Best Camping Spots in Egypt

Egypt is considered a wonderful destination for camping lovers as it has a distinctive geographical diversity that allows visitors to choose from a variety of unique and very attractive sites, from the magical Siwa desert to the stunning beaches on the Red Sea. 

Egypt also offers unique experiences for all nature and adventure lovers who seek new exploration.

Camping in Egypt includes the ability to enjoy watching the stars in the clear night sky, exploring sand dunes and immersing oneself in the cultures of different regions. 

Whether you are looking for solitude in the embrace of nature or a camping experience with friends and family, Egypt offers you multiple options that satisfy all tastes.

In this article, we will talk about the most important camping spots in Egypt currently available to visitors.

Best camping spots in Egypt

Egypt has a wonderful diversity in camping sites, providing visitors with a unique experience that combines the beauty of pristine and magical nature with the country’s rich culture in its various aspects and history.

Hikers can also enjoy a calm atmosphere among the sand dunes, or immerse themselves in the clear blue waters of the seas. 

Many areas also provide paths for walking and hiking which offers an excellent opportunity to discover stunning landscapes and local wildlife.

It also allows you to enjoy fun activities such as cycling and camping under the star-studded sky on clear and quiet desert nights.

Among the best camping spots in Egypt are the following:

Camping in Ras Shitan

The Ras Shitan area is considered one of the most prominent camping spots in Egypt, located between Nuweiba and Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Sinai Peninsula.

This area is characterized by a beautiful, sandy coastline surrounded by mountains with graded colors and it is famous for its simple camps run by local Bedouins. 

These camps also offer various options, the most important of which are beach huts and simple chalets.

It also allows you the possibility of pitching your own tent directly on the beach if you prefer that style.

Camping in Ras Shitan is characterized by a distinctive social environment where guests share the intimate and welcoming atmosphere with the Bedouins. 

Most camps offer simple food menus that can be eaten in the main hut overlooking the water.

In the evenings, the large campfire is lit which provides an opportunity for guests to communicate, exchange conversations and enjoy the tranquility.

Camping in the White Desert and Black Desert

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The White and Black Deserts in Egypt are considered stunning natural destinations definitely worth visiting for desert nature lovers.

The White Desert Protectorate extends over an area of 3010 square kilometers and is characterized by its unique chalk rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years by wind and sand, sculpting amazing shapes. 

The Black Desert also displays dark-colored volcanic formations that contrast clearly with the surrounding sand dunes and is home to many natural hot and cold springs which makes it one of the best camping spots in Egypt.

When camping in these deserts, visitors can enjoy a range of exciting activities that include a safari trip through the stunning landscapes in four-wheel-drive vehicles and stargazing in a clear night sky. 

You can also swim in the natural oases to feel relaxed, in addition to enjoying the camp atmosphere around a burning fire.

Visiting the Crystal Mountains and Wadi Agabat is an impressive experience where pictures can be taken amidst the stunning nature.

These areas are located about 450 km southwest of Cairo which makes them easily accessible by car or through organized trips.

Camping in Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is considered almost the most isolated in Egypt and is located in the Western Desert about 50 km from the Libyan border and is considered an ideal destination for lovers of culture, history and unique nature combined.

Thousands visit this oasis annually to discover its unique heritage and its special language which resembles the Amazigh used in North Africa. 

Siwa is distinguished by its natural beauty, from the vibrant green spaces and its salt lakes with therapeutic properties to the dense olive and palm trees that produce dates.

Siwa also offers a variety of activities, such as visiting the ancient Shali Fortress and the famous Oracle Temple which Alexander the Great visited, in addition to enjoying swimming in hot springs and riding sand dunes on safari trips. 

Camping trips can also be easily organized through local tourism companies that manage everything from transportation to setting up camps. To reach Siwa, one can drive from Cairo to Marsa Matruh then continue the journey to Siwa in about four to five additional hours across the desert.

Camping in Ras Muhammad Protectorate

Ras Muhammad National Protectorate, established in 1983, is considered the first national park in Egypt and one of the most attractive tourist destinations for diving and marine environment enthusiasts.

The protectorate extends over an area of 480 square kilometers, including 135 square kilometers of land and 345 square kilometers of water. 

The protectorate also hosts more than 1000 species of fish and 200 species of resident and migratory birds as well as some sites of historical interest.

Visitors can enjoy many fun activities while camping in the designated areas of Ras Muhammad where they can relax in the comfortable Bedouin atmosphere while tasting the most delicious Egyptian foods and drinks offered in some camps. 

Diving and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Red Sea is also a wonderful experience where an amazing diversity of marine creatures appears, most importantly fish, turtles and sometimes dolphins.

The protectorate is located about a 45-minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh.

Camping in the Sinai Mountains

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The Sinai Mountains are considered a rich historical and cultural destination in addition to their rugged mountainous nature which is attractive to adventurers.

Mount Sinai associated with religious narratives, is famous and invites a spiritual journey for some.

The mountain range extends for about 200 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Suez Canal, with the summit of Mount Catherine rising 2629 meters as the highest peak in Egypt. 

The place is also considered of historical and religious importance, mentioned in holy books as the site believed where Moses received the Ten Commandments and it was a center of monastic activity since the fourth century AD with the presence of many scattered ancient monasteries. 

