The Best Bug Sprays for Sleepaway Camp

The Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is our top pick for sleepaway camp. Unlike DEET, which is a plasticizer that can melt synthetic sleeping bags, athletic shirts, watch faces, and sunglasses, Picaridin is completely gear-safe. It won’t harm plastics, synthetic fabrics, or finishes, making it ideal for active kids.

It provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. It is non-greasy, has a very mild, pleasant scent upon application, and dries almost instantly.

At $14.99, it is an essential safety item that is highly effective, easy to apply, and safe for all clothing and camping gear.

The Repel 100 Insect Repellent is a heavy-duty, maximum-strength option designed for deep woods camps and high-infestation regions. Formulated with 98.11% DEET, it offers up to 10 hours of solid protection against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, biting flies, and gnats.

Because of its ultra-high concentration, a single spray goes a long way, and the tiny 1 oz. bottle is exceptionally easy to slip into a pocket or daypack.

However, parents should caution campers: DEET is a plasticizer. If sprayed on synthetic fabrics (like polyester sleeping bags or athletic jerseys), plastic watch faces, or sunglasses, it can melt or severely damage them. It also has a strong chemical scent and feels somewhat greasy on the skin.

For severe mosquito territory, there is nothing stronger or more reliable.

For parents seeking an all-natural alternative to synthetic bug sprays, the Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent is the best performing plant-based option on the market. Formulated with 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)—the only plant-based ingredient recommended by the CDC for mosquito protection—it repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours and deer ticks for up to 4 hours.

It is completely DEET-free and has no chemical solvents, meaning it won’t melt plastic gear or damage synthetic camp clothing. It leaves a clean, non-greasy feel and has a pleasant, refreshing lemon-citrus aroma.

While it does require more frequent reapplication than Sawyer’s Picaridin or Repel 100, it is the safest natural pick that doesn’t compromise on effectiveness. (Note: CDC guidelines state OLE should not be used on children under 3 years old).