Top Tips for Creating the Ultimate Backyard or Campsite Experience!
Some families road trip. Others head to the beach. But more and more families are reclaiming the simple joy of a good old-fashioned campout—right in the backyard, at a local park, or deep in the woods.
And while any long weekend can be a great excuse to camp, there’s something especially meaningful about doing it over Memorial Day. You slow down. You gather. You tell stories around the fire. You remember.
As a Brit new to American traditions, I’ve noticed how these weekends combine adventure and remembrance in a uniquely beautiful way.
It’s not just hot dogs and hammocks—it’s a chance to reconnect with your family, your country, and what really matters.
Whether you’re glamping, roughing it, or pitching a tent right in your own backyard, here are smart, sentimental, and budget-friendly Memorial Day weekend campout ideas to make this year’s experience unforgettable!
1. Create a Cozy Campsite That Works for All Ages
Perfect for: Backyard setups, state parks, and multi-generational camping
Whether you’re setting up in your own backyard or pitching a tent at a favorite campsite, a successful Memorial Day campout starts with comfort.
That means thinking beyond the tent—especially if grandparents, toddlers, or anyone not used to “roughing it” is tagging along.
Use layered floor mats or foam tiles inside the tent to soften the ground. Add throw blankets, inflatable pillows, and even fairy lights for that cozy glow that keeps kids excited to crawl in at bedtime.
If you’re camping at home, bring the indoors out: use a small side table as a “nightstand,” set up battery-powered lanterns, and toss in a few comfort extras like favorite stuffed animals, hot cocoa kits, or a bedtime devotional.
A cozy space encourages rest, connection, and fewer meltdowns at sundown.
Camp Comfort Picks:
- Inflatable pillows – Cushioned and easy to pack
- Battery-Operated String Lights – Creates magic inside the tent without cords or risk
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2. Plan Easy Meals That Don’t Stress You Out
Perfect for: Busy families, non-cooks, and camping without a full kitchen setup
Camp food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel fun. In fact, the best Memorial Day campout meals are often the simplest—especially if you’re juggling kids, weather, or limited supplies.
Plan make-ahead meals like foil-wrapped breakfast burritos, pasta salad in reusable containers, or skewers pre-loaded and chilled in the cooler. Here’s 3 awesome foil packet recipes to get you started:
For the firepit, bring pre-portioned snack packs, canned baked beans, and hot dogs with a few fun topping options (hello, diced pickles and crispy onions!).
Want a “big dinner” moment without the stress? Rotate cooking nights: each family or person contributes one meal, and the rest of the time, you get to relax and enjoy.
It’s not about a gourmet menu—it’s about food that fuels memories, not meltdowns.
Easy Meal Gear:
- Foil Meal Prep Kit – Great for make-ahead fire meals or grill-friendly bundles
- Reusable Divided Meal Containers – Stackable, leakproof, and camp cooler–ready
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3. Light It Right with Fire, Lanterns & Glow Gear
Perfect for: Backyard bonfires, forest campsites, and keeping the vibe safe but magical
Lighting matters—and not just for safety. The right glow creates atmosphere, invites conversation, and helps kids feel cozy instead of spooked once the sun goes down.
If fires are allowed, a portable smokeless firepit is ideal for s’mores, stories, and warmth without the constant smoke shuffle.
Can’t have flames? Go for flickering LED lanterns, solar-powered fairy lights, and fun extras like glow-in-the-dark frisbees or glow stick rings.
For little ones, give each child a clip-on reading light or lantern to hang in their tent. And stash a couple of headlamps for midnight bathroom runs or hunting for lost marshmallows.
Good lighting doesn’t have to be fancy—but it makes all the difference when day turns to night.
Glow Gear Picks:
- Smokeless Portable Firepit – Fire without the smoke, ideal for s’mores and safe gatherings
- LED Lantern 4-Pack – Battery-powered, dimmable, and great for kids or adults
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4. Add a Few Low-Key Patriotic Touches
Perfect for: Backyard setups, glampers, and subtle Memorial Day styling
You don’t need a dozen plastic flags to feel festive. A few well-placed red, white, and blue touches can give your campsite or backyard a quiet nod to Memorial Day without overwhelming the natural vibe.
Hang a strand of fabric bunting across your canopy or tent entrance. Tuck a small folding flag into a flowerpot or cooler handle. Even your camp chairs or tablecloths can reflect the weekend’s colors with simple swaps.
Want something personal? Print a short quote about freedom or remembrance and clip it to your lantern, cooler, or picnic table. It grounds the gathering without turning it into a theme park.
The goal: thoughtful, not tacky.
