The Endometriosis Warrior's Guide to Camping

The Endometriosis Warrior's Guide to Camping

Camping is a beloved outdoor activity that many people enjoy, but for those of us with endometriosis, the idea of camping can be daunting. Although I am someone who loves nature, the thought of having an endometriosis flare-up in the middle of nowhere without access to a bathroom or my endometriosis essentials sounded like a nightmare so I just don't camp. When I met my partner he mentioned he was an avid camper. I was so nervous to tell him about my endo thinking it would be a deal breaker because we wouldn't be able to camp together. But my partner was determined to make it work, and after months of planning and discussing, I finally feel more comfortable about camping with endometriosis. So, here are some tips I came up with for all you outdoorsy endometriosis warriors out there!

Portable battery pack with AC outlet

Another solution is to bring a portable battery that has the capability to plug in a heating pad. Just make sure to do some research and ensure that the voltage will work for your heating pad. With a little preparation, a backup battery can be a lifesaver for cramps and tons of other things.

Hot Water Bottle and Tea Kettle 

When you're on a campsite, electricity may be limited, so I recommend bringing a hot water bottle and tea kettle so you can easily heat up water as needed. The great thing about the hot water bottle is that you can reuse the water over and over again. Its also nice to have a tea kettle on hand to make ginger tea in the morning to help with any inflammation throughout the day.

Camping toilet

When it comes to bathroom breaks, a portable camping toilet is a game-changer. No more awkward squatting behind bushes! This will come in handy when you're having a terrible flare-up where things might be coming out of both ends. Just remember to bring enough bags for waste disposal and extra TP for those midnight runs!

Pop-Up Portable Tent

Having some extra privacy can be really helpful when dealing with endometriosis pain, so investing in a pop-up tent is definitely worth it! This is especially useful if you need to set up a makeshift shower or portable toilet in the middle of nowhere.

Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes

Most campsites have less-than-ideal toilet paper, so it's important that you bring your own in case of any stomach issues that may arise during the trip. Wet wipes are also handy for personal hygiene when there's no shower available!

Bring Spare Sheets 

It's always important to bring spare sheets just in case of any hot and cold sweats that might occur during the night due to pain or discomfort caused by endometriosis flare-ups. I love moisture wicking sheets as they tend to dry a bit faster.

Extra Pajamas or Moisture Wicking Clothes 

Keep yourself comfortable by investing in moisture-wicking pajamas or clothes that won't add sweat to an already uncomfortable situation!

Comfy Pillow and Blanket 

Endometriosis pain can sometimes make sleeping difficult, so it's important that you bring something comfy like a pillow, blanket and sleeping mat with you on your trip to ensure maximum comfort while sleeping outdoors!

Pack your Pain meds

As part of your regular treatment plan for endometriosis, make sure that you pack enough pain medication for the duration of your trip just in case symptoms start flaring up unexpectedly during the roadtrip or at campgrounds/campsites. to avoid bringing a ton of pill bottle with ya by yourself a travel pill organizer. 

Pack Anti-Inflammatory Foods

When most people go camping, they tend to bring quick, processed foods because they are convenient and easy to prepare. However, when you have endometriosis, it is crucial to be mindful of what you eat to reduce the likelihood of triggering a flare-up. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, including olive oil, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables, can really help to reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis flare-ups. So, instead of packing those hot dogs, burgers or chips, try to bring healthier options like fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Not only will these foods help to reduce inflammation, but they will also provide you with the necessary nutrients to keep your body functioning well while you're out in nature.

Bring Lots of Sunscreen

When you're out camping, you're likely to spend a lot of time in the sun, which means that you'll need a good sunscreen to protect your skin. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and some may even contain harmful chemicals that can be endocrine disruptors. This is where EWG-verified sunscreens come in. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an organization that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of consumer products, including sunscreens. An EWG-verified sunscreen is one that meets strict criteria for safety and efficacy, meaning that it is free of harmful chemicals and provides reliable protection against the sun's harmful rays. By using an EWG-verified sunscreen, you can shield yourself from the sun's rays without worrying about the potential negative effects on your health. So, before you head out on your camping trip, be sure to do your research and invest in a high-quality, EWG-verified sunscreen to keep yourself protected while enjoying the great outdoors.

Female urination device

The GoGirl female urination device can be incredibly helpful for women who need frequent bathroom breaks during hiking or camping trips. This medical-grade silicone device allows women to urinate while standing, which means you can avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of squatting behind bushes or trees. The GoGirl is lightweight, easy to pack, and takes up minimal space in your backpack, making it a practical addition to your hiking or camping gear. 

Essential Oils 

Essential oils are a great addition to any camping trip. Lavender oil is especially great for relaxation and calming down any anxiety or stress that might come up during your trip due to period pain or other endo symptoms. Trust me, a little aromatherapy can go a long way. Some oils also make great insect repellents. When purchasing essential oils make sure they are safe and Non GMO. 

Tens unit

When it comes to dealing with endometriosis pain, a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit can be wonderful, and it's a great idea to bring one along on your camping trip. TENS units work by sending electrical impulses to the nerves to help alleviate pain, and they're a drug-free way to manage endometriosis symptoms. With a portable TENS unit, you can get pain relief even in the great outdoors. Just make sure to pack extra batteries and extra electrode pads to ensure that you have enough supplies for the duration of your trip. Overall, a TENS unit can be a great tool to help you manage endometriosis pain and enjoy your camping trip without worrying about unexpected flare-ups.


Now that you've got these tips, go out there and enjoy camping with endometriosis! Don't let endo hold you back from experiencing the beauty of nature. With a little preparation, you can still have a great time while managing your endo symptoms. So pack up your gear, gather your friends or family, y Vamos!

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Coco Elizabeth

Coco is an endo and adeno warrior with over over 20 years of experience navigating the ups and downs of endometriosis. She is an endometriosis lifestyle expert who loves sharing practical tips for living your best life with chronic illness. As a travel and food enthusiast, she hunts for cozy stays and endo-friendly eats while dishing out tips that make living life with endo a little less shitty. From taking cooking classes abroad and giving classic recipes a healthier twist to finding restaurants that cater to endo needs, she proves that life with endo can be an adventure filled with flavor and discovery!

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