How to Camp out at a Friend's Home

Camping out is a courageous undertaking wherever the location. There are certain comforts with being in a friend's backyard though--a bathroom is one of them. Also, lawns are mowed and wild creatures are raccoons, squirrels and skunks rather than bears, coyotes and foxes. Read on to learn how to camp out at a friend's home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tent
• Tarp
• Metal stakes
• Rope

1. Pick a spot in your friend's backyard that is away from the house and garage yet close enough to be comfortable.
2. Prepare a tarp for use on the ground under the tent. You can stake the tarp in place, but it is not necessary unless the weather is windy.
3. Pitch the tent. Dome style tents require very little assembly. Put the tarp over the skylight--even if it doesn't rain the dew is enough to get the inside damp.
4. Throw a rug in front of the tent entrance and make sure every person camping knows to take their shoes off outside the tent.
5. Dig a 1-inch wide and 2-inch deep trench around the parameter of the tent with a trench leading away from the tent. If it rains, the trench will take the water away from under the tent.
6. Shield the tent from bad weather with a large tarp. Attach the tarp to trees around the camping area.
7. Organize a little fire far enough away from the tent that the sparks do not burn little holes through the nylon.

Tips & Warnings

• Camp with people who aren't afraid of the dark if you want any sleep at all.
• The fastest way to ruin a new tent is sparks from a roaring fire.