Camping is all about unplugging and enjoying the outdoors, but when you have allergies, it comes with extra planning and constant awareness of your surroundings. With the right preparation, you can spend less time managing symptoms and more time actually enjoying your trip.
Check the Pollen Count or Pollen Trends
If you can help it, plan your camping around a time of year that will have fewer of your problem allergens in bloom. You can do that by checking your weather app for pollen counts leading up to your trip, and adjust your plans if necessary.
To plan even further in advance, check out our pollen allergy seasons map and select the state where you’ll be camping. The PDF for that state will outline which months are the worst for your specific allergies. Allergic to pine trees? You’ll want to avoid camping in the southeast from February to April, for example.
Choose an RV or Cabin if Possible
It may not be your traditional camping situation, but for those with severe allergies, an RV or cabin may be the best option. With a tent, or any kind of vessel with mesh or wide-open windows, your body won’t have a break from the allergens. The constant exposure can cause increased allergy symptoms, so choosing lodging that offers closed windows and air conditioning is recommended and shower before bed to wash pollen off.
Consider Irritants You May Be Exposed To
Camping comes with a lot of elements that people aren’t exposed to in daily life, and they can certainly cause allergy symptoms.
Think about the things you may put on your skin, or even bump into accidentally. Bug spray, sunscreen, sunburn cream, bug bite relief, and other items you pack in your bag “just in case” can irritate the skin. There are also natural irritants – like plants, chlorine or lake water, weeds or grasses that you aren’t typically exposed to – that could cause an unexpected reaction.
There are also the irritants you breathe in, like smoke. Campfires are known to cause headaches, congestion, and respiratory upset for those with allergies. If you typically have these symptoms around the campfire, it may be best to skip the s’mores and save yourself from added symptoms.
Treat the Cause of Allergies
You can try your best to avoid allergies while camping, but nature is known to throw curve balls, and no matter how much you prepare, there’s always a chance for allergy symptoms. You can show up prepared with antihistamines, creams, and inhalers, but the only true way to reduce symptoms is through allergy treatment.
Allergychoices recommends allergy drops following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol to treat the root cause of allergy. Allergy drops contain tiny amounts of the allergens you’re allergic to, and the amount is slowly and safely increased over time. The goal is for the body to get used to increasing amounts, so that when exposed to problem allergens naturally, the body doesn’t respond with a reaction.
If you’re ready to go camping or enjoy the outdoors without having to consider your allergies, find a provider near you that offers allergy drop treatment.