Camp Hangout for 18" or American Girl Dolls

Camp Hangout for 18" or American Girl Dolls
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to build your own camp hangout for 18" or American Girl dolls.  Uses standard off the wood lumber and just a drill and brad nailer or stapler for assembly.

Step by step plans with full diagrams, cut list and shopping list.

More photos and build post at JaimeCostiglio.com

For the past seven years, Jaime Costiglio and I have collaborated on our Handbuilt Holiday series in the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas.

handbuilt holiday

You can see all the plans in this collection here.

 

This week's Handbuilt Holiday is for the 18 inch doll fans - if your child loves American Girl, My Life or Our Generation dolls, here's an amazing gift that you can build for much less!

american girl camp hideout

It's a camp hideaway playhouse set that fits 18" dolls!  We were inspired by the American Girl Camp Hideout (retail $185) which was inspired by The Handmade Home's Kid Sized Hideaway.  You can build it for MUCH less and WAY cuter.

 

Wood vs Plastic

Our DIY version is made from wood - so it is biodegradable so will eventually go back to nature (instead of filling a landfill indefinitely).  Wood is easy to repair, and repaint or refinish, should you want to update or remodel for the next generation.

We also love the look and feel of wood too! You can use scrap wood to really cut the cost down and clean up your shop.

 

Accessories

The accessories are what make this playset so beautiful!  Jaime created many of these herself using scrap wood pieces!  Please visit JaimeCostiglio.com for more information on the accessory creation.

 

More American Girl Plans

We have lots more American girl plans, everything from huge dollhouses to doll bunk beds and playsets.  

  

A few of our favorite American Girl plans are the market stand and the small space dollhouse.  You can find all these plans and much more here.

 

Plans for the Camp Hideaway

The free plans for this camp hideaway follow.  If you build, we ask that you submit a brag post so others can see how your project turned out.  Please include any helpful insights and photos.

Please take a second to hop over to read Jaime Costilgio's build post with lots more photos.

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS AND BUILD POST 

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Camp Hangout for 18" or American Girl Dolls

Dimensions
camp hideaway for american girl my life our generation dolls dimensions
Base is 24" x 24", about 24" tall - suitable for 18" dolls including American Girl or MyLife dolls or Our Generation Dolls

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 3/4" plywood @ 24" x 24"

1 - 1/4" plywood, 24" x 48"

1 - 2x2 @ 6 feet long

3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

1-1/4" and 3/4" brad nails

2" self tapping wood screws (Spax or similar, #7 preferred but #8 is ok - can be slightly longer or shorter depending on what is available at your hardware store)

Common Materials
Cut List

Base

  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 24" x 24" 
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 5"
  • 8 - 1x2 @ 4-1/4" - long point to long point, both ends cut at 45 degree bevels, ends NOT parallel

House

  • 2 - 1x2 @ 13-1/2" (shown in plans as 17")
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 11"
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 16-1/2" - one end cut at 30 degrees off square, longest point measurement
  • Back plywood is 24" x 20-1/4" - cut angles for roof off 
  • 8 - 1/4" plywood pieces @ 4" x 13-1/2" - first cut the scrap from the back plywood into strips 4" wide x ~27-1/2" long, then cut into the 13-1/2" lengths

Railing

  • 4 - 1x2 @ 4-1/4"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 7-3/4"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 6-5/8" - both ends cut at 30 degrees bevel, ends ARE parallel, long point to short point measurement
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 3-3/8" - both ends cut at 30 degree bevel, ends are NOT parallel, long point to short point measurement
  • 2 - 1x2 @ about 9-3/4" - railing sides, should be cut to fit the width of the opening

Stairs

  • 2 - 1x2 @ 5-3/4" long - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, long point to short point measurement
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 8" long

 

 

Cutting Instructions

This plan has many small cuts at angles.  Do not cut small pieces from small pieces. Instead, cut a small piece off a long board to avoid an injury.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Attach legs to the 3/4" plywood base using the 2" screws.

Set in as shown in diagram.

Step 2

Attach cross bracing to legs with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Step 3

Attach 1x2 to top of 2x2.  You can overhang the front slightly to create more detail in the finished product.

Attach walls to base from underneath.

PLAN NOTE: As shown in photos, we shortened the top 1x2s to 13-1/2" long to allow for easier access inside the "cabin" and to make the plywood roof pieces fit from the scraps from the back.

Step 4

Build railing by nailing pieces together with glue.  Clamp the pieces to a workbench when attaching.

Note overhangs.

TIP: Wait until after you add the X detailing (next step) to attach to the 3/4" plywood floor.

Step 5

Cut railing detailing inside the railing frames.  Make sure they fit.

Glue and nail pieces together inside the frames.

Attach railings to the 3/4" plywood floor.

Step 6

Measure the distance from the railing to the 2x2 "wall" piece.  Cut two  1x2s to this measurement.

Attach with glue and predrilled holes and 2" screws.  You can also use 2" brad nails and glue or hot glue.

Step 7

Use a jigsaw to cut out the birdsmouth in the rafter tails.

Attach two rafters together at the top.

Then attach rafters to the roof.

You can set back from the front of the 1x2 to add some detailing.

Step 8

Cut 1/4" plywood 24" wide x 20-1/4" tall.

Place on back of cabin and trace outline of the rafters.

Cut on traced lines with either a jigsaw or circular saw.

Attach with 3/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Step 9

From remaining 1/4" plywood, cut into strips 4" long by about 27-3/4" long.

Then cut those strips to 13-1/2" long.

Attach working from the bottom up to the rafters, with about a 1" overlap.

Step 10

Attach the stair treads to the stringers with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. 

Then attach to the plywood floor with 2" screws and glue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!