What to Do If You Get Sick While Camping

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Last Updated on 10/2025 by Mom Goes Camping

I pride myself on being someone who prepares for everything. I’m always imagining worst-case scenarios and how I’d deal with them (it actually drives my husband crazy because I’m so “pessimistic”).

Still, I wasn’t fully prepared the first time I got sick while camping.

I’m not talking about a bit of the sniffles. I was literally puking my guts out all over the trail. It was just me and my daughter (then 5 years old) on the trip. Luckily, it was me who got sick and not my daughter.

Getting sick while camping is one of those things that seems terrifying until it happens to you. Then you realize that with the right preparation and mindset, you can handle it—and maybe even learn something valuable. Here’s what happened to me, what I learned from the experience, and exactly how to prepare in case you ever get sick while camping.

My Story: When Everything Went Wrong

Everything Started Out Fine…

Even before I got sick, the camping trip wasn’t going so well. I’d changed our plans last-minute because the weather forecast called for thunderstorms. So, I thought it would be fun to camp inside of a cave so we could take shelter there. It ended up not raining. Note to self: Never change plans again just because of the weather forecast!

It turns out that camping inside of a cave is NOT as much fun as it would seem. The cave was full of dust which swirled around in the wind. The ground acted like a heat sink and my crappy sleeping pad offered little protection.

Oh, and there was that vipera berus—a highly venomous snake—which was hanging out just 1 meter from the tent! I’m not afraid of snakes and know what to do if you see a snake, but it still put me on edge.

Then I Woke Up Puking and with Diarrhea

I woke up very early in the morning and immediately had to vomit. I’ll spare you the details about the diarrhea! Needless to say, I didn’t have time to dig a cat-hole, and I feel really bad about not following the “leave no trace” rule of wild camping.

When my daughter woke up, we packed up camp and hiked down to the road (which luckily wasn’t very far). Then we hitchhiked to the nearest town.

We went to a pharmacy so I could get anti-diarrhea medicine. Oh, did I mention that I was in Bulgaria and I don’t speak Bulgarian? I had to pantomime what medicine I needed! It’s funny in retrospect, but in the moment, it was pretty stressful trying to communicate while feeling absolutely miserable.

Electrolytes Saved Me

I wasn’t completely unprepared for getting sick while camping. One thing that I had in my mini first aid kit was electrolytes, and honestly, they were a lifesaver.

What Are Electrolytes and Why Do They Matter?

Electrolytes are minerals which are vital for balancing fluids in your cells. You can drink tons of water but won’t actually hydrate yourself without also consuming electrolytes. Basically, electrolytes help hydrate your body super quickly. That’s why sports drinks contain electrolytes—and why they’re absolutely essential when you’re losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea.

If I hadn’t packed electrolytes with my gear, I would have been severely dehydrated from throwing up all of the water I’d drunk. I was still tired from not being able to keep food down, but at least I was hydrated enough to function and take care of my daughter.

These electrolytes contain 30 packets and cost $24. You can buy them here.

Electrolyte packets are lightweight, take up almost no space, and can make a huge difference when you’re sick outdoors. Buy them here.

4 Critical Lessons I Learned from Getting Sick While Camping

1. Always Have a SOLID Backup Plan

When traveling with my daughter, I always have a backup accommodation in case something goes wrong. For this trip, I’d written down the addresses of 3 different guesthouses. After hitting up the pharmacy, we tried going to them.

Unfortunately, they were really hard to find. We ended up walking all over town trying to find the addresses (me puking along the way).

The first guesthouse wasn’t open.
The second guesthouse was so terrible that we skipped it.
The third guesthouse was fully booked.

My backup plan had failed!

Luckily, I stumbled across a nice taxi driver who took us to a nearby campground.

