The Scent of a Memory…Camping Season in the Ozarks: Adventures, Bug-Repelling Tips, and Outdoor Diffusers
Camping season has started here in the Ozarks, but so far, our camper hasn’t made it out of the driveway. We’re hoping to remedy that in the next couple of weeks, sticking to smaller lakes like Pomme de Terre. It’s just an hour away and isn’t so huge that you feel like ocean liners are bearing down on you!
We’ve learned a thing or two about lake adventures over the years. One time, we went to the Lake of the Ozarks with friends, bringing along our little 14-foot Jon boat. With its modest 10 hp motor and trolling setup, we thought it was perfect for fishing. As we set out across the vast expanse of the lake, we quickly realized we were out of our league. Speeding cigarette boats, sleek catamarans, and massive sailboats zipped by while we bobbed along, feeling incredibly out of place. We didn’t see another Jon boat the entire time! We headed back to shore with our tails between our legs and eventually sold that boat—it just wasn’t for us.
That trip, though, brought plenty of laughs, especially after an unexpected incident involving our friend Odell, his son Eric, and a fishhook. Odell accidentally snagged Eric’s nose on a cast. While Eric stood patiently waiting for Odell to “remove” the hook, we all played along as Odell pretended to make a big production of it, only to finally reveal it wasn’t really stuck. Eric’s relief turned into laughter, but not as hard as ours!
Planning for This Year
This time around, as we plan our camping trips, I’m less concerned about food and more focused on bug protection. In the past, we relied on sprays with DEET and citronella candles. While effective, I’ve always disliked the greasy feel of the sprays and wondered about the chemicals we were applying.
This year, I’m experimenting with more natural solutions. One idea comes from @inspiredlifeandhome on Instagram: a DIY mosquito-repelling luminary. Here’s how I’m making it:
Fill a pint-sized mason jar with sliced lemons, limes, and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Add 15–20 drops of Belle Aroma® Lemongrass Essential Oil, which has a fresh, light scent with hints of lemon.
Top the jar with water and float a small candle on top. Light it, and voila—a natural and effective mosquito deterrent.
Interestingly, lemongrass and citronella both come from the Cymbopogon plant, making lemongrass a great alternative for repelling bugs. The rosemary adds its own insect-repelling properties, and the combination is as beautiful as it is functional.
Diffusing Outdoors
As I experiment with natural repellents, I’ve also been thinking about ways to enhance the camping ambiance. Can you use a diffuser outdoors? Absolutely! Portable diffusers paired with essential oils like lemongrass or eucalyptus can create a relaxing, fragrant environment while keeping bugs at bay.
Here’s how to make the most of an outdoor diffuser:
Choose a portable, battery-powered option: the Belle Aroma Essential Breeze Aromatherapy Fan is a perfect choice!
Use strong oils like lemongrass or citronella to maximize the scent’s reach in open air.
Place it in a sheltered spot to prevent the wind from dispersing the aroma too quickly.
A Quick Word About Pets
If you’re camping with pets, keep in mind that lemongrass oil is generally safe for animals when used in highly diluted forms, like in the luminary. However, always monitor for signs of irritation.
Camping in the Ozarks is always an adventure, whether you’re dodging fast boats, laughing over fishing mishaps, or experimenting with new ways to keep bugs at bay. With natural solutions like essential oil luminaries and outdoor diffusers, I’m excited to make this year’s trips healthier, more relaxing, and bug-free. Now, if only we can get that camper out of the driveway!
Retailers can purchase these products from our Faire online market or directly from BellaAromaBrand.com.
Lori Herr for Belle Aroma® Brand