Camping in the Sinai mountains offers an opportunity for many adventures where one can enjoy long-distance hiking trips through stunning landscapes; each step reveals new stories and unique adventures.

Visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which is considered one of the oldest operating monasteries in the world, is an important experience for visitors.

Camping in Fayoum

Fayoum is a two-hour drive from Cairo and considered a distinctive camping destination thanks to the diversity of its attractive places such as the sand dunes on the shore of the small Magic Lake and Lake Qarun alongside the famous man-made waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan.

Fayoum is known for its ancient heritage that harmoniously combines the desert, agricultural greenery and urban and rural life which makes it an interesting place close to the capital. 

There are multiple options for organizing camping: you can choose to cooperate with a tourism company to organize transportation, camp setup and activities, or you can drive to Fayoum and stay in one of the permanent camps with a tour guide available if needed.

The activities available for Fayoum tourists range from sandboarding and swimming, to visiting the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, Tunis Art Village and discovering the artifacts of Wadi Al-Hitan which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the same governorate.

Camping in Abu Galum Protectorate

Ras Abu Galum Protectorate, located about 15 kilometers north of Dahab, is considered a wonderful destination for camping near the Gulf of Aqaba.

The protectorate offers an authentic and quiet Bedouin experience directly on the seashore where visitors can camp under the stars on the beach or stay in primitive huts that sometimes lack doors and windows. 

Although electricity and running water are not continuously available in some places, the Bedouins provide fresh local food and water at reasonable prices, so it is advisable to bring your own sleeping bags.

The Ras Abu Galum area also allows a variety of enjoyable activities such as diving and relaxing on the beach. In the evening, visitors can enjoy watching shooting stars next to the fire in complete tranquility. 

To arrange camping, one can contact hotels, travel agencies, or diving centers in Dahab to get a guide and provide the necessary equipment.

To reach the site, one can walk near the water for a distance, ride a boat, or use a camel for transport if carrying heavy diving equipment or luggage.

Camping in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam, located on the eastern Red Sea coast of Egypt, is considered an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts with different comfort levels.

Eco-tourism villages such as Marsa Shagra and Wadi Lahami offer diverse options where one can stay in basic comfortable equipped tents, larger royal tents with additional facilities like fans and refrigerators, or even huts and chalets built on the beach suitable for families and groups. 

To reach Marsa Alam, one can drive on a long journey up to 9 hours or more from Cairo, or preferably fly to Marsa Alam International Airport then use the available transportation services.

The area also offers multiple activities such as diving, water sports and boat trips to nearby Red Sea islands famous for marine life, in addition to enjoying the beauty of Wadi El Gemal National Park which combines marine and terrestrial environments.

Tips for safe camping in Egypt

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To ensure a successful and enjoyable camping experience in Egypt and avoid any unexpected problems, the following is advised:

• Check the expected weather well as its appropriate timing will contribute to the success of your trip and your comfort.
• Make sure you know the local laws and camping requirements in the specific area you intend to visit.
• Determine the activities you want to do, therefore you should carry out comprehensive and prior planning for the trip.
• Gather all necessary and appropriate equipment and supplies before the trip and check their serviceability.
• Share details of your planned location and schedule with a trusted person at home.
• Be sure to leave the place clean and without a trace based on the “leave no trace” principle, therefore you must dispose of waste properly.

Essential camping equipment

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Camping equipment in Egypt depends on the type of camping, location, duration of stay and number of participants, but it includes some basic tools such as:

• A tent of appropriate size and quality to provide you with shelter and protection from weather changes and insects.
• Cooking tools including small grills, portable stoves, meal preparation tools and cooking pots.
• A flashlight or a strong headlamp necessary for lighting during the night and extra batteries.
• Covers and mattresses or sleeping bags suitable for the expected temperature to provide comfort during sleep and relaxation.
• A foldable chair for sitting outside the tent and enjoying the view comfortably and appropriately.

FAQs

Is camping legal in Egypt?

Yes, camping is generally legal in Egypt, but campers in some areas, especially natural protectorates, must obtain prior permission from local authorities or concerned bodies.

It is necessary to respect the surrounding environment and not leave any waste, disposing of it in designated places, to ensure the protection of nature and preservation of environmental diversity for the future.

Which place is better for camping?

Determining the best place for camping depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for.

Marsa Alam is considered one of the best camping spots in Egypt as it is distinguished by the beauty of its pristine beaches and the clarity of the Red Sea waters.

This area also offers a distinctive camping experience where you can enjoy relaxing on the golden sands in addition to exploring the unique coral reefs, but other places like Sinai or the Western Desert might be better for others.

Can you sleep in the desert in Egypt?

Sleeping in the desert in Egypt is certainly possible as the camping experience there provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nature, tranquility and watch the stars clearly.

You can also choose between traditional camping using your own tent, staying in equipped tourist camps, or joining organized tours that include activities such as camel riding.

It is important to plan well, provide sufficient water and food and wear appropriate clothing for the changing temperatures between night and day.

How do you choose a camping spot?

When choosing a camping spot, it is necessary to avoid camping near tall isolated trees or on the tops of high and exposed mountains and hills as these areas are considered potential targets for lightning during rare storms.

One should also stay away from clear wild animal trails and their known nesting sites and habitats. Besides that, it is preferable not to camp at the deepest point at the bottom of narrow valleys where the air is colder and more humid and may be prone to flash floods.