Campsite Calm: How to choose the best mosquito repellent device for camping

Do you find it frustrating to get swarmed by mosquitoes while camping? With outdoor repellents, you don’t have to suffer through mosquito bites on your camping trip. Besides sucking blood, mosquitoes ruin camping experiences. Mosquito fan traps and insect repellent sprays attract mosquitoes using light and heat. Therefore, in these conditions, you need the best mosquito repellent device for camping.

Jame Bob from a UK repellent company says to remember to bring the best mosquito repellent device for camping. There is nothing better than spending time in the great outdoors with your family. Further, the following are my favourite mosquito repellents for camping, which I tested frequently. My choice for camping is Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repellent.

 5 Product Reviews For Best Mosquito Repellent Device For Camping

Do you want to know how to keep mosquitoes away while camping? Find out how to protect your family, yourself, and your campsite on your next vacation. Check our top five products below:

1. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern

Interesting facts about it

• Patio mosquito repellent that does not require spraying
• Protects for 12 hours with DEET and Scent-Free
• A flameless substitute for citronella candles

Take note

• You can turn the on and off the lantern manually by pressing the button

Feature Description:

This is a fantastic device selected as the best mosquito repellent device for camping! It has been over a month since we used it, and we can now enjoy our porch again. So far, this is the only insect repellant that actually works without requiring me to add chemicals to my body as if I were doing Baywatch instead. As for the lantern itself, it’s fairly easy to assemble.

You can use it on the deck, around the fire pit, and more at night with the light feature it includes. It emits a scent-free repellent that keeps mosquitoes at bay. With 1 pound of Mosquito Repellent Cambridge Lantern, you get 15 feet of the mosquito-free zone.

Safety & effectiveness have been independently tested and reviewed by the EPA. Suitable for people and pets. Allethrin extracts from plants inspire Thermacell’s synthetic formulation: no flames, smoke, or strong smells such as citronella. You don’t need to worry about the batteries or cartridges lasting for long; just be sure to turn them off when going inside. As the summer progresses, I will definitely have more time to enjoy my outdoor living! 

It repels mosquitoes when in use. This battery-powered device uses a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge to give you maximum protection in 15 minutes. Refilling is easy, and there is no mess. Use a DEET-free spray or lotion to repel mosquitoes. It’s a lifesaver! It’s great to be able to enjoy our porch again!

Why do I recommend it to you?

It’s incredible how effective one of these table-size lanterns is. Everyone who uses it is amazed as well. It keeps mosquitoes away so well that I bought a tiki lamp. In order for it to spread the initial 15 feet, you’ll need to start it up before you go outside or have a backup set up ready. Once it gets going, you are good to go. 

It is effortless to use. It works pretty well. When the container is empty, the orange light goes out, and you can’t hear the tiny hiss it emits when it releases the heat towards the blue pad. The blue pads turn white when they’re used up and need to be replaced. It is lightweight, smell-, sound-, and smoke-free. This is my favourite thing ever; I even took it on holidays to another swampy, bug-filled location, and it still performed wonders.

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2. OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent

Interesting facts about it

• The fan unit comes with 1 refill of the repellent
• Easily attachable to waistbands, belts, and purses
• An electric fan that repels insects
• Insect repellent with no odour

Take note

• Quite loud.
• There were no batteries in the product when it arrived!

Feature Description:

Mosquitoes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors. OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent uses Metofluthrin as its active ingredient. It provides head-to-toe protection without needing to apply anything to the skin. Clips to belts, waistbands, purses, or wherever you need them. This insect repellent has no odour. 

Off! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent protects you from mosquito bites without spraying. Battery-operated fans circulate repellent, creating head-to-toe protection within minutes. It is a battery-powered fan that repels insects. After opening each refill, use it within 14 days. A formulation containing 31.2% Metofluthrin repels mosquitoes for 12 hours. 

Off! Clip-On makes mosquito protection easy while camping, at the beach, at the park, and on vacation. In addition to being intended for one individual, the product takes a few minutes to build up its efficacy, making it ideal for non-active outdoor uses. 

Regarding the mosquito fan trap, this best bug repellent device for camping is quiet, odourless, and mess-free, but also quite expensive. In addition, each refill provides satisfactory protection. Use it within 14 days of opening. 

The repellent needs to be recharged when the battery and refill are low. The device doesn’t need anything more complicated than a clip that you can attach to your belt, waist, or whatever part of your body tends to attract insects. Our recommendation is spray-on repellents, like Off! This product is more appropriate for outdoor activities.

Why do I recommend it to you?

A bug has always loved me as a meal. I didn’t know this fan existed several years ago. It’s the best product I’ve ever used. The product is great for mobility, since I am not interested in using mosquito creams on my baby. There is no doubt that it works. It has been such a pleasure finding this product. 

It is very useful when you are on vacation. My usual problem is getting bitten. However, no bites this time! There is no doubt in my mind that this product is excellent. Additionally, it works for those around you, such as people at a picnic. Perfect product! I highly recommend it!

