Best Natural Tick Repellent for Camping (2026 Guide)

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of pine trees, brewing coffee over a campfire, and spending a weekend outdoors. Unfortunately, campgrounds, hiking trails, forests, and grassy areas can also be home to ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

Whether you’re heading into the mountains, exploring a national park, or spending the weekend by the lake, here’s how to help make your next camping trip more enjoyable.

Why Ticks Are Common Around Campsites

Ticks thrive in places where wildlife and moisture are present.

You’ll often find them:

• Along hiking trails
• In tall grass
• Around brush and shrubs
• Near fallen logs
• Around wooded campgrounds
• Along the edges where forests meet open fields

Contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t jump or fly. They often wait on grasses and vegetation until a person or animal brushes past.

Choose the Right Clothing

Your clothing is your first line of defense.

For camping trips consider:

• Long pants
• Tall socks
• Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
• Lightweight long sleeves
• Light-colored clothing (makes ticks easier to spot)

Even during warm weather, lightweight outdoor clothing can help reduce exposed skin.

Use a Botanical Tick Repellent

Many outdoor enthusiasts prefer botanical repellents because they avoid the strong chemical smell associated with some traditional products.

When choosing a natural tick repellent, look for:

• Plant-powered ingredients
• No DEET (if that’s your preference)
• Easy spray application
• A scent you’ll actually enjoy wearing
• A product designed for outdoor adventures

At Ticked Off, we created our spray for people who actually spend time outside. Every bottle is handcrafted in small batches in Joshua Tree, California using botanical ingredients selected for outdoor use.

Don’t Forget Your Gear

People often spray themselves but forget the gear that travels everywhere with them.

Consider treating areas such as:

• Backpack straps
• Camping chairs
• Blanket edges
• Shoes
• Pant legs
• Socks

Always follow the product label and directions for use.

Check Yourself Every Evening

One of the simplest camping habits is also one of the most important.

Before climbing into your sleeping bag:

• Check behind your knees
• Look around your waist
• Check under your arms
• Examine your hairline
• Look around your ankles

If you’re camping with children or dogs, make tick checks part of the evening routine.

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Camp

Camping isn’t only about ticks.

Mosquitoes can become active around:

• Lakes
• Rivers
• Creeks
• Marshes
• Campsites after sunset

Keeping a quality botanical repellent nearby makes evenings around the fire much more enjoyable.

Why We Created Ticked Off

We didn’t start Ticked Off because we wanted another outdoor product.

We started it because we wanted something we’d actually use ourselves.

Living in Joshua Tree means spending countless days hiking, camping, exploring desert roads, and enjoying the outdoors with our dog. We wanted a spray that felt at home in nature—not one that smelled harsh or felt unpleasant to use.

That’s why every bottle is handcrafted in small batches using botanical ingredients and made with outdoor adventures in mind.

Final Thoughts

Camping should leave you with memories—not itchy bites.

By combining smart outdoor habits with a quality botanical repellent, you can spend more time enjoying campfires, trails, fishing spots, and mountain views without constantly worrying about biting insects.

Wherever your next adventure takes you, we hope Ticked Off becomes part of your camping gear.

See you outside.