you gather in your improvised campsite, take time to reflect on past adventures, and create a family bucket list for when travel restrictions end and parks reopen.  Are you missing the campground as much as we are? Share how you’re bringing the campsite home with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.