15 Best Mosquito Repellents For Camping

Do you ever catch yourself worrying about mosquitoes and bugs when planning a camping trip? There’s nothing worse than beautiful evening sunsets being ruined by pesky mosquitos biting you and buzzing around your head. This gets exponentially more annoying the later it gets, especially when you can’t seem to get to sleep due to the endless buzzing.

Mosquitoes and other bugs can even be dangerous in some parts of the world, spreading a range of diseases and parasites.

Although a good mosquito repellent won’t prevent you from seeing or hearing an insect or two during your camping trip, it can help to reduce bites and fend off these pesky little critters.

A good mosquito repellent paired with the right travel-friendly gear such as backpacking tents, sleeping bags, and a sturdy yet lightweight traveler’s backpack can make your camping trip a whole lot more enjoyable.

In this post, we’ll cover 13 of the best mosquito repellants for camping, helping you get to sleep easier and reducing the number of mosquito bites.

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle

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Let’s start our list of the best mosquito repellent for camping with something natural. In fact, Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle is plant-based. It’s made of essential oils and a blend of soy and beeswax. One candle lasts for up to 30 hours.

These candles are available as a single purchase, or you can buy a pack of 6 for a better deal. Each one comes with lemongrass, citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary oils. These candles are available as a single purchase, or you can buy a pack of 6 for a better deal. Each one comes with lemongrass, citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary oils. Besides repelling mosquitos, these candles also produce a lovely scent that can help to freshen up your tent. No harsh chemicals added!

Besides repelling mosquitos, these candles also produce a lovely scent that can help to freshen up your tent.

What We Love:

• Plant-based candle with natural fragrance

Pros:

• Burns up to 30 hours
• Natural ingredients
• No petroleum, no harsh chemicals
• Available in a packs of one to six candles

Cons:

• The smell is quite strong and may not be suitable for people with a very sensitive sense of smell

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

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For up to 12 hours, Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller repels mosquitos by creating an invisible 15-foot shield around it and everybody close to it. Unlike electric bug repellent, this one doesn’t need to be plugged into a power outlet to keep running. In fact, no batteries are needed! It works with a heat activation feature from a compact fuel cartridge that is included in every purchase.

Another thing that makes this product excel is the fact that it produces no fragrance. It seamlessly wards mosquitos off for up to 4 hours per repellent mat; 3 are included for free. This makes it more suitable at night as well as for people with a sensitive sense of smell.

What We Love:

• Unique, modern mosquito repellent for camping, family gatherings, or any other outdoor settings.

Pros:

• No battery, no chord
• Heat activated
• Long lasting
• No scent, no deet, no mess

Cons:

• Refill repellent mats need to be purchased separately

Superbrand Premium Neon – Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

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Easy and light to carry, this simple, neon-colored wristband is a great mosquito repellent for outdoor camping. Featuring four different colors, the Superbrand Premium Neon – Mosquito Repellent Bracelet effectively repels those pesky mosquitoes. So, wear the bracelet and say goodbye to sleepless nights of endless buzzing and days of itching and scratching.

Composed of Citronella oil, geraniol oil, and lemongrass oil, the ingredients effectively mask the human odor. The oil composition emits an aroma that blocks its receptors from detecting the human presence. Many as it avoids the messiness of lotions or does not have that obnoxious smell of the repellent sprays, the easy-to-wear band is favored by many. What’s more, these bands are non-toxic, DEET-free, waterproof, fit people of all sizes and ages, and can even be used on pets. Interested in this product or similar products? Check out our list of best mosquito repellent bracelets as well!

What We Love

• Can be worn anywhere as a bracelet or band
• Loved by kids for their bright neon colors

Pros

• Easy to wear
• Non-toxic and Deet-free
• Non-messy
• One size fits all
• The natural composition of oils makes it an effective repellent

Cons

• The smell fades pretty quickly

Bug-A-Salt 3.0

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Out of the many mosquito repellents for camping, here’s an interesting toy-gun-shaped device to get rid of the bothersome flies and mosquitoes. The unique feature of this Bug-A-Salt 3.0 is that it just shoots a shotgun spray of the salt hopper; all the insects are gone! In fact, it can eradicate all kinds of bugs, such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, cabbage worms, aphids, stinkbugs, and so on.

