I really don't have a backyard, because I own a townhouse, but I do have a back porch. And beyond that is undeveloped property with a creek just beyond that. I want to go camping tomorrow, but I just don't have the time to gather firewood, set up camp, etc. before sunset. I am considering setting up camp on my concrete slab, making a fire in my football grill, and getting drinking water from the nearby creek using my Katadyn filter. Does anyone do this to practice backpacking? At the least, I am saving $20 to camp at my local Tennessee parks and gas money.

Heck yeah.. I've made tents for winter backpacking with stoves in them. I try them out and sleep in them in my back yard.. I've tried out hammocks in my back yard, and sleeping pads both in my backyard and basement.

My enjoyment of a real trip is much more with a new piece of gear when I *know* I have used it, and know what to expect, rather than walking all day with a nagging thought of "I hope that new thing in my bag works like I think it might..."

.. and almost always, the only time I take something backpacking that I haven't tried eating at home is when I go somewhere overseas (like new zealand) and have to buy food there. Even if I buy dehydrated backpacking meals if I don't know the meal I'll buy one first, throw it in my bag and take it to the office for lunch. If it sucks (hello backpackers pantry..) I bin it and go out for lunch.. no harm done

Backyard? No. (Except for one night when I wanted to see how far toward zero I could stretch the limit of a 40-degree bag. Answer was 20, before I got too cold and went inside to a nice, warm bed.)

But I'm lucky; I've got two parks (one state, one metro) within 20 miles of where I live. I have, quite often, gotten off work, tossed my pack and a little food in the car, and camped at the public campground (off-season, they're pretty much deserted.) I set up camp and cooked supper in the dark, then simulated a backpack trip, complete with a four or five mile hike the next morning. It's a great way to try out new gear, or just check to be sure everything's in working order. (I also take pencil and paper: "Put the repair kit for the sleeping pad back in the pack." That sort of thing.)

I'd say give it a whirl. Only - why not go camp by the creek? If it's only a few hundred yards, and the owner won't mind, the after-dark aspect shouldn't stop you. (I'm NOT saying setting up just outside the back door is wrong, just suggesting an alternative.)

Whatever you do outside has got to be better than another night of reality entertainment (which, like Meals Ready-to-Eat, is neither.)

I have a back yard that's served to test tent and tarp set ups, and, like Glenn, push the limit of sleeping bags. I have a campsite set up by a small stream . I've also gone in on trails in the dark many times. Not for test purpose, but just to get out. I'd suggest a headlamp if you're filtering water in the dark . I've found it's easier to put the foam float on the inflow tube of the Katadyn , as you won't be fighting to keep it up out of the muck or litter in the reduced lighting. It's great to see your enthusiasm! Familiarity with your equipment pays large dividends in confidence and dealing with adversity on the trail.
Have a blast!

I'd like to camp by the creek, but it's pretty close to a main road, and I'm afraid if anyone saw me from a distance I would get a visit from a police officer. I ended up not camping tonight, because it's getting a little too cold & I am not ready for that yet. Plus I didn't have a lot of time and wanted to read more on here first. Hopefully next weekend I can head out for some real camping.

I am having trouble finding places where I can camp for free. The state parks around here charge $10-20 / night for a spot. I do have a few options, but not many.

Do you have friends or family who have a back yard? Setting up a tent on real ground is more authentic. I use backyard camping to test gear in big storms. Also to test leaks after I have seam-sealed a tent.

Do you have friends who would camp with you? A $10-$20 feet split four ways is affordable, plus more fun. It irks me too that campsites that allow 6 people are priced the same for one person.

I live a five minute walk from Forest Circus land, from there I have a number of options. Or, I can drive 15-30 minutes to local wilderness trails. More, drive an hour to 90 miutes for even more. So, camping in my backyard would be boring.
Duane