Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than mosquitoes.
You finally get your camper set up, settle into your campsite, and start relaxing… only to spend the evening swatting bugs, scratching bites, and wondering if you’d be better off hiding inside your camper.
After years of RV camping, I’ve learned that there isn’t one magic product that completely eliminates mosquitoes. The real secret is using multiple layers of protection that work together.
I call it my mosquito-protection recipe.
Here are the five things I use to keep mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and no-see-ums from ruining my camping trips.
Layer 1: Picaridin
If I could only choose one mosquito repellent for camping, it would be Picaridin.
I’ve tried a lot of bug sprays over the years, but this is the one I keep coming back to because it simply works.
The biggest advantage is that it goes wherever I go.
Whether I’m sitting around the campsite, walking my dog Thor, or hiking a trail, Picaridin stays with me and helps protect me from mosquitoes along the way.
Why I Prefer Picaridin Over DEET
Many campers swear by DEET, but I’ve never been a big fan.
Personally, I don’t like the smell and I don’t like the greasy feeling.
Picaridin feels more comfortable to me, and it’s become my go-to choice for camping.
Another reason I like it is that it doesn’t just help repel mosquitoes.
It also helps protect against:
- Biting flies
- Gnats
- No-see-ums
- Other annoying biting insects
The bottle claims protection can last up to 12 hours.
That hasn’t been my experience.
When mosquitoes are particularly bad, I usually reapply every few hours. I’d rather spend a few seconds spraying on more repellent than spend the next several days scratching mosquito bites.
Layer 2: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
Sometimes Picaridin is all I need.
But when mosquitoes are especially aggressive, I add my second layer of protection: a Thermacell.
While Picaridin protects me, the Thermacell helps protect the area around me.
I like to think of it as my campsite’s perimeter defense.
Most of the time, I place it on my picnic table while I’m:
- Cooking dinner
- Eating outside
- Relaxing around camp
- Enjoying the evening
The Thermacell creates a zone of protection around your campsite and can make a noticeable difference.
Why I Use Both Picaridin and Thermacell
This is where my mosquito-protection recipe really begins.
I’ve found that Picaridin and Thermacell work much better together than either one does alone.
When I use both at the same time, I notice significantly fewer mosquitoes bothering me.
One tip I’ve learned is to turn the Thermacell on as soon as mosquitoes start becoming active.
Don’t wait until they’re already chewing on you.
Thermacell Refill Costs
The newer Thermacell models are easier to use than older versions because they don’t require repellent mats.
Instead, they use refill cartridges.
The last 40-hour refill I purchased cost just over $20 on Amazon.
Honorable Mention: Campfires
Campfires deserve an honorable mention in any conversation about mosquito control.
While campfire smoke isn’t a miracle cure, mosquitoes generally don’t seem to enjoy hanging around it.
When mosquito activity is high, every layer helps.
A campfire won’t eliminate mosquitoes, but it can certainly help discourage them from hanging around your campsite.
Layer 3: Use a Fan
This next mosquito solution surprises a lot of people.
A fan.
The reason is simple.
Mosquitoes are weak fliers.
When you create airflow around your campsite, it becomes much harder for mosquitoes to fly and land on you.
Why I Love My DeWalt Fan
I originally purchased my cordless DeWalt fan for boondocking.
When camping without hookups, it helps keep me cool during warm summer weather.
Over time, I discovered it has another benefit.
It also helps keep mosquitoes away.
Because it’s cordless and portable, I can move it wherever I need it:
- Next to my camp chair
- Under my awning
- On the picnic table
- Inside the camper at night
It’s one of the most-used pieces of camping gear I own because it serves two purposes:
- It keeps me comfortable.
- It helps discourage mosquitoes.
That’s a win-win in my book.
Layer 4: My Nuclear Option – The Clam Tent
Sometimes mosquitoes are so bad that it feels like nothing is working.
You’ve applied Picaridin.
You’ve turned on the Thermacell.
You’ve got the fan running.
And somehow the mosquitoes are still out there in full-force attack mode.
That’s when I bring out my nuclear option.
My Clam tent.
Why a Clam Tent Is a Game Changer
A Clam tent is essentially a screened shelter that allows you to enjoy being outdoors without sharing your space with every mosquito in the campground.
The fine mesh screening helps keep out:
- Mosquitoes
- No-see-ums
- Gnats
- Other biting insects
On particularly bad mosquito evenings, it can completely transform your camping experience.
Instead of constantly swatting bugs, I can:
- Enjoy a meal
- Read a book
- Edit a video
- Relax and enjoy the view
Without feeling like I’m part of the food chain.
When I Use My Clam Tent
I don’t set it up on every camping trip.
If mosquito activity is low, I usually leave it packed away.
But I absolutely bring it out when:
- Camping near water
- Camping in wooded areas
- Mosquitoes are especially bad
- I want to spend an extended evening outside
There have been several camping trips where my Clam tent was the difference between enjoying my campsite and spending the evening trapped inside my camper.
After all, I paid for the campsite—not the mosquitoes.
Layer 5: Zap It Bug Zapper
Even with all these outdoor layers, mosquitoes still find ways to sneak inside.
If you camp in an RV or camper, you know exactly how this goes.
You open the door for two seconds and somehow a mosquito slips inside.
Sometimes they even find their way in around window screens.
That’s why the final layer in my mosquito-protection recipe is the Zap It bug zapper.
Why I Keep a Zap It in My Camper
The Zap It is an electric bug-zapping racket that makes quick work of mosquitoes that make it indoors.
What I like about it is that I don’t have to:
- Wait for a mosquito to land
- Chase it around with a fly swatter
- Deal with bug spray inside the camper
I simply swing the racket and zap it.
It’s lightweight, inexpensive, easy to store, and always ready when needed.
And let’s be honest…
After spending ten minutes trying to fall asleep while a mosquito buzzes around your face, hearing that final zap feels like victory.
My Final Thoughts on Camping Mosquito Control
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of RV camping, it’s this:
There is no single product that completely solves the mosquito problem.
The secret is layering your protection.
My mosquito-protection recipe looks like this:
✅ Picaridin for personal protection
✅ Thermacell for campsite protection
✅ A fan to create airflow
✅ A Clam tent for severe mosquito conditions
✅ A Zap It bug zapper for indoor cleanup
Together, these layers help me spend more time enjoying my campsite and less time fighting mosquitoes.
And that’s exactly how camping should be.
