Pitch a Blanket, Not a Tent: Camp-Inspired Picnics for the Day

Because sometimes a picnic is just a low-commitment campout.

Can’t swing a camping trip soon, but are itching to get out in the wilderness? No worries—July is National Picnic Month, and that means you’ve got the perfect excuse to pack up your cooler and head for the nearest patch of nature. Turns out, a well-planned picnic can scratch a lot of the same itches as a night in the woods: fresh air, no screens, maybe a bug or two (for that authentic experience).

Here’s how to plan a camp-inspired picnic that brings all the outdoorsy feels—no tent or campground reservation required.

Pack It Like a Pro (a.k.a. Light Gear, Big Vibes)

The secret to a great picnic? Treat it like a mini day campout. Keep it light, but lean into the comfort.

Bring:

• A soft, waterproof picnic blanket or lightweight ground tarp

• Camp chairs if you don’t want to sit on the ground

• A hammock if there are trees nearby (seriously underrated picnic addition)

• A picnic basket stocked with simple, prepped-ahead food

• Reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery (extra points for enamel camp mugs)

Field Tip: Keep a “day camp kit” stashed in your trunk for spontaneous escapes. Include sunscreen, bug spray, napkins, and a reusable trash bag for easy clean-up.

Trail-to-Table Picnic Food

You don’t need a camp stove to make it feel like camp food. Think hand-held, make-ahead, and a little indulgent.

Try:

• Wraps or pita pockets filled with grilled veggies, hummus, or leftover chicken

• Pasta salad or couscous with roasted veggies (easy to eat cold)

• Skewers—fruit, cheese, or pre-cooked kebabs

• Trail mix, dried fruit, jerky

• Skillet cookies or s’mores bars for dessert (bonus: warm them up on a sunny rock)

Psst… want it hot? Bring an insulated food jar for soup or chili, or pack a mini portable grill for fire-legal areas.

Make It Wild (Even If It’s Nearby)

Location is everything—but it doesn’t have to be remote. Look for places that feel wild, even if they’re in your zip code.

Ideas:

• State parks with shaded picnic spots

• Hidden nooks in your local arboretum or botanical garden

• Trails with overlooks or creekside clearings

• Beachfront bluffs or dunes during golden hour

• Your own backyard—with a tent or hammock for extra camp cred

Add a Little Nature Magic

The best part of camping isn’t always the tent—it’s what happens around it. So bring that energy to your picnic.

Try this:

• Bring a birding guide and binoculars and see what you find

• Set up a “nature bingo” card for the kids (or the kids-at-heart)

• Pack a book, journal, or sketchpad

• Stay past sunset for stargazing or fireflies—especially if you’re near a dark-sky pocket