Are you ready to see my backyard camper retreat and guest house? That’s right, the camper isn’t just for me, it’s already booked for my first guests! I’m so happy to be working with Ryobi on this Outdoor Overhaul. I think my backyard is the ultimate hangout for family and friends. I’ve already been enjoying it so much, even working on some more small projects seemed less like work.
Let’s see how the final projects came together since we last checked in on the small deck install.
Too bad my friends at Ryobi don’t offer a backhoe! I did everything I could to make sure that this dump truck was going to be able to back all the way in to the space so it could dump and move. Little did I know so much gravel would land on the driveway and need to be moved!!
Watching the birds is enjoyable to me. Over the winter months, this birdbath had fallen over in the side yard. It had definitely seen better days but I thought it would be perfect for my new backyard camper retreat.
Wow! The Ryobi 2300 PSI Pressure Washer helped knock off all the dirt AND the loose paint! It was quickly ready to be painted.
While I had the pressure washer out, I cleaned a table and the propane tank for the grill. Please ignore all the mess. It’s amazing how much stuff was laying around during these few weeks!
Moving the camper was quite tricky. There were many obstacles in the way including a tree, the eaves of the garage, a fence and pipes sticking up from the former carport. These things will have to be dealt with before my first trip.
But! I have to say, just seeing it here makes me ONE HAPPY CAMPER! This was the main goal of the backyard hangout. Now I can camp in the backyard until I’m able to go REAL camping in early Summer. Plus, it’s going to make the perfect guest house! It’s a win/win for sure.
Simple Changes to Backyard camper retreat
I’ve had this base for years, I suppose it was for a birdbath. I needed to cover that sewer clean out pipe. This base happens to be made of resin and has a hollow area that fits right over the pipe. I didn’t want it to look fresh and new, but more like it had been around for awhile. The light coat of spray paint did just that. I placed one of my bowling ball gazing balls atop the base.
The succulent shutter looks nice with the newly painted vintage birdbath, don’t you think?
More Paint Freshens up the Space
It’s really easy to get discouraged as the days and weeks pass. I found myself wanting to skip steps and just call this job d.o.n.e. Have you been there with a DIY project? The basement window encasements and the foundation of the house were in need of a freshening up. I practically had to force myself to continue on and not leave those last minute tasks undone. I found myself making lists more than once.
Check out my new best friend! This 150-Watt Powered Inverter Generator for an 18-Volt Battery gives me portable power anywhere! I can easily charge my phone or use a fan in my backyard or even while camping!
How to Store Ryobi Outdoor 40V Tools
I don’t have a fancy shop to store my Ryobi outdoor tools, but when I cleaned out and moved the shed I told you that I got rid of a lot of stuff. That allows me to house all my Ryobi 40V Outdoor tools here as well as store the swing canopy, patio umbrella and more. You can see me using most of these tools in my post Building a Small Deck Plus Ryobi 40V Outdoor Tools.
Backyard Camper Retreat and Guest Quarters
This was the day of my unveiling for family and friends. We had a small get together with a cookout and of course some s’mores around the fire pit! The lawn suffered greatly during all of this work. I have laid sod and sewn grass seed, but of course that takes time.
Here’s the view from the driveway side. It’s so hard to believe it’s the same space from before.
I love the tiny solar lights atop the Texas lampposts. Did you see my post How to Make a Pallet Love Seat?
I’d love for you to pin it before you go!
So, there you have it! I’m not sure I’m done. You’ll probably be seeing a few more projects in the weeks to come as I complete the space. As I said at the top of this post the camper is already booked with my first guests. My daughter Jamie, her husband Andy and my Grandson Eli will be visiting very soon. It will be Eli’s first trip to Kentucky. I’m so excited that they will have their own little backyard campground.