Patriotic Detail Picks:
- Fabric Flag Bunting – Soft, reusable, and doesn’t scream party store
- Patriotic Camp Chair and cushion setup – Cozy, collapsible, and totally on theme
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5. Keep the Kids Entertained Without Screens
Perfect for: Families camping with kids of all ages or backyard setups where boredom creeps in fast
The magic of a Memorial Day campout isn’t found in screens—it’s in the freedom to roam, imagine, and play. But let’s be real: even with a campfire and s’mores, kids need more than “fresh air” to stay content.
Bring a bin of classic outdoor toys—think bubbles, chalk, glow sticks, bug catchers, and Frisbees. Set up a few easy stations like a DIY scavenger hunt, a “nature art” corner with leaves and rocks, or a glow ring toss after dark.
At night, organize a campfire story circle where everyone gets a turn to make up the next part of the tale, or bring a deck of cards and a few silly group games like charades or “Who Am I?”
Kids don’t need a screen. They just need a spark! Here’s 5 more ideas to get you started!
Kid-Friendly Camp Picks:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss Game – Keeps the fun going after sunset
- Outdoor Activity Cards for Kids – Easy prompts to encourage play and exploration
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6. Bring One Unexpected Comfort Item
Perfect for: Tired moms, picky teens, reluctant campers—or anyone who needs a little boost
Even the most enthusiastic campers can hit a moment of “why did I agree to this?” That’s where a small, unexpected comfort item can make all the difference.
One thing that makes your weekend feel just a little easier, warmer, or more like home.
It might be a portable footrest or inflatable lounger that becomes your reading spot. A USB-powered fan for stuffy tents or hot picnic tables.
Or even a mini single-serve coffee press so your morning routine stays intact—even if you woke up on a foam mat instead of a mattress.
Don’t overthink it. Just pick one small thing that makes you smile when you pull it out of the bag. It’s not indulgent—it’s sanity-saving.
Comfort Upgrade Picks:
- Inflatable Lounger Chair – No pump needed, surprisingly comfy, and easy to carry
- USB Rechargeable Tent Fan – Keeps air flowing in tents, under awnings, or around food
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7. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station That Works All Day
Perfect for: Families, group campouts, or hosting guests in your backyard
If you’re camping or glamping with a crowd, drinks are often the most chaotic part of the day—someone’s always thirsty, someone else just spilled theirs, and suddenly you’re the designated refiller.
Instead, set up a small self-serve drink station that’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and stays cool all day.
Use a large insulated drink dispenser for lemonade, water, or iced tea. Keep backup drinks in a separate cooler so your food cooler stays closed. Add paper straws, disposable cups with lids, or color-coded tumblers if you’re feeling fancy.
You can even add sliced citrus or frozen berries to make it feel fun without any extra work.
It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce mess, minimize interruptions, and encourage independence—plus it feels like a little party in a corner of the campground.
Drink Station Favorites:
- Large Drink Dispenser – Keeps drinks handy and clear of bugs! You can even get insulated ones that keeps drinks hot or cold for longer!
- Metal Ice Tub – or just uses ice in a metal bucket for a low key way to cool your drinks
- Color-Coded Reusable Tumblers – Helps kids and adults keep track of their cups
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8. End the Night with a Meaningful Memory Moment
Perfect for: Families, small groups, or anyone wanting to anchor the weekend with gratitude
Campouts have a way of bringing people closer—especially when the stars are out and the fire’s glowing low. Memorial Day offers a beautiful opportunity to weave in a small moment of reflection, without it feeling heavy or forced.
Pass around a “memory log” notebook and ask each person to write down something they’re thankful for, someone they’re remembering, or a favorite moment from the day.
You can read them aloud, keep it private, or save the notebook for next year’s campout.
For younger kids, simplify it: “What was the best part of today?” or “Who do you want to say thank you to this weekend?”
You don’t need a speech or ceremony. Just five quiet minutes to honor what the weekend is really about.
Reflective Camp Picks:
- Interactive kids camping journal – as seen in the video above!
- Battery Candle Lantern – Adds soft light to the moment and works anywhere
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Takeaway
Whether you’re setting up a tent in the backyard or venturing deep into the woods, a little bit of planning and a lot of heart can turn your Memorial Day weekend into something truly memorable.
It’s not about having the perfect campsite—it’s about creating space for connection, laughter, and meaning. Bring the gear that makes life easier, the comforts that bring you joy, and the mindset that not everything needs to be scheduled or styled to be special.
This year, slow down. Sit around the fire a little longer. Let the kids get dirty. And remember why we get to gather in the first place.
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Last update on 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