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3.  Ranger Ready Tick Spray & Insect Repellent

Interesting facts about it

• An insecticide containing 20% picaridin
• 360-degree spray that dries quickly and is non-greasy
• Scent-free 8 Oz spray
• Pregnant women can safely use this Deet-Free spray

Take note

• Leaking spray bottle exceptionally
• Typical-repellent odour

Feature Description:

Designed to repel ticks and mosquitoes for 12 hours, Picaridin provides 12-hour protection. Furthermore, these anti-gnats, anti-chiggers, anti-flies, anti-no-see-ums, and anti-fleas provide eight hours of protection. Unscented and 100% Picaridin to repel bugs outdoors. Whether you want to go hiking or spend the night under the stars, this is the perfect place to stay.

People can use this tick repellent without damaging their clothing or supplies. A bottle of long-lasting mosquito repellent outdoor spray contains enough for 70 applications to deter biting insects with 360-Degree technology. As soon as it is applied, it dries totally dry with no stickiness and has no smell or stains on the clothes.

You can even use this on horses and dogs. Further, this Repellent is also suitable for use on dog beds and horse blankets to protect animals from biting insects. In addition to its effectiveness in repelling ticks, this best mosquito repellent device indoor has an extremely strong smell. We choked and gagged because of the amber scent. You won’t smell chemicals after using this insect repellent, so you won’t get bitten. 

Pesticides and fragrances are extremely irritating to me. Hopefully, this fragrance-free best mosquito repellent device for camping will work for me. I’ll definitely be buying more. With just one spray, it coats a lot of skin. At resident camp, our 8-year-old could handle the spray trigger herself. In comparison to deet products, this smell isn’t as unpleasant. Quite good stuff!

Why do I recommend it to you?

New England is the playground of ticks, as I live there. Despite my enjoyment of summer, I hate bugs. My only concern is that they don’t carry diseases like Lyme illness and other infections. Several bug sprays have failed to work for me, some are too toxic, and some smell too strongly. 

Plus, we’re supporting a local business if you live in this area. Even in swampy areas, this product is effective, and it smells absolutely nothing. I really like this stuff. The smell is much better than that of DEET, and it works great. Overall, it feels less toxic. In addition to eating away at plastics, DEET is also a no-go when backpacking.

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4. Sawyer 4 Fl Oz SP5442 Picaridin Insect Repellent

Interesting facts about it

• Sprays don’t last as long as lotions.
• Safe, effective, and balanced protection
• The lotion lasts up to 14 hours

Take note

• Good results, but weird smell

Feature Description:

Suitable for camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, sporting events, picnics, days at the park, and more, you will find it very comfortable. An insect repellent that is fragrance-free and contains 20% Picaridin. It repels biting flies more effectively than DEET. Furthermore, it protects against diseases-spreading ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers. 

It dries quickly, is non-greasy, and will not damage plastics or synthetic coatings. This repellent spray is ideal for use with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear to maximise protection. It provides all-day protection, is non-greasy, and doesn’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings. 

There is no better combination of effectiveness, safety, and user-friendliness than Sawyer Picaridin 8.3 ounces. Among the pests, this best mosquito repellent device for camping repels are mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, sand flies, gnats, and chiggers. A long-lasting insect repellent that protects against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours (using lotion).

 Sawyer recommends applying lotion to the skin and spraying it on your clothing in order to achieve the best protection. When applied to clothing, this repellent creates a 3-inch barrier, which reduces the need to use it directly on the skin. The lotion pump dispensers are available in institutional sizes.

Why do I recommend it to you?

In comparison to most bug sprays, I liked that they didn’t have a strong smell. It worked great in Costa Rica! My week of testing resulted in this product meeting my expectations. Pump sprays have several advantages over aerosol cans. It is safe to carry on a plane. Further, it has a smaller size. In fact, it tends to leave your skin with more protection. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and flies are kept away. 

Furthermore, picaridin does not adhere to the skin nor stink as deet does. This product has no offensive scent and repelled mosquitoes very effectively. Your skin does not feel oily after applying it, and technical fabrics seem to be safe around it. You can use this product to keep off biting insects. In addition to having better coverage, the lotion allows you to control the distribution of the protection much more easily.

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5. Natural Bug Repellent Wipes by Venture Wipes

Interesting facts about it

• Contains peppermint, citronella, rosemary, thyme & rosemary essential oils
• Wipes without DEET or Picaridin
• Mosquito repellent for children and adults

Take note

• Bite reduction is not 100%, but it is about 70%

Feature Description:

Bye-bye, chemical-filled bug repellents. Using 15 Count Bags of repellent wipes is the best way to protect your family and kids from mosquitoes. There is Peppermint, Citronella, Rosemary & Thyme oil infused in it. Unlike Picaridin wipes, Venture Wipes are DEET-free. A soft yet tough outdoor wipe is an outdoor essential. 

Aside from providing insect protection, these wipes are chemical-free. A convenient single-use pouch makes each wipe the perfect bug defence for you and your family. Their materials and ingredients are less harmful to the environment. Don’t let bugs spoil your fun outside by taking Venture Wipes Bug Defense!

Venture Wipes repellent wipes are fragrance-free, perfect for those who are sensitive to smells. This outdoor bug-repellent wipe combines glycerin and water instead of castor oil to make it a water-based carrier. Use these towelette wipes to keep insects at bay without feeling greasy. 

