What’s one thing you absolutely must have in your camping first aid kit besides bandages? If you said a good first aid ointment, you’re right on the money. Whether it’s a tiny scrape from a branch, a nasty bug bite, or a minor burn from the campfire, having the right ointment can make a huge difference.

In fact, a focus on proper wound care is key to wilderness safety. The American Red Cross emphasizes that having the right topical treatments for common injuries is a critical part of staying safe on the trail, which is why they include antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments as essential components of their recommended first aid kits. 

To find the top choices, we looked at top-rated products on Amazon and other outdoor gear sites. We also dug into reviews and Reddit threads to see what real campers and hikers trust for minor cuts, scrapes, and bug bites. The result is this hand-picked list of the best first aid ointments for camping, ranked for effectiveness, versatility, and ease of use.

9 Best First Aid Ointments for Camping (Reviewed)

1. Neosporin Original Ointment

Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment

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When you think of first aid ointments, Neosporin is probably the first name that comes to mind. It’s a classic for a reason. This triple antibiotic ointment helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It works by killing bacteria that can cause infections, which is super important when you’re in the wilderness and away from a clean environment. Many people trust Neosporin to speed up the healing process and minimize the appearance of scars. Its effectiveness and long-standing reputation make it a top pick for any camping first aid kit.

The ointment has a smooth, non-greasy feel and a little goes a long way. It comes in a small, portable tube that’s easy to tuck into a pack without taking up much space. While it’s great for preventing infection, it doesn’t offer much in the way of pain relief or anti-itch properties. It’s an essential for any basic first aid kit, especially for treating minor wounds and helping them heal without complications.

Pros

• Trusted, long-standing brand
• Helps prevent infection
• Speeds up healing
• Small and easy to pack

Cons

• Doesn’t offer pain relief
• It can cause allergic reactions in some people

2. Polysporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment

Polysporin First Aid Topical Antibiotic Skin Ointment

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Polysporin is a great alternative for those who might have a sensitivity to some of the ingredients in Neosporin. This dual-antibiotic ointment contains Bacitracin and Polymyxin B, and it’s free of the ingredient Neomycin, which is a common cause of allergic skin reactions. This makes it a great choice for campers with sensitive skin. It works just as well as other antibiotic ointments at preventing infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Like its triple-antibiotic counterpart, Polysporin is a must-have for camping and hiking first aid. It’s effective at keeping wounds clean and promoting a fast recovery. It comes in a compact tube that’s perfect for a lightweight backpack or a small first aid pouch. For anyone who has had a bad experience with other antibiotic ointments, Polysporin is a dependable and effective choice that won’t irritate your skin while providing the protection you need.

Pros

• Good for people with sensitive skin
• Effective at preventing infection
• Dependable and trusted brand
• Small and travel-friendly

Cons

• Doesn’t contain a pain reliever
• It can be harder to find in some stores

Suggested Reads- 13 Best Biodegradable Soaps for Camping in 2025

3. Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Ointment

Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Soothing Aloe Itch Relief Cream

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If you’re prone to bug bites, poison ivy, or skin rashes while camping, this is the ointment you want. Cortizone-10 uses 1% hydrocortisone, the strongest anti-itch ingredient you can get without a prescription. It works wonders on insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, and allergic rashes. This product is a real lifesaver when you get that relentless itch that just won’t go away.

While it’s not an antibiotic ointment, its power to relieve pain and itchiness makes it an essential for many first aid kits for camping. A few users note that the ointment can feel a little greasy, but its fast-acting relief makes it worth it. It’s perfect for those pesky mosquito bites or a run-in with a stinging nettle. This is a great product to have on hand for those unexpected skin irritations that can ruin a perfectly good camping trip.

Pros

• Provides fast, long-lasting itch relief
• Works on bug bites, poison ivy, and rashes
• Maximum strength hydrocortisone
• Water-resistant formula

Cons

• Not an antibiotic ointment
• Can feel slightly greasy

4. All Good Goop All-Purpose First Aid Balm

All Good Goop Organic Skin Care Recovery Balm

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For campers who prefer a more natural approach, All Good Goop is an excellent option. This is a petroleum-free, plant-based balm that’s packed with organic ingredients like calendula, comfrey, lavender, and tea tree oil. It’s great for soothing minor scrapes, cuts, burns, and chapped skin. Unlike chemical-heavy products, this balm helps promote skin repair using natural compounds. It’s a great choice for natural first aid for camping and for sensitive skin.