Next time, I will make sure to:

  • Check in with the police or park rangers at the start of the trip in case things go so wrong that I can’t get out on my own
  • Get the phone numbers AND detailed directions to my backup locations before I leave
  • Have a phone number for a local taxi company so I don’t end up walking all around town while puking
  • Research the backup accommodation better, especially when options are limited in remote areas
  • Save emergency contacts and addresses offline on my phone in case I don’t have service

2. Resting in a Sleeping Bag Can Be As Good As Resting At Home

When you’re sick while camping, you do what you’d do at home: stay warm, stay hydrated, and relax. This is exactly what I did at the campground. After setting up the tent, I put on all of my warm clothes and curled up in my sleeping bag. I rested while Isabel ran around playing with beetles (we both really like insects).

Maybe I would have been more comfortable in a warm hotel with a proper bed. But at least I had a toilet and potable water at the campground. I’m glad that we ended up there and not in a boring hotel where my daughter would have just been watching cartoons all day while I rested. Need ideas for keeping kids entertained while you recover? See these camping activities that require zero prep.

The key is creating a comfortable recovery environment wherever you are:

3. Have a Good First Aid Kit

I have since updated my first aid kit based on this experience. Electrolytes are an absolute MUST. I also now carry anti-diarrhea medicine (no more needing to pantomime to pharmacists!), activated charcoal for food poisoning, and fever medicine.

Essential items for handling illness while camping:

  • Electrolyte packets – For rehydration when you’re losing fluids
  • Anti-diarrhea medication – Imodium or similar
  • Anti-nausea medication – Can help you keep food and water down
  • Fever reducer – Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Activated charcoal – For suspected food poisoning
  • Hand sanitizer – To prevent spreading illness
  • Plastic bags – For vomiting when you can’t get out of the tent quickly
  • Toilet paper and wet wipes – Always bring extra

Resources for building your first aid kit:

travel first aid kit list

4. Always Bring Soup When Camping

I had packed soup for a few of our backpacking meals, and it turned out to be perfect sick food. The other food I’d brought was not suitable for an upset stomach. So, I made the soup for myself and gave my daughter the other food. I just made the soup with more water so it was easier on my stomach and more hydrating.

Lesson? Always bring warm soup when camping. Even if you don’t get sick, it’s comforting on cold mornings and easy to digest after a long day of hiking.

Should I Have Given Up on the Trip?

After a day of rest, I felt a bit better. We were even able to go hiking around the area and explore a nearby cave system. However, once back home, I got a bit pissed at myself.

Why do I have to be so friggin’ “tough” that I walked for hours with a pack while vomiting on myself?
Why didn’t I just give up and go back home?
Why do I feel like I have to prove something?

And then I think back to this short trip we had. It was tough. Not just the sickness part, but camping in cold weather, seeing a venomous snake, Isabel overcoming her fear and exploring caves, hitchhiking all day…

It was also really worth it.

How many 5-year-olds can say that they’ve slept in a cave?
How many kids love bugs so much that they stop to remove every single bug from the trail so it won’t get squashed?
How many kids get a firsthand look at weathering, erosion, and plate tectonics?

So, yes, sometimes you might get sick while camping. Just do what you would have done if sick at home: eat soup, stay hydrated, and relax as much as possible. You’ll find that you can rest just as well in a sleeping bag outside as you can on your couch at home.

Is it worth being tough and sticking with it? That depends on your situation. There’s no shame in cutting a trip short if you’re truly miserable or if the illness is serious. But if you can safely rest and recover where you are, you might find that pushing through creates some of your most memorable camping experiences.

hiking belogradchik lepinitsa cave

Complete Action Plan: What to Do If You Get Sick While Camping

Before Your Trip (Prevention & Preparation)

Pack a comprehensive first aid kit including:

  • Electrolytes – This is THE most important item
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium)
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Activated charcoal for food poisoning
  • Extra plastic bags for vomiting
  • Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
  • See my updated kit checklist

Plan your backup options:

