Great American Campout
Great American Campout kicks off with a simple invitation: head outside, pitch a tent, and spend a night under the sky.
It encourages people of all ages to camp in backyards, parks, neighborhoods, or campgrounds.
The event is a lively chance to leave screens behind and spend time in the fresh air, with family or friends. It draws in campers from coast to coast and sparks a shared sense of nature and fun.
This gathering matters because it brings folks closer to wildlife and green spaces. It reminds everyone that a night outdoors can boost joy, calm, and connection.
Many campers pledge to join, taking small steps like picking up litter or enjoying a clean Earth challenge.
The day creates moments of wonder—watching sunset hues, hearing night sounds, sharing a campfire laugh. Together, it turns ordinary spaces into open-air stories worth telling.
How to Celebrate the Great American Campout
Here are a few fun and easy ways to make the most of the Great American Campout. You don’t need to travel far—just a bit of creativity and a love for the outdoors.
Camp in Your Yard
Skip the long drive and set up right outside your door. Add fairy lights or lanterns for a cozy glow. Bring snacks, comfy blankets, and your favorite tunes.
Even a small patio can turn into a charming campsite.
Cook Over a Fire
Swap the microwave for a flame. Roast marshmallows, grill veggies, or try foil-pack meals. Keep things simple and safe.
Use a fire pit or grill if open flames aren’t allowed where you live.
Explore Local Nature
Check out a nearby park or trail during the day. Watch birds, spot bugs, or hunt for cool rocks. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them.
Simple walks often lead to great discoveries.
Play Outdoor Games
Toss a frisbee, set up a scavenger hunt, or tell ghost stories once it gets dark. Even classic games like tag or hide-and-seek feel new in a tented backyard.
Keep it lighthearted and fun for all ages.
Unplug and Relax
Turn off phones, tablets, and screens. Listen to the wind, chirping crickets, or rustling leaves instead. Read a book by lantern light. Let the slower pace reset your mood and clear your thoughts.
History of the Great American Campout
The event got its start in 2005. The National Wildlife Federation launched it under the name Great American Backyard Campout.
Their goal was clear: help people reconnect with nature without needing to travel far.
Organizers encouraged families to pitch tents in backyards and enjoy a night outside. It quickly became a favorite summer tradition in neighborhoods across the country. People liked the idea of slowing down, spending time together, and breathing in fresh air.
In 2015, the event took on a new shape. The name changed to Great American Campout to welcome more ways to join. Campgrounds, parks, cabins, and even city green spaces were now part of the fun.
That year, the campaign linked more closely with Great Outdoors Month, which celebrates outdoor recreation all through June. The shift helped grow its reach and purpose. With fewer limits, more people felt included.
Even as the event grew, the focus stayed simple. It was never about gear or long trips. The core message stayed the same: camping brings joy, peace, and connection.
People from all fifty states, including Washington, DC, have taken part. They’ve pledged to sleep outside at least once, even if only a few feet from their front door.
The National Wildlife Federation still leads the effort. It uses the event to highlight nature conservation, community fun, and everyday access to the outdoors.
Over time, campers began taking simple pledges, like packing out trash or protecting wildlife during their trip. The event turned into a small but powerful movement.
Now, every summer, Great American Campout invites everyone to trade screens for stars. Whether you camp with kids, pets, or solo, the spirit remains: slow down, listen to nature, and enjoy a night under the sky.
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