There is, of course, a fun element to using this device, and it can be a great pass time during an outdoor camping. Even better is the fact that it does not need batteries for it to function. On top of that, this mosquito repellent device comes with a free return policy.

What We Love

• Easy to operate

Pros

• Patented insect-eradication device
• Updated with Cross Bolt Safety
• No batteries required

Cons

• A little pricey

SALLYEANDER No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent & Anti Itch Cream

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Why use the chemical spray when you can go for something natural? SALLYEANDER No-Bite-Me is made of 16 essential oils – including mint and lemongrass – that have been proven to ward off mosquitos effectively. Besides, this product’s special blend also works as post-bite care. It reduces the itchiness so you can focus on adventuring and stop scratching your skin every minute.

This product is easy to apply. For prevention, rub the cream on exposed parts of your body. To relieve itchiness, dot it on the bite mark and rub it around. The minty and herbal formula will keep bugs away and relieve your itch while providing that natural scent everybody loves.

What We Love

• Natural blend of essential oils with minty and herbal scent

Pros

• Also works as anti-itch cream
• Keeps mosquitos away for up to 4 hours
• Safe for children
• Easy to apply
• 100% handmade

Cons

• Short self-life

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

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The Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is one of the best repellents for mosquitoes to carry for camping or outdoor trips. Eucalyptus oil is known to repel bugs and mosquitoes. Also, the spray has a refreshing lemon scent that will not assault your olfactory senses but will rather have a soothing and refreshing effect on them.

This spray is DEET-free and non-toxic. Additionally, it does not have that sticky or greasy feel when you apply it for protection. What’s more, the repellent’s effect can last a long time, as long as at least six hours. The best feature is that you can use this on children or three years old and above.

What We Love

• Ideal for outdoor activities
• Non-messy

Pros

• Easy to carry
• Apply on the go
• Does not have a greasy feel
• Deet-free and non-toxic
• Long-lasting effect

Cons

• The strong lemon aroma may not be appealing to all

Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray

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Here is another Repel product that is a well-known mosquito repellent for camping available in the market. Effective against various types of bugs, flies, and killer mosquito strains, such as Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya, this Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray is widely used for outdoor activities.

The repellent is mainly composed of DEET and can be an impactful shield in regions heavily infested with dangerous disease-carrying bugs and insects. Also, the protection can last for almost a day and is perfectly sized to be carried in your backpack. So, spray around you, and you need not even directly spray on yourself. And you will create an invisible shield around you from all kinds of bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes and enjoy an insect-free camping trip throughout.

What We Love

• Convenient and most effective repellent for camping trips

Pros

• Easy to carry
• Can repel any kind of mosquito strain, bugs, flies
• Highly effective during prolonged outdoor activities or in heavily insect-infested regions

Cons

• Repugnant odor
• Not safe for kids

Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repellent

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Among the many mosquito repellents for camping, the most unique and innovative of the lot is the Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repellent. This portable fuel-powered repellent device emits heat radiation to create a protective barrier against mosquitoes. In fact, it can create a 15-foot protection zone around you. The high-tech device looks straight out of a sci-fi movie to put down enemies. In this case, it is the deadly mosquitoes.

Easy to hold and carry, the repellent device has rubbery armor suited for all kinds of weather conditions. It works when powered by the Thermacell fuel cartridge, and each cartridge lasts as long as 12 hours. Note that there is no open flame when using such a device. There is even a blue LED ZoneCheck feature that alerts you when the fuel runs out. Most importantly, it is chemical-free and odor-free and has been tested by the EPA for safety.

What We Love

• Creates an effective zone for mosquito protection

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Advanced technology for better performance
• Effective and easy to use
• Non-toxic and odor-free

Cons

• Not effective when there is any kind of air movement

Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

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Cast your worries of mosquito bites aside while camping, especially when you have the Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent by your side. This mosquito repellent is lotion-based and quite common among campers or hikers. You can easily apply it to your skin to protect yourself and your kids from mosquito bites, ticks, or buzzing flies. It is known to be effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito that carries the Zika Virus.

