If you’re heading out into nature this summer, check out these essential oils for camping! From natural insect repellents (sorry, DEET) to first aid remedies, essential oils are must-have camping companions! Besides, who doesn’t need a little help smelling great while sleeping under the stars? Check out these essential oils that are perfect to pack for camping.
Lavender – Sometimes, sleeping outdoors can be uncomfortable. If you have trouble falling asleep in a tent, try applying some lavender right before bed. You can apply it under your nose, on your pressure points, or on the bottom of your feet. Or you can spray/sprinkle some onto your sleeping bag.
Lavender also offers natural mosquito bite itch relief. It can calm and heal sunburn, and soothe cuts, scrapes, and bruises. And because it has antibacterial properties, it promotes the healing of minor injuries.
Peppermint – Peppermint has a wide array of superpowers. It can keep ants away from your food and campsite. Put a few drops around where you’re eating, and ants will steer clear.
Peppermint also offers relief for sore muscles from sleeping on the ground or hiking. Massage aching muscles with peppermint oil for relief. It’s best to dilute peppermint with a carrier oil if you’re applying it to a large portion of your body.
If outdoor adventures leave you feeling overheated, apply a few drops of peppermint to your back and shoulders, and then apply a damp cloth to help you cool off.
Tea tree – Another campsite hero. Tea tree is a natural mosquito repellent. Add a few drops of tea tree to a mild lotion or unscented body oil and insects will stay away. Tea tree essential oil also works to relieve sunburn.
Tea tree is a deodorizer! Drop inside shoes or add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and spray to deodorize shoes, sleeping bags, and anything else that could use a freshening up!
It’s antibacterial – apply tea tree to cuts, scrapes, blisters, and bites to discourage infection.
Lemongrass – Another mosquito repellent that allows you to leave harsh chemicals off the camping packing list. Dab lemongrass onto your wrists and behind your ears to help ward off pesky bugs.
Lemon – The degreasing qualities of lemon essential oil help with campfire meal cleanup. Add lemon essential oil to your dish soap or drop some onto a greasy pan before scrubbing.
Cedarwood – While cedarwood isn’t known to repel mosquitoes very well, it does repel ants and ticks! Cedarwood can also help promote rest and sleep – important qualities of a good getaway!
Tips for Using Essential Oils for Camping
- You can add a few drops of any insect-repelling oils to a spray bottle of water and spray it around your campsite to keep bugs away. Or grab a bottle of our all-natural, chemical-free bug spray and save yourself the trouble!
- You can also make your own insect-repellent bracelet by adding essential oils to a diffuser bracelet. Who says you can’t look cute while camping?
- Afraid of spiders? Sleep in peace with these essential oils that repel spiders the natural way: peppermint, orange, lemon, eucalyptus, cedarwood, tea tree, and lavender. Drop around the corners of your tent and inside your shoes while you’re sleeping.