  • Research nearby towns, campgrounds, or accommodations
  • Save addresses, phone numbers, and directions offline
  • Check in with local police or park rangers and get their contact info
  • For remote wilderness trips, carry a GPS communication device

Prevent illness:

When Illness Strikes

Immediate steps:

  1. Stop and assess: Don’t try to push through if you’re seriously ill
  2. Set up a comfortable recovery spot: Pitch your tent or find shelter if you haven’t already
  3. Start hydrating immediately: Mix electrolytes with water and sip constantly, even if you’re vomiting
  4. Take appropriate medication: Anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea, or fever reducers as needed
  5. Stay warm: Layer up with all your warm clothes, even inside your sleeping bag
  6. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight whatever’s making you sick

If you’re camping with others:

  • Let them know what’s happening
  • Ask for help with camp tasks if needed
  • Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading illness
  • Keep some distance if possible to protect others

If you’re solo camping (like I was):

  • Move to a safer location if needed (closer to trailhead or help)
  • Contact someone to let them know your situation
  • Don’t be a hero – call for help if you’re seriously ill
  • Keep emergency contacts and your backup plan accessible

Deciding Whether to Continue or Cut the Trip Short

Continue camping if:

  • You have access to clean water and sanitation
  • You’re able to keep fluids down with electrolytes
  • You have a safe, comfortable place to rest
  • The illness seems to be improving
  • You’re not putting yourself or others in danger
  • You have adequate supplies to care for yourself
  • Weather conditions are manageable (if storms threaten, see our thunderstorm safety guide)

Head home or seek medical help if:

  • You can’t keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours
  • You have a high fever that won’t break
  • You’re showing signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
  • You have severe abdominal pain or blood in vomit/stool
  • You’re too weak to take care of basic needs
  • The situation is affecting your judgment or safety
  • You’re responsible for young children who need care

Common Camping Illnesses and How to Handle Them

Food Poisoning or Stomach Bugs

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
Treatment: Electrolytes, anti-diarrhea medication, activated charcoal, rest
Duration: Usually 24-48 hours

Dehydration

Symptoms: Extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, fatigue, headache
Treatment: Electrolyte drinks, small frequent sips of water, rest in shade
Prevention: Drink before you’re thirsty, especially in hot weather or at altitude

Colds and Flu

Symptoms: Congestion, cough, fever, body aches
Treatment: Fever reducers, warm fluids, rest, stay warm and dry
Note: Often preventable by staying warm and dry. Use the proper layering system and know how to make a fire even in the rain to stay warm.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, dizziness
Treatment: Move to shade, remove excess clothing, drink electrolytes, cool down with wet cloths
Warning: Can progress to heat stroke, which is life-threatening

Special Considerations When Camping with Kids

Getting sick while camping with children adds an extra layer of complexity. You need to care for yourself while also keeping your kids safe and entertained.

If you get sick while camping with kids:

  • Set up activities they can do independently. See these camping activities for kids that require zero planning.
  • Keep them close but occupied – nature provides endless entertainment
  • Have easy snacks accessible that they can get themselves
  • Explain what’s happening in age-appropriate terms so they don’t worry
  • Don’t hesitate to call for help if you’re unable to care for them properly

Planning a camping trip with little ones? Check out these resources:

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Be Human

Getting sick while camping doesn’t mean you’re a bad camper or that you failed. Bodies get sick sometimes—that’s just part of being human. What matters is how you prepare for it and how you handle it when it happens.

It’s okay to give up on a trip. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Your safety and health come first, always.

But if you can safely rest and recover where you are, you might find that these “disaster” trips become some of your most memorable experiences. They teach resilience, problem-solving, and that you’re tougher than you think.

Just make sure you’re prepared. Pack those electrolytes. Have a backup plan. Know when to push through and when to call it quits. See all our camping safety guides here.

What would you do if you got puking sick while camping? Have you ever had to deal with illness in the backcountry? Share your story in the comments below!

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