Candles for Campers: Yes, You Can Take the Cozy with You

At Mountain City Candles, summer weekends = packed coolers, muddy boots, and sleeping under the stars (with at least one marshmallow catching on fire). We go camping once a month during the summer, and you better believe we bring candles with us every time.

Camping might be about unplugging, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave behind the cozy. Whether you're tent camping, camper glamping, or just setting up around the backyard fire pit, our summer soy candles and portable camping candles are easy to pack and impossible to regret.

Start Your Fire Like a Pro (Without the Sketchy Chemicals)

One of the best camping hacks we’ve ever created: Mountain City Candles Firestarters. These little guys are the ultimate campfire sidekick — made from soy wax, wood shavings, paper shreds, and a cotton wick, all packed into a flammable cupcake liner.

No lighter fluid. No chemical smell. No drama.

Just light the wick, tuck it under your kindling, and boom — your fire is going. They’re lightweight, clean-burning, and ridiculously effective. Toss a few in your camping tote or emergency kit. We sell them in bags of 6 or a bucket of 30 if you’re the type that likes to roast something every night (same).

Bonus tip: They’re also great for backyard fire pits, chimineas, or wood stoves in the winter.

Yes, Candles Totally Belong at the Campground

Some people pack bug spray and sunscreen. We pack that plus a few of our favorite travel candles.

Our summer soy candles aren’t just cute — they actually help you enjoy the trip more. Burn one while you play cards at the picnic table. Set one on your camper nightstand while you wind down after a day of hiking. Light one up in the tent to mask the eau de wet socks (we’ve all been there).

We especially love our earthy, woodsy, or fresh scent options for summer:

These are the kinds of scents that make your campsite feel a little more like home — or at least like a good-smelling Airbnb in the woods.

Fresh-Smelling Camper? Yes Please.

Want your camper or cabin to smell good even when you're not there? We keep soy candles in the cabinets year-round — and they do a great job of keeping things fresh between trips.

We’ve also heard (from more than one happy camper) that pine tree scents like Misty Pines and Christmas Tree can help keep mice away during the off-season. We’re not saying it’s a guaranteed rodent repellent, but hey — it's a nice-smelling layer of protection!  We crack open our wax melts and let them sit inside the camper all winter long for a fresh boost of pine scent.

Limited-Time Citronella Candles – While Supplies Last

Mosquitoes? No thanks. We do have citronella soy candles available right now — clean-burning and perfect for setting on the picnic table while you eat dinner or relax around the fire. Just a heads up: we’re not pouring any new citronella batches this year, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Snag them while you can.

Travel Tin Candles – Your Scent, Your Way

Camping Essentials: Don’t Forget the Scents

Here’s your camping checklist from your favorite candle makers:

• Firestarters
• A few soy wax travel candles or wax melts
• A backup lighter
  
• One indulgent scent just for you (because you deserve it)
  
• S’mores ingredients (obviously)
  

Whether you're in the woods for the weekend or parked lakeside for a full week of sun, a few well-chosen scents can totally transform your camping experience. It’s about more than smelling nice — it’s about making memories that smell like you.

PS: Don’t Forget Our All-Purpose Cleaner

Okay, it’s not technically a candle, but it is camping-friendly. Our non-toxic, all-natural all-purpose cleaner is a total MVP for wiping down picnic tables, camper countertops, and sticky s’mores fingers. No dyes, no bleach, no ammonia — just a clean you’ll feel good about bringing to your camper.

Final Thought (From One Camper to Another)

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hitting the trails, or just sitting in a camp chair doing nothing (the dream), our goal is simple: help your space feel like your space — even if that space is a tent. With our portable camping candles, eco-friendly firestarters, and fresh, clean scents, you can bring the cozy wherever you go.

And if your camper smells like sandalwood and not stale potato chips? Even better.