Why not get a "real" camera with a zoom lens? There are some smartphones with zoom features but that won't be probably enough.
The "ultra zoom" compact cameras with a small sensor (= not good for taking pictures in the low light) are usually cheaper than an average smartphone. If you don't mind a second hand one, you would probably get under $100.
Member dor123 uses a cheap ($248 at Amazon)
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS with an optical 40x zoom and he gets
details like this.
You would probably find it useful in many other situations.
If you stick on using your phone, a
foldable tent pole might possibly help you.