Campers love how versatile this product is; it can be used on everything from bug bites to blisters. While it doesn’t contain traditional antibiotics, the tea tree oil and other ingredients provide natural antiseptic properties. The balm has a distinct herbal smell that some people love and others might not. It’s also thicker than an ointment, so it’s best for smaller applications. Overall, it’s a top pick for anyone who wants an effective, multi-purpose ointment without synthetic ingredients.

Pros

• Made with natural and organic ingredients
• Multi-purpose for cuts, scrapes, burns, and chapped skin
• Petroleum-free
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• Not a traditional antibiotic ointment
• Herbal smell might not be for everyone

5. Amazon Basic Care Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength First Aid Triple Antibiotic Ointment

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If you’re looking for a great value, the Amazon Basic Care Triple Antibiotic Ointment is a solid choice. This ointment is a direct and affordable alternative to Neosporin. It contains the same three active ingredients: Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B, which work together to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It offers the same infection protection you’d expect from a name-brand ointment, but at a lower price point.

Many campers and hikers appreciate having a reliable, cost-effective option for their first aid kits. The ointment is non-greasy and applies easily. It comes in a small tube that’s perfect for travel. This is a no-frills, dependable product that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly but effective first aid ointment for minor cuts.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Same active ingredients as Neosporin
• Effective at preventing infection
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Lacks any pain-relieving ingredients
• Packaging can sometimes be less durable than name brands

6. Terrasil Wound Care Ointment

Terrasil Wound Care 3X - Wound Healing Ointment

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Terrasil Wound Care Ointment is a bit different from traditional antibiotic ointments. It uses a patented technology with Activated Minerals to speed up healing and provide a protective barrier. It’s designed to treat minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and even blisters. The formula is all-natural, petroleum-free, and contains ingredients like jojoba oil and beeswax, which help to moisturize and soothe the skin while it heals.

This ointment is a favorite among those with more serious minor wounds. Many users report that it helps reduce pain and itching while also preventing infection. It can be a little thicker than other ointments, so it might not be ideal for every type of wound. But for deeper scrapes or blisters, it works wonders. It’s a fantastic option to have in your camping medical kit for more stubborn or painful injuries.

Pros

• Speeds up healing
• Natural, petroleum-free ingredients
• Good for deeper scrapes and blisters
• Helps reduce pain and itching

Cons

• More expensive than other options
• Thicker consistency

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7. GoodSense Maximum Strength Triple Antibiotic Ointment Plus Pain Relief

GoodSense Maximum Strength Triple Antibiotic Ointment

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This is a top-rated, value-packed product that combines triple antibiotic protection with pain relief. The active ingredients include Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B to prevent infection, plus Pramoxine HCl as an external analgesic. This combination means you’re not just treating the wound, but also getting temporary relief from the pain and discomfort of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, a great feature when you’re far from home.

It’s an excellent, affordable alternative to name-brand triple antibiotic plus pain relief products. Campers who need an effective, all-in-one solution for common trail injuries will find this indispensable. The ointment has a smooth consistency and is designed to soothe painful cuts, scrapes, and burns while providing that crucial infection protection. It’s perfect for a reliable, multi-action item in your first aid supplies.

Pros

• Triple antibiotics prevent infection
• Includes external analgesic (Pramoxine HCl) for pain relief
• Affordable maximum strength formula
• Soothes painful cuts and scrapes

Cons

• Contains Neomycin, which may irritate sensitive skin
• A slightly larger tube size may not suit ultra-minimalist packers

8. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant

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Aquaphor is a beloved multi-purpose product that can do a little bit of everything. While it’s not a traditional antibiotic ointment, it’s perfect for treating minor scrapes, burns, and chapped or dry skin. Its main job is to create a protective barrier that helps keep moisture in and lets the skin heal on its own. It’s a very simple but effective formula that’s free of fragrances, preservatives, and dyes, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Many campers use Aquaphor to prevent blisters, soothe cracked lips, and treat minor chafing. It’s an excellent addition to a camping first aid kit for its versatility. While it won’t kill bacteria like an antibiotic ointment, it’s a great product to have on hand for everyday skin issues that come up while camping. A little bit of this ointment goes a long way, so a small tube can last for many trips.

