Why Is Camping So Exhausting: And How To Fix It Fast Fast

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

Your camping trip should be many things – but not boring.

When I hear of people getting bored and exhausted, it’s normally people who used to love camping.

So what changed?

I can’t answer that. However, I can provide some common reasons in this article.

Before we get into it, please remember that having ‘boring’ periods when camping is totally fine. Chances are, it’s nothing to do with camping itself.

So, don’t give it up just yet!

Below you can find 10 tips on why you’re feeling exhausted when camping. I’ll also provide solutions to each of these problems.

That way, you can get back to the glory days when camping trips were the highlight of our month!

10 Reasons Why Camping Trips Have Become Exhausting

1. Lack Of Planning

When people get bored of something, it’s normally because of no planning.

Do you wait until the last minute to plan your camping trip?

This may be fine when solo camping. However, it becomes a problem if you’re a family. That’s because getting everything prepared for multiple people can be stressful.

This drains your energy and leaves you exhausted before the trip has even begun.

Not a good start, huh!?

To make sure this doesn’t happen, I recommend planning in advance. That means packing the equipment, checking the tent, and making sure the kids are prepared.

When you go camping, everything will be ready to go. You can pick up your stuff and walk out the door knowing everything is packed in advance.

Plus, you’re well likely to forget equipment when you plan and pack beforehand.

Because we all know how stressful that can be, right!?

If you are already at the campsite and feeling exhausted, I recommend meditation.

When camping, you’re already in nature.

So why not add some meditation to the mix?

Numerous studies have shown it increases energy, even when practiced in short bursts [1]. Combine increased energy with the mood-boosting benefits and you’re on the road to an enjoyable camping experience.

2. Get A Good Night’s Sleep

If there’s one thing your body needs to function correctly – it’s sleep.

Even missing one night of sleep has negative effects on your energy levels.

You also have to consider your sleep quality.

The sleep hormone, also known as Melatonin, is what’s responsible for telling your body when it’s time to sleep.

However, many things can affect the production of this hormone.

Primarily – phones and electronic devices.

The LED screens emit blue light, making it harder for your body to produce melatonin when you need to.

On your next trip, it’s best to keep your phone locked away somewhere.

After all, you’re in the great outdoors.

Who wants to be glued to a phone all day!?

And that’s not the only thing to worry about.

You should also think about getting a sleeping pad.

A sleeping bag by itself is not always enough to keep you warm. However, combined with a sleeping pad, you have more insulation.

This is excellent when Winter camping.

Because nothing will make for a miserable night’s sleep like freezing cold weather!

3. You’re Overdoing It

I get it.

Camping is about adventures, activities, and endless fun!

You’re definitely not supposed to stay in a tent 24/7.

However, there needs to be some balance.

I’ve found that if you do too much of anything in life, it becomes boring pretty fast. Constant activities are draining on the body and will leave you feeling exhausted.

Therefore, I recommend taking it down a notch (occasionally).

That doesn’t mean you need to stop having amazing camping experiences.

But when you’re feeling drained, why not play some card games with the family? You can still have fun doing this, and it won’t be as taxing on the body.

4. Bad Weather Can Ruin A Camping Trip

Personally, I enjoy camping in the rain.

However, everybody is different.

Studies show some people are happier in the Summer, some in the Winter, and others are unaffected by the weather [2].

If you’re not a Winter person, then cold weather could be the culprit of your exhaustion, so make sure you take precautions to stay warm in your tent.

The good news is you can travel somewhere hotter for your next trip.

In addition, it could have something to do with your vitamin D levels. It’s commonly known that spending time in the sun provides the body with much-needed vitamin D.

One of the most common signs of vitamin D deficiency is fatigue[3].

And that’s why you may be feeling exhausted.

Luckily, there are supplements available.

5. The Bugs Are Affecting Your Experience

Not only are bugs annoying, but they also affect your mental health (non-campers wouldn’t understand!).

If bugs are making you stressed, then it’s easy to feel exhausted.

Plus, they can ruin a good night’s sleep.

This becomes even more prominent if you’re sleeping in a hammock.

To prevent a constant onslaught of bugs, I recommend getting some bug spray. If you’re camping in a tent, make sure it’s covered with mesh and no mosquitoes can get through.

For all the people sleeping in hammocks, you can also get a mesh cover.

6. You’re More Suited For Glamping

I love traditional camping.

However, that may not be the case for you.

And that’s fine!

Everybody has their own preferences and you should stick with what works for you.

But before you chuck out the tent and call it a day, have you thought about glamping? Glamping is similar to camping with a twist of modern luxury.

Kinda like a hotel in nature.

Most of the time, you will have running water and electricity. Rather than sleeping in a tent, you can relax in a glamping pod.

Glamping pods can be anything, from converted cargo containers to house-like huts and cabins.

With this style of camping, there is less stress involved.

No more communal toilets.

Leaky tents.

Or dragging about gas bottles!

Instead, you can have running water, a private toilet, and electricity.

Some people would consider this ‘cheating’. However, you still get to experience the beauty of nature.

Just with some additional perks!

7. You’re Forgetting About Nutrition

When spending time away from home, it’s easy to forget about nutrition.

And that could be the cause of your fatigue and exhaustion.

Poor nutrition has been shown to make you feel tired and lethargic. To combat this, I recommend trying to eat a diet consisting of whole foods.

Here are some examples:

Eggs
Fruit
Veg
Fish
Steak
Nuts

These are only a few examples of nutrient-dense foods. Search the web and you’ll find countless more examples.

When you consume the foods mentioned above, you’re getting many of the nutrients you need to thrive.

You also need to consider the number of calories you’re consuming. If you’re out and about all day when camping, it’s important to eat more.

Lack of calories is a major cause of fatigue and exhaustion.

And here’s something you may not have known…

Eating a calorie-restricted diet can actually make you gain weight! This is because your metabolism slows down and tries to preserve energy.

8. It Could Be A Cardio Problem

Let’s be honest.

Camping is no walk in the park! A lot of time spent hiking and exploring new places is taxing on the body.

If you’re not used to hiking all day, it could lead to exhaustion.

To prevent this from happening, here’s my advice.

A few weeks before camping, take up running as a hobby.

You don’t have to run a marathon; however, building a solid cardio base will help tremendously when it comes to hiking.

To spice things up a little, you can even join your local running club.

Who knows, maybe you’ll be competing with Usain Bolt one day!??

If you hate running, there are other alternatives. For example, you can try swimming.

The good thing about swimming is it’s less stressful on the body. This is because you’re buoyant and there is no hard impact on your joints.

9. Your Trip Is Not Long Enough

As we discussed previously, the preparation that goes into camping is stressful.

If you spend ages preparing, only to enjoy one night of camping.

Is it really worth it?

Most of the time will be spent thinking about how you’re going to take everything down and head home the following day.

Therefore, I recommend a minimum of 3 days, so you can truly relax.

Summary

Camping is supposed to be fun, so don’t get bogged down by the little things.

Plan in advance and ensure you have a good sleeping arrangement.

Oh, and take it easy on the hiking. Unless your body is used to it, you’re bound to be exhausted.

You can still have as much fun in your tent or sitting around the campfire telling stories.

Want To Become A Camping Expert?

If you want to take your camping knowledge to the next level, you can view my collection of guides by clicking the button below!