Campsites in Saudi Arabia render an exclusive experience, under the starlit sky as many of them are housed amidst stunning mountains, lush valleys and majestic deserts. If you are someone wandering in quest of tranquility and breathtaking views then camping in Saudi Arabia is a must-have experience. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy during your stay in camp, these fun activities include trekking, stargazing, bonfire, open dinners and more. Discover the rich deserts with glistening sand, huge mountains, mesmerizing scenic beauty and shifting sand dunes. Given the soothing temperature, winter is the ideal time for staying in camps in Saudi. Let's dig deeper to know about the best campsites in KSA.
Most loved Sites For Camping In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is indeed one of the most stunning countries in the Middle East. It's is a one time experience taking the visitors onto a leap away from the chaos into the peace. To assist the campers, here are a few best-camping sites in Saudi that are visited the most and will never disappoint you in any aspect. Grab your chance to sleep under the sky in the desert, enjoy the calm bonfire, and the stars right above your head WINKING at you!
1. Jabal Al Lawz
Jabal al-Lawz mountain rises to a high altitude of about 2,580 m above sea level and nestles at the end of KSA towards the Jordanian border. For history buffs, it is no less than a blessing that comprises various archaeological sites representative pre-Islamic petroglyphs and inscriptions. It is categorized among the most loved camping sites receiving white blessings in the form of snowfall and is one of the most popular hiking spots. Imagine yourself camping in Saudi Arabia right in the middle of snowfields! Isn't it surreal? Well here is your opportunity to live this dream for real.
Where: Jabal Al Lawz is 220 km from Tabuk, in the northwest of KSA towards the Jordanian border.
Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to visit Jabal Al Lawz for camping and experiencing snowfall.
How to reach: Visitors can hire private vehicles. There is also a military base that prevents access to some peaks. The campsite can be reached via 4x4 vehicles.
Attraction: Snowfall, bonfire
2. Al Kharrarah National Park
Located at a distance of 60km from Riyadh, Al kharrarah national park is yet another most admired camping site. The region receives plenty of rainfall with water travelling down through steep dunes into the valleys below, which eventually forms Lake Kharrah. Since it's a seasonal lake the water evaporates after a said period, and the place becomes a splendid desert camping site in Saudi Arabia.
The national park is home to beautiful trees and pretty migratory birds during the spring phase of the season. A large number of visitors and campers flock in during the cool temperature for spending a few days in peace and solace. Excursionists can access the national park on a hired quad bike or through horseback riding, thus one must bring their family to connect beautifully with nature and sync with its symphony.
Where: Al Kharrarah National Park is 60 km from Riyadh, the kingdom’s capital.
Best time to visit: the campsite is a result of abundant rainfall, thus it is best to visit Al Kharrarah National Park after Monsoon and during winters.
How to reach: Visitors can hire 4×4 SUV as it's easier to cross dunes and sandy terrain via SUV than regular cars.
Attraction: Dune bashing, sandboarding, dune buggy riding, kite flying, barbeques, and picnics.
Suggested Read: Desert Safari In Saudi Arabia: Adventurous Experience in the Golden Sand of Middle East
3. Wadi Al Disah
Wadi Al Disah is a pristine valley located 260 km from Tabuk city in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Natural Reserve. If you are someone who prefers sleeping on the lap of nature, frolicking through lush greenery and the bower of palm trees, or enjoying the transparent brook, then this place will definitely embrace you offering the best of what you have been searching for. It is hidden between red sandstone escarpments and will wrap you with nature's love in the serenity. There are several archaeological sites, such as Nabataean tomb facades and walls with Nabataean and Arabic texts written in Kufic script.
Where: The valley’s entrance is 260 km from Tabuk city.
Best time to visit: November to March is ideal to camp and relax in the valley because of the mild climate during winters
How to reach: Wadi Al Disah is located in the Tabuk region, and you can reach there in a 4×4 vehicle through Al Disah village.
Attraction: Overnight camping with evening barbecues and stargazing amidst the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature.
Suggested Read: Best 8 Beaches in Saudi Arabia for a Tranquil holiday with Brood
4. Acacia Valley
Yet another unspoiled terrain that is waiting for the visitors for a perfect experience of camping in Saudi Arabia. Packed with Acacia trees, Acacia Valley has a wide range of plants and trees. Visitors can pass throughout the valley to reach the edge of the world. There are many things to do in Saudi, but enjoying the panoramic views and sunset from atop these gigantic cliffs rising above an unending desert is one thing thig that you shouldn't miss out. Acacia valley is an ideal place for camping in winters, so plan a day out with family and loose yourself in the soothing atmos.
Where: Acacia Valley is located at a distance of 90 km from Riyadh in the Jebel Tuwaiq Escarpment.
Best time to visit: Fall and Winter seasons is the best time to camp
How to reach: Reaching Acacia Valley is quite a challenge. There is no public transport available, so you got to hire a private vehicle, self-drive, hitchhike, or joining a tour group.