Pros

• Multi-purpose for various skin irritations
• Creates a protective barrier for healing
• Good for sensitive and dry skin
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Not an antibiotic
• Can feel very greasy

9. Sweet Bee Magic All-In-One Healing Organic Balm

Sweet Bee Magic All In One Healing Organic Balm

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If you’re looking for a luxurious, all-natural option that focuses on powerful healing, Sweet Bee Magic is an incredible choice. This organic balm is made with clean ingredients like raw honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen. These compounds are known for their natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them an excellent choice for natural first aid for camping and general skin health.

This balm is truly all-in-one: it helps to soothe minor cuts, scrapes, irritations, and burns. It works by nurturing the skin with vitamins and antioxidants, promoting repair and reducing inflammation. It’s especially praised for its ability to moisturize and repair dry, chapped, or cracked skin after a long day in the elements. While it’s not a traditional drug-store ointment, its clean, organic formula and wide range of uses make it a fantastic, high-quality addition to any wilderness first aid kit.

Pros

• Organic and all-natural ingredients
• Contains healing bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly)
• Soothes cuts, scrapes, burns, and irritations
• Excellent for moisturizing dry or chapped skin

Cons

• More expensive than traditional ointments
• Not a standard antibiotic formula

How to Choose the Best First Aid Ointment for Camping

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider before making your pick:

• Type of Ointment: Do you need a triple antibiotic for cuts and scrapes? A hydrocortisone cream for bug bites? Or a natural, multi-purpose balm? A great camping kit often has a mix of these.
• Active Ingredients: Look at the active ingredients. Triple antibiotics (like Neosporin and Bacitracin) prevent infection. Hydrocortisone (like in Cortizone-10) stops itching. Lidocaine provides pain relief.
• Purpose: Are you treating cuts and scrapes or bug bites and rashes? The best ointment for camping is the one that fits your most likely needs. If you know you’ll be in an area with lots of mosquitoes, prioritize an anti-itch cream.
• Pack Size: A small, lightweight tube is best for backpacking. For car camping, you can bring a slightly larger container.
• Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, look for options without Neomycin (like Polysporin) or go for a natural, petroleum-free balm.

Conclusion

A good first aid ointment is a non-negotiable part of any camping first aid kit. Whether you choose a classic triple-antibiotic for minor wounds, a powerful anti-itch cream for bug bites, or a natural balm for overall skin care, having the right ointment can keep a minor issue from becoming a major problem.

The best choice depends on your needs, but having a versatile selection on hand will ensure you’re prepared for anything the outdoors throws at you. So pack one of these top-rated products, and you’ll be ready for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are antibiotic ointments necessary for minor cuts? 

Yes, antibiotic ointments are a great way to prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes. They kill bacteria that can enter a wound and help the area heal faster and cleaner, especially when you’re in a less-than-sterile environment like a campsite.

What is the difference between an ointment, cream, and gel? 

Ointments are typically thicker and greasier, creating a protective barrier on the skin. Creams are lighter, absorb more quickly, and are often used for general skin irritation. Gels are a watery, non-greasy option that provides a cooling sensation. For camping, an ointment is often preferred because it stays on the wound better and provides a longer-lasting protective layer.

Can I use petroleum jelly instead of an antibiotic ointment? 

Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) can be used to protect a clean wound and keep it moist, which can help with healing. However, it does not have any antibiotic properties and will not kill bacteria. For wounds that may have dirt or bacteria, an antibiotic ointment is a better choice to prevent infection.

Do I need a separate ointment for burns? 

For minor first-degree burns, a burn gel or a simple ointment like petroleum jelly or aloe vera can help soothe the skin and protect it. While some antibiotic ointments are safe for minor burns, it’s best to use a product specifically for burns if you can. Never use butter or oils on a burn.

How often should I apply first aid ointment to a wound? 

For minor wounds, it’s generally recommended to clean the area and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment one to three times a day, or as directed by the product’s instructions. Always reapply the ointment and a clean bandage after the wound gets wet or dirty.