The non-greasy lotion constitutes 20% Picaridin that adds an extra layer to the protection. The repellent is considered even more effective than DEET and provides up to 14 hours of protection against various insects and bugs. Also, the best feature of this repellent is that it is safe to use in a group or family.

What We Love

• Much safer and even more effective than DEET

Pros

• Safe to use on a family
• Effective non-greasy lotion that repels flies, mosquitoes, chiggers, and gnats
• Provides protection for up to 14 hours
• Easy to carry

Cons

• Pricey

Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard

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Compared to other mosquito repellents for camping, the Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard is one of those few products that perform the dual role of being a sunscreen as well as an insect repellent. It is recommended highly for the whole family and considered safe for kids too. However, know that the repellent is ineffective in regions with a high density of bugs and flies.

Other than being a good repellent, the non-greasy lotion is great on the skin too. It not only protects the skin from getting tanned but also moisturizes it well. This repellent in a lotion form is considered a great choice for an outing on the beach or in the woods.

What We Love

• Provides dual protection against sun and bug bites

Pros

• Safe to use on kids
• Repels insects and bugs
• Provides sun protection
• Moisturizes the skin well without being greasy
• Fragrant odor

Cons

• Not effective in heavily infested areas

Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

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Consistently rated as the best mosquito repellent for camping, the Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion has a unique formulation and is more impactful than other mosquito repellents. This repellent uses the advanced 3M technology that offers time-released protection. This indicates a slower evaporation rate of DEET and a greater protection barrier of up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and flies.

Also, being resistant to splashes and sweat, the formidable repellant can ensure consistent protection despite long hours of outdoor activities. To add an interesting note, this formulation is popularly used by the US military to survive in all kinds of adverse outdoor conditions. Add to that; the repellent comes with a five-year guarantee.

What We Love

• The repellent is used by the US military to survive the harshest of outdoor conditions

Pros

• Uses advanced 3M technology to repel mosquitoes, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and deer flies
• Long-lasting protection up to 12 hours
• Time-released protection
• Sweat and splash resistant

Cons

• A little sticky till it dries up
• The scent can be a little strong

Off! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent

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As the name suggests, the Off! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent is one of the top choices of unscented mosquito repellents for families going camping or hiking. Composed of only 7% DEET, it provides adequate protection against mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Add to that, it is non-greasy and does have a non-offensive smell to mask the DEET odor when applied or sprayed.

Apply this spray on the outer surfaces of clothing to form a protective barrier against nasty mosquito bites. The protective effect can last up to 8 hours. Also, know that this spray does not damage clothes made of cotton, nylon, or wool.

What We Love

• Ideal for all outdoor activities
• A perfect choice for families

Pros

• Non-offensive fragrance
• Non-greasy application on clothing surfaces
• Provides protection for up to 8 hours against insects and flies
• Comes in a twin pack

Cons

• Not recommended for children and can cause minor skin or eye irritations

Tiki Torch Fuel

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One of the highly recommended and well-known mosquito repellents, the Tiki Torch Fuel is a charming light source used to protect campsites. The potent combination of citronella and cedar formula is bound to repel the bugs and insects used to light up the camping area.

The torch is quite easy to use and works best with canisters that have a wide mouth. Featuring a multi-piece pole, the torch can be set to any height (up to 65 inches). Also, it can last for at least 5 hours on each 12-ounce fill. Another feature is that there is no strong odor when burning. With this torch fuel, you create a nice ambiance in not only your camping site but also a protection zone to keep away the biting insects and flies.

What We Love

• Innovative and stylish design that suits any kind of outdoor occasion

Pros

• Easy to use
• Offers protection against mosquitoes or flies up to 5 hours
• Does not have any noticeable smell or odor

Cons

• Bit on the expensive side

Tickled Pink Women’s Lightweight Summer Insect Shield Scarf

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It’s hard to imagine that you can repel mosquitoes with just a scarf wrapped around you. It is indeed very much possible by the Tickled Pink Women’s Lightweight Summer Insect Shield Scarf that has a built-in insect repellent made from 0.52% Permethrin.