You can effectively deter insects with these trip wipes. Due to the fact that they are made of natural fibres, they are more environmentally friendly. They are specially designed to wipe on any exposed skin that looks appealing to pesky mosquitoes. These wipes have a light citronella scent. The pouches come in single-use packaging for your convenience.

Why do I recommend it to you?

I took my daughter to Belize, and she used these wipes throughout her entire stay and didn’t get bit by any mosquitoes! I heard about these wipes from my friends and colleagues who are living in Belize. All use it when they go camping. I highly recommend these products to travellers!

However, I used them at the park as well. During a park visit, a grandparent was getting eaten up by bugs, so I offered him one of these. It worked perfectly, and he enjoyed his grandchildren in peace. This is a great way to protect yourself from bug bites. This product has a mild, pleasant odour. My impression is that it smells like salad elements. Even a child interested in playing finds it easy to carry along! I will repurchase it without a doubt. 

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Camping Mosquito Repellent Buying Guide 

It is important to consider the product’s effectiveness before choosing a mosquito repellent for camping. In addition to reading this review, you should look at the ingredients. 

DEET versus no DEET: Ingredients

DEET-containing products effectively prevent mosquito bites. In mosquito repellents, DEET usually makes up 70 percent or more. In addition to its high effectiveness, DEET can also cause rashes, irritation, vomiting, and nausea. Whereas non-deet mosquito repellents have a soft smell that does not affect anyone. However, their effectiveness the lesser than the deet repellents. 

Quality versus price

We need to make recommendations that are user-friendly, secure, and affordable. You just set it up and let it work. We focused on finding the most cost-effective and best mosquito repellent device in 2023, so we didn’t set a price limit. Cost, quality, and effectiveness weighed against convenience. Thus, we try to focus on quality first then price. 

Outdoor conditions

Choose the best mosquito repellent device for camping appropriate for climatic conditions or camping activity. When the conditions are harsher, the repellent must be stronger. Make sure to use waterproof repellents when travelling to wet or snowy locations. Choosing repellents that contain natural oils is a good idea if you will be spending around 5-6 hours outdoors.

Coverage Size

You should choose the right size according to the length of your camp. A repellent of a smaller size is best suited for a two-three day camp. A longer camp may require more quantity. Use DEET products only once a day.

Ease of use

You can use either a spray repellent or other gear to repel mosquitoes. There are two types of temporary solutions: disposable and reusable. You should choose one that is easy to use, no matter what.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend a mosquito repellent that is effective when camping?

Here’s a list of the best mosquito repellents tested in 2023

• Best Overall: Natural Bug Repellent Wipes by Venture Wipes
• Best for Your Pack: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern
• Best for Treating Clothing: Sawyer SP5442 Picaridin Insect Repellent
• Best Device: OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent
• Best for Compact area:  Ranger Ready Tick Spray & Insect Repellent

Do mosquitoes hate any particular smell?

There are certain scents that mosquitoes dislike, such as clove, lavender, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, basil, cedarwood, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Smoke is another smell they dislike.

Can you tell me how to keep my campsite bug-free?

Mosquito-repelling devices like ThermaCell are the best way to keep mosquitoes away from a campsite. Using this insect repellent will help keep you mosquito-free. 

Is it safe to use mosquito repellents?

Children and adults over three months of age can use mosquito repellents safely. Children older than three months should use insect repellent that is child-specific or has a low DEET or picaridin concentration (less than 10%). Various types of repellents are available, including creams, wipes, sprays, and wearable devices.

Can you tell me how much mosquito repellent costs for camping?

Prices for mosquito repellents for camping start at about $$. Repellant prices are typically driven by how the repellent is applied as well as how much repellent is contained in each bottle. 

Is there anything that naturally repels mosquitoes?

You can keep mosquitoes away with lavender, sage, catnip, peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, citrus, and basil. Their delightful scents will also add a touch of spruce to your garden.

Can mosquito bites be reduced outside?

Here are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes: 

• Red, navy, and black are the darkest colours to avoid wearing
• Make sure you relax more and don’t work too hard!
• Don’t drink too much alcohol
• Make sure you choose skin care products carefully
• Change your socks regularly and keep your feet clean.

My final thoughts

Camping is more fun when there are no mosquitoes and there are several products available that work well. Is there a specific way to repel mosquitoes while camping? During your camping trip, you can repel mosquitoes in a variety of ways with the use of our best mosquito repellent device for camping. Your circumstances will determine whether or not you should do it.

There are some products that don’t match their claims about keeping biting insects away. Several others are marginally successful. The good news is that we have found some insect repellents that work well for us. For this reason, choosing the best mosquito repellent for camping depends on your needs and camping style. 

Our top picks: Below is a list of the top best mosquito repellent device 2023.

1. You can effectively deter insects with Venture Wipes’ Natural Bug Repellent Wipes.
2. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern is a great lamp for use as a light source or as a mosquito repellent

Thanks for reading this guide. I hope you have found it helpful to choose a mosquito-repellant camping device. Have fun shopping!