Every camping list has the tent, the stove and the head torch sorted weeks in advance. The one thing that gets left for the servo run five minutes before you leave? Bug spray.

After enough ruined evenings around the fire, we worked out what's actually worth packing before you go, not after the mozzies show up.

Key Takeaways

• Bush Balm is our pick for family camping: natural, plastic-free, DEET-free and gentle enough for kids aged two and up.
• Reapply roughly every two to three hours, more often in humid conditions or after swimming.
• Pack Bite Balm alongside it for the times you forget to apply or reapply your Bush Balm.
• Both are part of our School Holiday Essentials sale and are 15% off.

Quick Refresher: What Is a Natural Bug Repellent?

Worth covering before we get into gear, because a lot of people hear "natural" and assume it means "doesn't really work."

A natural repellent is simply the alternative to a synthetic, chemical-based one. Think the DEET or picaridin sprays most camping stores stock by the case. Instead of a lab-formulated active ingredient, Viva La Body's Bush Balm relies on plant oils that insects want to avoid.

The logic is straightforward once you know it: citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus smell like a good day outdoors to us, but to bugs, those same oils are a reason to move on. It's a deterrent, not a kill switch, which is part of why reapplying matters.

If synthetic insect repellants are a dealbreaker for your family, whether that's the smell, the feel on skin, or just wanting to keep synthetic ingredients out of the mix, this is the option built for exactly that.

What Makes a Bug Repellent Good for Camping?

Not the same things that make a good repellent at home. Around a campsite you're dealing with limited storage space, kids who need reapplying more often than adults, dawn and dusk hours when insects are most active, and gear that gets thrown around, sat on and shoved into a tent bag.

So the shortlist matters: something compact, something that won't leak through your bag, something gentle enough for everyone's skin including the kids, and something you'll actually remember to use because it's easy to reach for.

Why We Reach for Bush Balm on Family Camping Trips

Bush Balm simply ticks all the boxes. 

It's formulated with natural citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus oils, three ingredients traditionally used to deter insects, in a nourishing cocoa butter and shea butter base.

The plastic-free and fully home-compostable push-up tube is the practical bit. No screw cap to lose in the dirt, no plastic bottle to leak in your backpack or tent... winning! It's also free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulphates, silicones and palm oil, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin and kids aged two and up.

How Often Should You Reapply Bush Balm?

Natural deterrent oils need to be reapplied more regularly than some conventional insect repellents. We recommend reapplying Bush Balm roughly every two to three hours, especially in humid conditions or straight after a swim.

Dawn and dusk are times to be especially mindful of biting insects, with many mosquitoes particularly active around sunrise and sunset. It's also exactly when you're likely to be sitting still around the campsite waiting for your marshmallow to toast or a bite on the line. That's the window to reapply.

One thing worth flagging: Bush Balm is built for everyday outdoor time, backyard evenings, bush walks, camping trips and days at the beach. If you're heading somewhere with a genuine risk of insect-borne disease, we always recommend doing extra research into what precautions are recommended for that specific destination.

What Else Should Go in Your Family Camping Skincare Kit?

Bush Balm rarely travels alone in our bag. We pack the Viva La Body Bite Balm right alongside it, for the times we forget to reapply our Bush Balm, or skin that's a bit irritated after a day of scrub and sunscreen. It's a different formula altogether, built on lavender, lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass to calm rather than deter.

Beyond that, keep it simple. A solid soap bar, natural deodorant, reef-safe sunscreenanda lip balmround out a kit that covers a whole family without ten different bottles taking up packing space. Small things, but they're the difference between feeling like you've been camping and feeling like you need an extra-long shower the second you're home.

  

Is Bush Balm Safe for Kids?

Both Bush Balm and Bite Balm are suitable for kids aged two and up. Little ones have more delicate skin, so age recommendations help ensure products and their ingredients are suitable for younger skin. It doesn't mean there's anything "wrong" with natural ingredients, but rather that age and skin sensitivity matter when choosing what to use on kids.

For children under two, you can help prevent bites by covering little arms and legs with lightweight clothing and using mosquito netting over prams and carriers.

Everyone's skin is different, so we recommend patch testing Bush Balm before use, regardless of age. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin and see how the skin responds. Always avoid the eyes and broken skin, and stop use if irritation occurs.

The Tube That Earns Its Spot

Bush Balm isn't trying to be a lab-made repellent, and it doesn't need to be. It's an honest, plastic-free and natural option that earns its spot in the family bag for camping and other outdoor adventures, made from natural ingredients you can actually read and understand.

When we know better, we do better, and that goes for natural insect deterrents as much as anything else we stock. If you've got questions about our natural Bush Balm and Bite Balm, or anything else in the range, email us any time at askusanything@goforzero.com.au (we seriously love chatting to you). 

With love, 
Ellie x

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best natural bug repellent for camping in Australia?

Bush Balm is our pick for family camping. It's made with citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus oils, comes in a compact plastic-free tube, and suits sensitive skin and kids aged two and up.

How often should I reapply natural insect balm while camping?

Roughly every two to three hours, more often in humid conditions, after swimming, or during dawn and dusk when insects are most active.

Is natural bug repellent enough for a camping trip, or do I need something stronger?

For everyday camping, hiking and backyard time, a natural balm like Bush Balm is a reasonable option. For destinations with a genuine risk of mosquito-borne diseases, always do research into what precautions are recommended for that specific destination.

Can kids use natural bug repellent while camping?

Yes, Bush Balm is suitable for children aged two years and up. A patch test before your trip is recommended regardless of age.

What should I pack alongside bug repellent for a family camping trip?

Bite Balm for any bites that get through, a solid soap bar, a natural deodorant, a natural sunscreen and a lip balm round out a compact, plastic-free skin kit for the whole family.