Attraction: An early morning hike to the Edge of the World
5. Makan Camp
Located in the outskirts of Dammam city, Makan camp is a camping ground that offers various activities enticing people from far off land. It is a perfect place for families as well as couples who wish to spend some quality tile alone. The best thing is that families can stay here away from the city for as man days they want and replenish themselves in the embrace of mother nature while enjoying at this location for desert camping Saudi Arabia.
Location: Al Waslak, Dammam
Best time to visit: December to January is the best time for camping in this region
How to reach: Visitors can hire 4x4 vehicles for reaching the campsite safely
Attraction: dune bashing, bonfires, and BBQ
Suggested Read: Discover the Nightlife in Saudi Arabia to Spend Perfect Evening
6. Moon Valley
Moon valley boasts spectacular rock formation that are formed for more than thousand of years. Visitors can reach Moon valley within one hour from Jeddah. This camping site in Saudi is known for its famous stomping ground where visitors can relish the nature through its surreal beauty. You can hop on and enjoy staying in tents right in the middle of the nature making a bonfire and enjoying sumptuous authentic food of Saudi Arabia. Treat yourself with the spectacular sunset and stargazing experiences. Not only can onlookers gaze at the starts but can also figure out various constellations like Orion’s Belt, since the destination is absolutely free from pollution.
Where: Near Usfan and next to Jabal al Jadib, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Best time visit: Between November and February
How to reach: Four-wheel-drive vehicle because the terrain can be sandy and rough.
Attraction: Stargazing, camping, hiking, and watching sunsets are the top things to do at Moon Valley.
7. Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq
Nestles near Raghaba town in Thadiq that lies between Qassim and Riyadh, Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq is one of the most amazing destination for camping in Riyadh. The place is surrounded by Tuwaiq mountains and stretches for more than 7oo kilometres from Zulfi dunes to Qiddiya Giga project. Visitors can You can see the various mountain ranges from all directions of this campsite, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Riyadh. Since it is in desert it is recommended to camp here during winter in the soothing temperature.
Where: 90-minute from Riyadh
Best time visit: From October till February
How to reach: Four-wheel-drive vehicle because the terrain can be sandy and rough.
Attraction: Dune Bashing, Stargazing, camping
Suggested Read: Explore the Charming Vistas of Mountains In Saudi Arabia
8. Al Thumamah National Park
If you are an adrenaline junkies, Al Thumamah National Park is one place that serves as a stunning camping destination in Saudi Arabia. Rent quad bikes and enjoy dune bashing and other adventure activities. When it comes to campsites, there are many places in Saudi Arabia, where you can enjoy serenity but one must visit Al Thumamah at least once. Gather all your friends and plan a camp outing where you can challenge yourself with some daring adventures. Relish Arabian night lying under the sky, gazing at the sky with a bonfire beside, its perfect surroundings make it an ideal place to hand out with friends.
Where: Riyadh
Best time visit: From December till March
How to reach: Visitors can rent Quad bikes or 4x4 vehicles.
Attraction: Dune Bashing, Stargazing, camping, bonfire, BBQ
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Qatar For The Stunning Skylines And Attractions
In Saudi, Camping is an experience that rejuvenates not only the soul but also the mind, here are few of the best picks for camping in Saudi Arabia that are worth visiting. Enjoy the nature and delve in the soothing vibes, of the serene ambience. If you are planning a vacation to Saudi Arabia, then you must live the experience at least once. Avail yourself of the best Riyadh tour packages and get a chance to explore the beautiful country in Middle East.
Camping in Saudi Arabia - FAQs
Winters, that is from November till March is the best time for camping in Saudi as the weather is mild which makes it convenient for visitors to enjoy the nature.
Al Kharrarah National Park, Wadi Al Disah and Moon Valley are popular campsites for stargazing given the clear sky and soothing atmosphere.
Located at a distance of 60km from Riyadh, Al kharrah national park is yet another most admired camping site. The region receives plenty of rainfall with water traveling down through steep dunes into the valleys below, which eventually forms Lake Kharrah. one must bring their family to connect beautifully with nature and sync with its symphony.
To reach Jabal Al Lawz visitors can hire private vehicles. There is also a military base that prevents access to some peaks. The campsite can be reached via 4x4 vehicles.
November to March is ideal to camp and relax in the valley given the mild climate during winters.
Visitors can hop on and enjoy staying in tents right in the middle of the nature making a bonfire. Treat yourself with the spectacular sunset and stargazing experiences. Not only can onlookers gaze at the starts but can also figure out various constellations like Orion’s Belt, since the destination is absolutely free from pollution.
Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq nestles near Raghaba town in Thadiq that lies between Qassim and Riyadh, Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq is one of the most amazing destination for camping in Riyadh. The place is surrounded by Tuwaiq mountains and stretches for more than 7oo kilometres from Zulfi dunes to Qiddiya Giga project.
Saudi Arabia is indeed one of the most stunning countries in the Middle East. It's is a one time experience taking the visitors onto a leap away from the chaos into the peace. Let's dig deeper to know about the best campsites in KSA.
- Jabal Al Lawz
- Al Kharrarah National Park
- Wadi Al Disah
- Acacia Valley
- Makan Camp
- Moon Valley
- Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq
