Camping This Summer? Here Are 6 Ways to Beat the Mozzies

December 16 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 11 min reading time

Camping in Australia over summer is one of life’s great pleasures — warm nights, open skies, river swims and campfire meals. But for many campers, the experience can quickly be overshadowed by mosquitoes. Beyond the itching and sleepless nights they cause, mosquitoes in Australia are known carriers of viruses such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and in some regions, Japanese encephalitis and Kunjin virus.

Campsites are often set up in exactly the environments mosquitoes love most — near water, bushland, wetlands and shaded areas, particularly after rainfall and during humid weather. Combine that with peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn, and it’s easy to see why campers are at higher risk of bites during the summer months.

The good news is that mosquito-proofing your campsite doesn’t require harsh chemicals or complicated setups. With the right preparation, smart campsite choices and effective personal protection, you can significantly reduce mosquito activity and protect yourself and your family.

Why campsites attract mosquitoes

Campsites often tick every box for what mosquitoes need to survive and multiply.

Water nearby = breeding grounds

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still or slow-moving water. Campsites near rivers, lakes, creeks, wetlands, floodplains, or even puddles left after rain create ideal breeding conditions. Buckets, eskies, tarps, or containers that collect water around camp can also become unnoticed mosquito hotspots.

Warm, humid summer conditions

Australian summers provide the warmth mosquitoes need to thrive. High humidity helps them live longer and stay active, which is why mozzies are far more aggressive after rain, during heatwaves, or in tropical and subtropical regions.

Shade and vegetation

Bushland, long grass, dense shrubs and trees offer mosquitoes protection from wind and direct sunlight. Many campsites are deliberately shaded for comfort — unfortunately, this also gives mosquitoes the cool, sheltered resting spots they prefer during the day.

Human presence (that’s you!)

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide from breathing, body heat, sweat, and even certain scents. Cooking, sitting around campfires, exercising, or sleeping in tents all signal a ready food source — making campers easy targets.

Read related article: Why Do Mosquito Bites Affect Some People More Than Others?

Peak activity times align with camping routines

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, which coincides with common camping activities like setting up camp, cooking dinner, relaxing outdoors, or early morning walks. This overlap increases exposure if precautions aren’t taken.

Where should you set up camp to avoid mosquitoes?

Choosing the right campsite location can significantly reduce mosquito exposure — often before repellents or sprays are even needed.

1. Camp away from still water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant or slow-moving water. When possible, avoid pitching your tent near lakes, swamps, wetlands, floodplains, or puddle-prone ground. Even calm sections of rivers can increase mosquito numbers. If water access is essential, aim for flowing areas rather than still edges.

2. Look for open, breezy areas

Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Campsites exposed to natural airflow — such as slightly elevated ground or open clearings — tend to have fewer mozzies than sheltered pockets. A gentle breeze can make a noticeable difference, especially in the evening.

3. Avoid dense vegetation and long grass

Thick shrubs, tall grass and bushy areas provide mosquitoes with shade and daytime resting spots. Setting up in a cleared area with trimmed ground cover reduces the places mosquitoes can hide and gather around your campsite.

4. Choose higher, well-drained ground

Low-lying areas collect moisture after rain, creating ideal breeding conditions. Camping on slightly raised ground helps avoid both water pooling and higher mosquito activity.

5. Be mindful of dusk and dawn activity zones

If possible, set up your campsite early and identify areas where you’ll spend time at dusk — such as cooking or sitting zones. Position these areas away from vegetation and closer to open space to limit exposure during peak mosquito hours.

A mosquito-smart campsite won’t eliminate mozzies completely — but it can dramatically reduce their numbers and make the rest of your protection strategies far more effective.

Want to know more about mosquito facts that might be true or just myths? Read about it on our blog here: Busting 11 Mosquito Myths: What’s True & What’s Not?

Mosquito-proofing tips for your campsite

Tip 1: Set up your camp to minimise mosquito entry

How you organise your campsite plays a big role in keeping mozzies out.

Keep tent doors zipped closed as much as possible
Use insect screens or mesh panels if your tent allows airflow
Avoid leaving lights on inside tents — they attract insects at night
Position cooking and eating areas slightly away from sleeping areas
Seal rubbish properly and dispose of food scraps promptly

Tip 2: Wear the right clothing (especially at dusk and dawn)

What you wear can be just as important as what you apply.

Choose long sleeves and long pants, particularly in the evening
Opt for light-coloured clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes
Wear loose-fitting fabrics — mozzies can bite through tight clothing
Cover ankles and feet, which are common bite zones

Tip 3: Use an effective insect repellent — and reapply properly

Repellent works best when it’s used consistently and correctly, especially during peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn.

Apply repellent to exposed skin before dusk and early evening
Reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying
Choose APVMA-approved repellents to ensure they meet Australian safety and effectiveness standards
Natural repellents can still be effective when properly formulated and used as directed

For those who prefer a gentler, more natural alternative to traditional DEET-based repellents, options like Good Riddance insect repellents offer plant-based protection that’s APVMA approved. Their Sensitive range is also suitable for young children (from 3 months) and people with sensitive skin, making them a practical choice for family camping trips.

Tip 4: Add extra campsite mosquito control

Using more than one method helps reduce mosquito activity around your campsite.

Place mosquito coils or repellents around seating, eating, and cooking areas
Position coils upwind so repellent coverage drifts across the campsite
Avoid relying on citronella candles alone — they provide limited protection
Clear leaves, debris, and damp areas where mosquitoes rest during the day

For added protection, SAN-AIR Mozzyno mosquito repellent gel can be used as part of your campsite setup. When paired with a battery-operated diffuser such as the Sleek Diffuser, it allows the repellent to disperse more evenly — making it especially convenient for camping, caravanning, and off-grid setups where power isn’t always available.

Tip 5: Protect yourself at night for better sleep

Night-time bites are one of the biggest camping frustrations.

Apply repellent before going to bed
Keep tent zips closed at all times
Avoid sweet-smelling lotions or perfumes
Use mosquito nets where needed, especially for children

Tip 6: Know what to do if you’re bitten

Most mosquito bites are harmless, but it’s still important to manage them properly and stay alert to any unusual symptoms.

Clean bites promptly and avoid scratching, which can break the skin and increase the risk of infection
Use bite creams or soothing balms to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation — keeping one in your camping kit can make a big difference
If you prefer a natural option, products like Good Riddance Rescue Balm can help soothe bites while being gentle on the skin. Rescue Balm is also handy for minor scratches and small cuts (not deep wounds), making it a versatile addition to your first aid kit

Keep an eye out for symptoms such as:

Fever
Joint or muscle pain
Fatigue
Headaches

If symptoms worsen, persist, or feel unusual, seek medical advice promptly. Early awareness and action help identify mosquito-borne illnesses sooner and reduce the risk of complications.

Enjoy summer camping without the mosquito stress

Mosquitoes may be part of the Australian summer, but they don’t have to ruin your camping trip. By understanding why campsites attract mozzies and taking a few simple, proactive steps — from choosing a smarter campsite to using effective repellents and layered protection — you can significantly reduce bites and the risks that come with them.

Good preparation makes all the difference. Wearing the right clothing, applying repellent correctly, setting up your campsite thoughtfully, and having the right essentials on hand means you can focus on what camping is really about: relaxing, exploring, and spending time outdoors with confidence.

With mosquito-borne viruses circulating in many parts of Australia, prevention isn’t about fear — it’s about being informed and prepared. A well-protected campsite lets you enjoy summer adventures safely, comfortably, and bite-free.