Keep Bugs Away From Your Car Camping Site With This Affordable Dollar Store Item

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Car camping is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the outdoors, and with a vehicle nearby, it can be a pretty comfortable experience. There is, however, something that can be a huge spoiler to this event: biting insects. Aggressive mosquitoes, flies, and other biting insects can descend onto an otherwise peaceful retreat in nature, turning an escape into an itching ordeal full of consistent swatting and discomfort. Bites irritate the skin, can disrupt sleep, and, even worse, carry risks of disease transmission.

Protection can be an essential camping item needed for a successful trip, and bug repellent is definitely part of the car camping checklist. A straightforward option that is gaining traction among budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts is the mosquito repellent coils being sold at dollar stores across the United States. These repellents look like flat, spiral-shaped disks that resemble an incense stick. When lit at the outer edge of the spiral, they burn slowly inwards, producing a steady stream of smoke. Most of these bug coils contain pyrethrins or related chemicals that are compounds derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These compounds affect the nervous systems of insects, leading to repellency or even paralysis. Great for those car campers trying to enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors.

The coils come in multipacks, and you can often find them at the dollar store or for a few bucks at other in-store and online retailers. As one reviewer on Home Depot said, "These coils are by far the best at repelling mosquitos. We live in the woods and have tried everything, these work!" Users on Amazon report similar experiences, with a reduction of up to 90% of bites, with others noting these coils outperform basic citronella options.

Bug coils standout for car camping use due to their practicality for on-the-go, vehicle-based set-ups. Each coil typically burns for five to seven hours, and packs typically come with four or more, giving you hours of coverage around camp. A four-pack weighs under 2 ounces, making them ultra-portable and easy to toss into a glove box or camping bin without adding weight. Unlike battery-powered devices, bug coils don't require charging, just a lighter or a match, which most campers already have on hand for starting fires.

The dried paste in coil form burns and smolders, releasing smoke that creates a localized zone of repellent reaching up to 10 feet around the coil. Insects avoid this area due to the chemical signals from the odor. The effect is spatial and temporary, working only when the coil is actively burning.

Setting them up is simple as well. Place the coil outside on a stable, non-flammable surface like a metal stand, a flowerpot, or an old ceramic plate. Light the outer end of the coil and simply allow it to smolder. For best results, set out a few around your car camping site about 10 feet apart to get more coverage. Adjust the placement of the coils based on the direction of the wind so smoke can drift into your site rather than away. Multiple coils can create a broader protection without much effort or cost. 

Mosquito coils are a great cost-effective solution, but they're not perfect. Remember that they are intended for outdoor use only. Never burn them within your tent, vehicle, or any other enclosed space due to smoke inhalation risks. Always place them on stable surfaces away from flammable materials, children, or pets. Ensure you supervise the burning coils and never leave them unattended to prevent forest fires. For the most thorough defense against bugs, combine the coil with layered clothing and other topical repellents. No single method guarantees complete protection, but a combination defense is your best bet. Windy situations decrease the effectiveness of bug coils, so choose a sheltered camping spot and know their limitations. 

The smoke from the coils does carry a noticeable odor that some might find strong or unpleasant, but many describe it as tolerable or akin to burning incense. Burning a coil does produce ash that requires cleanup afterwards. Fire risk is present with any open ember, and supervision is a must! Don't forget to fully extinguish the coil before packing it up. Even though there isn't a visible flame, it can still burn you or burn through your camping gear. 

Despite the caveats, these bug coils are a wonderful addition to any car camping kit. They're incredibly budget-friendly, extremely portable, and are effective for most camping situations. Campers on a tight budget or those seeking a simple option will appreciate this type of bug repellent. If a coil doesn't work for you, try these must-have items to keep bugs at bay from Costco and these 13 genius hacks to keep bugs away while camping.