Ticked Off natural botanical tick and mosquito spray bottle on a camping table beside a campfire at sunset

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally While Camping (2026 Guide)

There are few things more relaxing than sitting around a campfire after a long day outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes often show up just as you’re settling in to enjoy the evening.

While completely avoiding mosquitoes isn’t always possible, a few smart habits can make camping much more comfortable.

Whether you’re pitching a tent in the mountains, parking your RV by a lake, or exploring your favorite campground, these simple tips can help you enjoy the outdoors with fewer interruptions.


Choose Your Campsite Carefully

Mosquitoes thrive in damp, shaded areas with little airflow.

When possible, avoid setting up camp immediately next to:

  • Standing water
  • Marshes
  • Slow-moving streams
  • Dense brush
  • Thick vegetation

Even moving your campsite a short distance into a breezier area can make a noticeable difference.


Wear the Right Clothing

Long sleeves and lightweight pants aren’t just for cold weather.

During dawn and dusk—when mosquitoes are often most active—covering exposed skin can help reduce bites.

Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot insects before they land.


Keep Your Tent Closed

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the easiest mistakes campers make.

Every time the tent door stays open, mosquitoes have another opportunity to join you for the night.

Make it a habit to zip the tent closed immediately after entering or leaving.


Use Botanical Protection Before You Need It

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until mosquitoes are already buzzing around.

Applying a botanical repellent before your hike, campfire, or evening walk can help you stay ahead of the problem.

At Ticked Off, we designed our spray for people who genuinely enjoy spending time outdoors. Every bottle is handcrafted in small batches in Joshua Tree, California using plant-powered ingredients and made for real adventures.


Keep Camp Clean

Food scraps, standing water, and overflowing trash can attract unwanted pests.

Simple habits help:

  • Store food properly.
  • Empty trash regularly.
  • Drain standing water around camp when possible.
  • Keep gear organized.

A cleaner campsite is usually a more enjoyable campsite.


Campfires Help—But Don’t Rely on Them

Many campers notice fewer mosquitoes around campfires because of the heat and smoke.

However, once the fire dies down, mosquitoes often return.

A campfire is a great part of the camping experience—but it shouldn’t be your only strategy for insect protection.


Why We Love Camping

Camping gives us something that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Quiet mornings.

Fresh air.

Campfire conversations.

Star-filled skies.

Those are the moments we built Ticked Off for.

We believe people should spend less time swatting bugs and more time making memories outdoors.

Final Thoughts

Camping should leave you with stories—not mosquito bites.

With a little preparation, smart campsite choices, and reliable botanical protection, you can spend more time enjoying nature and less time worrying about biting insects.

Pack your gear.

Bring your sense of adventure.

And don’t forget your Ticked Off.

See you outside.

Ready to Stay Ticked Off?

Reading about ticks is one thing. Keeping them off you is another.

If you’re heading out hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, or simply spending time outside, don’t wait until you find a tick crawling on you.

Ticked Off Botanical Tick Defense Spray is handcrafted in small batches using premium essential oils including cedarwood, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint and eucalyptus.

✔ Plant-Based Formula
✔ DEET Free
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Free Shipping
✔ 30-Day No B.S. Money-Back Guarantee

👉 Order your bottle today:
https://tickrepellentspray.com

Or save even more with our Family Pack, perfect for families, campers and anyone who spends serious time outdoors.

Back to blog