Also, lightweight and with a likable design, the polyester scarf is safe and comfortable to wear during the summertime. What’s more, there are a variety of colors to choose from. Though mentioned for women, the scarf can also be used by children and men alike.

What We Love

• Fashionable clothing shield against insects

Pros

• Can be used as a shield anywhere anytime
• Odorless and effective
• Can last several washes
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear

Cons

• Can tear easily

Ranger Ready Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin Trigger Spray Bottle

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Known to be the best mosquito repellent for campsites, the Ranger Ready Insect Repellent is power-packed with the required chemical ingredient to repel insects. The main ingredient is Picaridin, which works best to keep the biting insects and flies away from your family.

Also, completely odorless, the spray offers 8 to 12 hours of protection against the troublesome biting mosquitoes, flies, gnats, chiggers, and fleas. Most importantly, being DEET-free, it is safe to be used by all, children and adults alike. Another advantage is that it is non-greasy and does not damage clothing or gear.

What We Love

• Effective and safe protection for an entire day

Pros

• Provides sufficient protection coverage against all kinds of insects
• Safe to use
• DEET-free and odorless
• Easy to carry and use

Cons

• Slightly expensive

How To Choose a Mosquito Repellent For Camping

When camping, there is always a high chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or being troubled by buzzing flies. To keep you protected from these insects, the market has various mosquito repellents for outdoor occasions. However, you must know what works best for you. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting the best-suited mosquito repellent for camping.

Types of Repellents

Mosquito or insect repellents can be lotion-based, oil-based, or in spray form. Whatever form you use, ensure you use the one that is most convenient or suits you best. Most lotion-based repellents are applied on the skin and can resist insects for a longer period of time due to a slower evaporation rate.

There are also preferred spray repellents, which are preferred by many due to the fact they are non-greasy and less messy. Add to that; you only need to spray on the outer clothing surfaces from time to time for a lasting effect. There are also permethrin sprays for clothing and gear that last through multiple washes.

You can even apply a combined effect of sprays on clothing and lotions on the skin for double protection from insects. And if you want to use neither, you can always go for the gadget-based repellents or use bands or scarves with in-built repellent ingredients to resist mosquitoes.

Outdoor Conditions

There are different types of repellent ingredients to keep away the bugs and insects. It is always good to choose the repellent suited to the kind of environment or outdoor activity you are planning. So, harsher or tougher the outside condition is for camping, stronger should be the insect repellent. For such extreme activities or tough terrains, the market has varieties of insect repellents designed to offer dependable coverage that can last for a long.

Repellent Ingredients

Consider the length of time you will be outside and choose the repellent with the right active ingredient to cater to your need. Here’s a list of a few common ingredients used for making insect or mosquito repellents.

• DEET – DEET-based insect repellents are recommended for outdoor or regions that are heavily infested with insects. This is the most recommended and effective option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Picaridin – This is also a preferred option for many users. It is effective, odorless and can repel insects for a long duration of time.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus – Derived from the eucalyptus and citriodora trees, this natural plant-based ingredient can repel insects and mosquitoes for as long as 6 hours.

Which types of repellents are most effective?

Both lotions and sprays types of insect repellents provide adequate protection against mosquitoes and insects. The lotions tend to last longer as they take more time to evaporate. And the sprays applied on clothing last longer than on skins.

Are DEET-based mosquito repellents safe for children?

DEET-based mosquito repellents can be used on young children if the composition percentage is less than 30%. They are generally considered safe for use by children according to a number of studies done on the topic and information available online, including this study and this post, although there are potential negative health effects if not used correctly.

What is the alternative to DEET-based repellents?

Picaridin is the favored alternative to DEET-based repellents. It is as effective as DEET for repelling mosquitoes. Also, it is safe and easy to use and can offer protection for as long as 8 to 12 hours.