Healthy Camping
When it comes to travel, chronic illness often throws a wrench in the works. While it is certainly possible to travel, visit new destinations and have adventures — I have done them all — we need to approach each opportunity with flexibility and caution.
Nothing is impossible
We simply have the right support and planning in place.
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It is my Universe, after all.
Camping can seem out of the question '— Sleeping in an uncomfortable tent, far from civilization, without proper toilets or accessibility. For people like me, this seems absolutely daunting. But guess what? This doesn’t have to be the case. A night in the wilderness can take many forms, and an outdoor adventure can easily be adjusted to accommodate specific needs.
So, whatever the nature of your illness may be, there are plenty of ways to make your dream camping trip happen. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Start small
If this is your first camping trip while living with chronic illness, it’s best not to be too ambitious. A month sleeping rough in the Australian Outback might be best saved for a future trip. Frankly, this is NEVER happening with me - LOL! We don’t know how we will cope with this new situation until we’re right in the middle of it, so it’s best to start closer to home. One night in a local campsite, or even in a backyard garden, can help test out equipment and sleeping system to ensure we can sleep comfortably. It gives us a chance to go back home if we are struggling and make adjustments.
Camping is possible even for the chronically ill
Be prepared
Before embarking, do your research. Now here’s where you can let your nerd flag fly. I mean… I am not saying I have one. Okay, yes, I am saying, I have a serious research nerd side and if you do, great. Even if you don’t, however, you need to do this. Find out as much as you can about the area in which you are planning to stay.
What are the facilities like and how accessible are they?
What will the weather be like?
All these things may affect the trip and as chronic illness warriors, we need to prepare for every eventuality. Planning the camping supplies for your upcoming adventure trip is also important. We need to make sure we have plenty of food and warm gear, as well as any medication and other personal items.
Get comfy
Camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. It’s not always about sleeping in tiny tents on hard ground in the pouring rain. If it was, it wouldn’t include me. Ever since the Girl Scouts denied my troop the Polar Bear badge over 1 degree after we sat in pouring, freezing (I am sorry ALMOST-freezing rain), my days of ugly paiful camping are over. It can be a glamorous and cozy experience. There are plenty of campsites offering “glamping” experiences with large tents and proper beds, heating, and electricity. We’re still experiencing the magic of nature, but have all the amenities. This is especially nice if you have flares a lot.
Use your support network
Having friends or family around you who understand your needs is invaluable. They help make the most out of the trip, and be there for use when we struggle. They will provide the good times and make the hard times easier. That’s really why we celebrate them in any situation, right?
Camping Time can be family time even for the chronically ill
Be realistic
Everyone’s limits are different, and it’s important that we are practical and honest about what we can achieve. Remember, too, that they can change. I have good days and bad. What you can do in the summer may not be the same as what you can do in the winter, and that is okay. Know what you are getting into and accept that it may be difficult. I know that I am learning to not be hard on myself if I struggle, and take things one step at a time. I wish that for you, too.
Every time we push ourselves and reclaim a piece of life outside of our illness, we win. No matter the size, it is a win. Remember that.
Do you struggle with a chronic illness? If so, do you still travel?
