When you go camping, the place you choose to set up camp is integral to the impact bugs will have on your experience. Mosquitoes and gnats breed in stagnant water. Before establishing camp in a specific location, wander around for a few hundred yards to ensure that no marshes, swamps or slow-moving streams are present. Opt for dry campgrounds at the highest elevation possible, as these conditions deter bug populations and will prevent them from ruining your trip.
If it is legal in your area, light a campfire to keep bugs away. Mosquitoes are repelled by smoke. Gather around a fire to eat and socialize and bugs will likely stay out of your space. Use wood that produces excessive smoke, such as young green wood or damp logs. Arrange your lawn chairs on the side of the fire opposite to where the smoke is blowing and move around if you need to so that you can enjoy this natural bug repellent without breathing lots of smoke. Sleep in tents that are securely zipped closed to keep bugs out after extinguishing your fire.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we expel when we breathe, so if any exist in the area, they will find your camping crew right away. Repel them by thoroughly spraying everything and everyone with an herbal mosquito repellent. These are safe, healthy alternatives to harsher chemical sprays. Many brands are available at local camping and health food stores. Choose one that contains eucalyptus oil and spray it all over your clothing, exposed skin, and the entrances to your tents. Mosquitoes may remain in the area, but they will be less likely to swarm near your group and bite people.
Burn herbal citronella candles in your campsite. You can place these in the fire ring if you do not wish to have a campfire, or on high, stable surfaces such as on tops of rocks where they will not be knocked over. Monitor candles closely to avoid starting wildfires and ensure that open flames are legal in the area where you are camping. Citronella candles repel mosquitoes with their scent and the vapors they send into the air. Keep them burning and well supervised whenever your group is present in the campsite to safely repel bugs.
