Camping outdoors is a great way to take a break from your daily routine and rejuvenate. However, a problem that bugs a lot of new campers is, well, the bugs. Veteran campers tend to carry the best bug repellants for camping and other outdoor adventures, which can protect you from mosquito bites and other insects while you’re in the embrace of nature. It’s crucial to shield yourself with the right oil, lotion, cream, or spray when camping. Here, we discuss some of the most effective bug repellants that will protect you from annoying and dangerous pests and make your vacation much more enjoyable.

Types of Repellents

Before buying bug repellents, learn about the various types of repellents available in the market. They come in three basic types:

11 Best Bug Repellents For Camping Of 2022

1. Best Easy-To-Use:Thermacell Cambridge Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern

Thermacell offers one of the best portable outdoor camping devices to repel mosquitoes. The lantern-shaped device had been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its effectiveness and safety. Unlike bug sprays that could be harmful to your eyes, this device does not emit open flames. The easy-to-use device repels mosquitoes by creating 15-foot protection. Its attractive construction provides ambient light. Pros

Easy to use and effective Lightweight and portable Provides light along with mosquito protection Odor-free Long-lasting No spraying

Cons

Expensive refills

2. Best Fragrance-Free:Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

The wearable bug repellent from Sawyer Products is best suited for camping. Sawyer assures its non-greasy formula keeps different kinds of bugs away. Reviewed by Consumer Reports as the Fisherman’s Formula, it is an effective and safe solution against biting insects. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details. Pros

Non-greasy application Fragrance-free Repels disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes Lasts for up to 12 hours Doesn’t harm synthetics and plastics

Cons

May not be effective

3. Best Long-Lasting Protection:OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent

Created for outdoor camping, this spray repellent is formulated with 25% DEET. It comes in a pack of two bottles effective in repelling mosquitoes that carry Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. Apply this bug repellent on long camping trips for protection against biting flies, ticks, gnats, mosquitoes, and chiggers. Pros

Non-oily Long-lasting protection Safe for adults and kids Pleasant smell Doesn’t spoil clothes

Cons

Aerosol may not spray the product out conveniently

4. Best Water-Proof:Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Cliganic’s mosquito repellent bracelet is a blend of essential oils. Best suited for those who are allergic to chemical odor, this repellent bracelet is made with natural plant citronella, geraniol, and lemongrass oils. The bands are stretchable, of universal size, and DEET free. They naturally keep the bugs away when camping. These bracelets are wrapped in separate resealable bags and come with 90 days warranty. Pros

Stretchable and easy to wear Separate pack to maintain the freshness Waterproof design Can be worn on the wrist or ankle Fits adults as well as kids Chemical-free

Cons

Taller people may need to wear two bands for effectiveness

5. Best Non-Greasy:Mosquito Guard Kids Repellent Bands/Bracelets

A pack of 20 individually packed bands made with citronella, geraniol, and lemongrass oils, the Mosquito Guard DEET-free repellent bands effectively keep mosquitoes away while camping. They are non-toxic and can protect your children from deadly mosquito bites when they play outdoors. Pros

Comfortable to wear, stretchable Can be worn around wrists and ankles Non-greasy, non-oily Fragrance-free A good fit for kids and adults

Cons

May not be effective for long

6. Best Lightweight:Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray

Repel pump spray contains 98.11% DEET and effectively keeps away fleas, gnats, ticks, and other insects that can spoil your outdoor adventure. With close to 100% DEET, this bug repellent provides complete protection from all types of insects Pros

Protection up to 10 hours Compact, travel-friendly pump spray Protection from mosquitoes causing Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, etc. Lightweight and handy

Cons

May stain clothes May have a strong scent

7. Best Low-Odor:Coleman 100 Max 100% DEET Insect Repellent Spray

Coleman offers a 100% DEET insect repellent spray. It is best suited for camping and hiking with a promise of long-lasting protection. You can stay protected from various viruses using this insect repellent. Pros

Lasts up to 10 hours Withstands perspiration and water Low-odor Uniform application Effective protection against bugs

Cons

May ruin clothes, shoes, or sunglasses May feel sticky

8. Best Travel-Friendly:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm

Murphy’s natural repellent is made of olive, lemongrass, castor oils, and various other non-chemical ingredients. A handy pack, this repellent is easy to apply and best suited for camping. With this plant-based, DEET-free balm, you can protect yourself from the pesky mosquitoes. Pros

Contains no harmful chemicals Pleasant fragrance Travel-friendly pack Non-greasy, non-oily Good for adults and kids Lasts long

Cons

Application may feel tedious Tin packaging may not be convenient

9. Best Chemical-Free:BroElec Bug Zapper Camping Lamp

The ‘Bug Zapper’ from BroElec is smartly designed as a tent light with three different modes to keep your family protected from bugs. The mosquitoes will surely get a shock of their life when they come anywhere near the ‘Bug Zapper.’ It comes with a rechargeable battery that promises lighting time of up to 24 hours and mosquito killer function time of up to 30 hours. Pros

Can be used as a bug zapper or tent light or both EPA registered Noiseless, chemical-free design Has three brightness levels Long-lasting battery Waterproof construction Comes with a hook to hang Compact and handy

Cons

Requires regular cleaning

10. Best Eco-Friendly:La Fresh Mosquito Repellent Wipes

With this natural bug repellent for camping, you can be protected from bugs, mosquitoes, and insects. It comes in a pack of 50 wipes made of natural oils that are individually packed for effectiveness. These are non-toxic, DEET-free mosquito wipes with 99.8% repellence against mosquitoes. It comes as handy protection against mosquitoes. Pros

100% natural Eco-friendly Gentle on babies Easy to carry Long-lasting formula Sweat-resistant

Cons

May have a strong scent

11. Best Recyclable Packaging:Badger- Anti-Bug Shake & Spray

This pack of two natural bug sprays offers the best way to protect yourself when hunting, fishing, or camping. Made of pure essential oils, this spray bug repellent is free from synthetic chemicals. Pros

Safe and effective Lightweight and easy to carry Packaging can be recycled Protects for three hours

Cons

May have a strong smell Bottle may leak

How To Choose The Right Bug Repellent For Camping?

Here are the essential features to look for in a bug repellent for camping.

Outdoor conditions: You must select a repellent that suits the climatic conditions or camping activity. Harsher the conditions, stronger must be the repellent. Choose waterproof repellents when traveling to wet or snowy areas.

Ingredients: DEET is the best choice if you stay longer in harsher environs. If the outdoor activity is around 5-6 hours, then go for repellents that contain natural oils.

Size: The ideal size would depend upon the duration of your camp. Smaller size repellents are best suited for two-three days camp. You may require more quantity if the camp lasts longer than one week.

Why Trust MomJunction?

We have analyzed many bug repellents in-depth before preparing this list for you. We have picked the above products due to their easy usage, long-lasting effect, and compact designs. We have made the list versatile by including repellent creams, sprays, and lights, along with their pros and cons and detailed features. There is also a buying guide with the necessary information to make your choice easier.

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