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5 Best Mosquito & Bug Nets for Camping

| Updated May 25, 2023

As much as I love the outdoors, I can't stand mosquitos! Here's all you need to know about bug nets for camping and my top picks.

There you are enjoying the great big outdoors when a pesky little bug comes to bite you. It's amazing how frustrating something so small can be!

While bug spray is good when you're on the trail, it's nice to have an alternative when relaxing on-site. And one of those great alternatives is bug nets. They offer excellent bug protection without any of the potentially harmful chemicals!

There are many options to choose from when searching for a high-quality mosquito net. So, to narrow it down, I outline what to look for in the best mosquito net. Then, I list my picks for the best bug net on the market.

Now, mind you, these bug nets are mainly for outdoor camping or lounging in hammocks. For RVers who want a bug-free lounge area, I recommend screen tents instead.

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast

OFF!Cast Mosquite Forecast Map

Before I jump into the best products, I wanted to introduce you to a really cool resource I just learned of. This OFF!Cast Mosquito predicts the local mosquito activity anywhere across the US up to seven days in advance. It’s based on mosquito biology!

This tool was created using an algorithm co-developed by SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health in partnership with Google Cloud and Climate Engine.

With OFF!Cast, you can now get your local mosquito forecast as easily as your local weather forecast. This can help anyone looking to travel or to do any outdoor activities across the US, to prepare and plan ahead.

Pretty cool, huh?!

Benefits of Bug Nets

While there are several benefits of using a portable mosquito net when traveling, there are two major ones: keeping you pest-free and disease-free.

Nobody has to tell you that bugs bug you! The little pests buzz and bite and bite and buzz. While mosquitos are arguably the worst culprits, no-see-ums give them a run for their money.

Jennifer and I have also had to deal a lot with bees at campsites. While we value bees and certainly don't swat at them, we don't want them buzzing around our heads and landing in our food.

Mosquito and no-see-um netting helps prevent all those little buggers from, well, bugging us!

Another major reason that outdoor lovers want great mosquito nets for camping is that mosquitos and other flying insects can carry disease. No one wants to get Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, or any other disease from the pests.

What to Look for in the Best Travel Mosquito Nets

Bug Nets for Camping
Figure out what you actually need.

Many travel mosquito nets can be used as a stand-alone shelter when sleeping on the ground, and not in a tent. Others can work in conjunction with your setup if you are relaxing in a hammock or hammock camping all weekend.

For example, ENO hammocks not only offer excellent hammocks to rest in. The company also offers many hammock systems that include some of the lightest mosquito nets on the market. They can cover your entire hammock, so you get the best of both worlds: the lightness of sleeping in the air and protection from annoying bugs!

If this sounds nice to you, check out our article on The Best Camping Hammocks.

Double Zipper

A double zipper provides easy access for any user. It lets you access your sleeping quarter's, and can provide a nice ease of use for those sleeping with another person. You can use separate access points to climbing in to go to bed at night, especially in situations where there is limited space.

Stuff Sack

A lightweight mosquito net is great, but having an easy way to store and carry it is equally important. Look for a net with an included stuff sack so that you can throw in your net and be on your way easily.

Hanging Point & Hanging Kit

Another thing to check out is the hanging point of the bug net. Make sure the hanging point and the hanging kit will work in a campground or wilderness setting.

The 5 Best Bug Nets for Camping

Finding the right mosquito net comes down to personal preferences. One great option for one person might not work for another. However, these are the best options that provide a range of products to choose from.

Remember, these are mainly for campers who are pitching tents or hanging hammocks to relax or sleep in. If you're looking more for a screened-off area, scroll down for a link that'll take you to an article all about screen tents.

Coghlan's Mosquito Net

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this inexpensive and light option. It is simplicity at its finest, though, which has its pros and cons.

The pros are the low cost and super compact, light design. The con, however, is it does not offer tent-like construction. You'll have to string it to numerous hanging points.

Once it is set up, it creates a 78″l x 63″w x 59″h rectangle. You can fit a good-sized inflatable mattress or lounge chair inside.

Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet

Even though this product works best with Wise Owl Outfitters hammocks, it can be used with many other brands. Just be sure to check the dimensions of your hammock and compare it to the Snugnet.

ENO Junglenest Hammock

This camping hammock doubles as a complete sleep system. This hammock features an integrated bug hammock, but still offers the sleeper a spacious interior for a great night's sleep or nap.

If you already have an ENO hammock, you can get the ENO Guardian Bug Net to make a bug-free zone. It sometimes works with other hammock brands, too. Just be sure to compare the dimensions.

Kamp-Rite Insect Protection System

This protection system is durable and comes complete with a rain fly!

This one-person system has an inner layer made with an ultra-fine mesh, which definitely keeps out unwanted insects.

While this is an excellent choice, it is not the most lightweight option available. If you are backpacking, you may want to look for a lighter option.

Picnic Pal

This option is actually for protecting your food, not you. It's like a little screen tent for your food!

It's excellent for keeping bugs from landing on and crawling over your picnic. Jennifer did a great little quick tip about this product, which you can watch here.

Screenhouses vs Bug Nets for Camping

If you want a completely screened-off area for more than just sleeping in, you'll want a screen tent rather than a mosquito net. Be sure to check out the Best Screen Room for Camping (Top 7 Picks).

Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Bundle – 2 ebooks!

5 Best Mosquito & Bug Nets for Camping 1

This bundle is our popular Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide PLUS our newest Adventure Guide – The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour! Both ebooks will give you plenty of ideas and resources to enjoy this part of the US.

Explore this Bundle and plan your next trip!


Mike Wendland

Published on 2022-01-14

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

2 Responses to “5 Best Mosquito & Bug Nets for Camping”

January 15, 2022at1:14 am, Pam Shook said:

Camping in the 90’s with a horse in August is very hot. Setting up the tent and then having wind direction change was hot also. So we slept under the canopy with no sides and spray a sheet folded in half along all 4 sides on a cot, this kept the bugs away all night. All lite a candle and placed it about 10 feet away and the bugs would fly into the flame and die. Be sure to remove the bugs in the melted wax before blowing out the candle when going to sleep.

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January 14, 2022at10:00 am, Mary Chaffee said:

I was hoping to see mosquito nets for my fishing/hiking hat. When you’re down by the water all day those critters make hamburger out of me!

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