Backyard Camper Retreat
Hangout Challenge
You may remember this Hangout Challenge is a collaboration with me and three other great DIY bloggers! You can vote next week for your favorite space. I’ll keep you posted on Facebook, Instagram and other notifications. So, be sure to check out their awesome spaces (I’ve seen sneak peeks) 
What’s your favorite part of the new space? Mine keeps changing. One evening I literally sat in all the areas. I felt like goldilocks . . .
gail
I love the blue in your backyard
Thank you so much Rebecca! Blue has always been my favorite color. It continues to make me smile….
gail
OK… gonna talk gramma to gramma here and say it like it is; you’ve just created the best memory for that grandson of yours! He will always remember that first exciting trip to your house where he got to CAMP. That alone is way too cool, and worth every bit of sweat you put in to it, even finishing off the painting at ground zero!
Ohhh, Bliss!
Your comment makes me smile! I hope Eli and I have many more memories to make in that camper together. 🙂
gail
From bare too beautiful. A happy place for Lulu.
Indeed! A happy place for Lulu and her mom! 🙂
A new post coming about the cushions and how I share my space with my sweet girl.
gail
WOW!!!! What a difference. I love it. Is there a post on how u made ur light posts? I want to make them so I can put up a sail shade to cover my patio n hang lights.
Kate,
I haven’t written the directions up yet for the Texas Lampposts. I will be doing that very soon.
gail
I LOVE this makeover, Gail! What a great idea for anyone who has their camper parked in their yard/driveway to incorporate it into a backyard camping retreat. Your hard work paid off. What a night and day transformation and such a great idea! Enjoyed the video tour your cute little doggie took us on too 🙂
aww, thanks Marie! Silly Lulu Mae! After having the camper parked in the front driveway since last summer. . . this is sooo much better! It was a lot of work, but so totally worth it.
I appreciate your kind comment.
gail
Lots of great ideas in this post! I love that you’re using a camper as a guest house. We have been working on our backyard as well, making it into a private retreat for relaxing. It’s coming along.
Lorraine,
If you’re like me you will probably be asking yourself why you waited so long. I guess I needed a good reason to do my makeover. 🙂
Good luck completing your private retreat! It’s the best staycation, right?
gail
What an awesome backyard entertainment spot. I like the use of the camper for a quest room and a get away for yourself. I would love to be your guest.
Tammy,
Thank you! The backyard camper retreat is so much better than camping in the front driveway. lol
It looks amazing, Gail!
Thank you Paula. I do love my new space so much! Still a lot of work to do, but I’m patiently waiting till I can complete the look.
gail
looks very inviting!
Nova,
I worked so hard on this, very very long days! I’m so glad I didn’t give up. I still don’t believe it when I walk out the back door onto my new porch. 🙂
gail
It looks amazing! You put every inch of that backyard to good use! 🙂
Yep, EVERY inch of my tiny backyard. 🙂 But I love it so much and can’t wait for my daughter to visit and stay in the camper. 🙂
gail
Wow- great job! It looks so inviting!
Thank you !!!! I think I can call it a success–I lived through it! 🙂
gail
It is an awesome looking space! I love love love it!
awww, you’re the BEST! Thank you for your inspiration and all your help and ideas! But I’m not ready for you to have any other great ideas anytime soon!
ng
It’s so comfortable looking. It’s going to get a lot of use. So you have someone coming in a few weeks? Is it someone about 3 feet tall? Did you remove the fence on the far side of the trailer?
You’re one smart cookie! Yes, about 3 years old, not sure he’s that tall yet. 🙂 I haven’t seen him since March!!!
I did remove one section of fence on the side, and one that was blocking the backyard (from the driveway) They about whooped me! So many nails and stubborn boards.
Like I said, several things need to change in order to make the camper easy in and out. It was too stressful getting it back there. I can’t go through that with every trip. But for now, since I can’t go camping it’s working perfectly!
gail
Wow, everything turned out so pretty. Thank you for sharing your experience
Thank you so much Maria. I appreciate your comment. It’s been 25 years since I’ve spent time in my backyard. It’s hard to believe it’s the same space.
gail
Texas lamp posts? I live in Texas and have never heard of this… not that I go outside much, I’m pretty much allergic to everything outside.
hahaha
I am NOT from Texas, but that’s what I heard them called. lol
You did an amazing job! All is comfy cozy.
I’m still working on my out door scape.
Will send you some updates.
thanks Roseann!
I love all the seating options. I think there really is something for everyone. 🙂
gail