In Saudi Arabia, camping is a common pastime since the people there prefer to spend their time in the desert, immersing themselves in the natural environment rather than visiting major cities.
Saudi Arabian Camping Seasons
Winter is the greatest time to go camping in Saudi Arabia; however, city dwellers love to visit the desert in November through February and in March to celebrate the arrival of spring.
While many choose to camp in the spring to take advantage of the mild, chilly weather, city people often enjoy barbecuing and desert adventures like riding motorcycles and camels in the early months of winter.
In addition, Riyadh’s strategic location in the centre of the desert, complete with sand and rock dunes waiting for adventures, makes it the perfect site to go camping.
KSA’s Camping Conditions
When arranging a camp stay or making camp arrangements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you must consider the rules established by the nation, which include the following requirements:
- Don’t pitch a tent in the valleys or next to dams or wells.
- Setting up parking at the desired camping location.
- To facilitate access, the route should have directional signage.
- Tent use cannot extend beyond ninety days annually.
- Tents need to be built using flame-resistant materials and adhere to regulations.
- Give a thorough itinerary that includes the camping site and the kind of tents to be used.
- Tent locations shall be no closer than 1.6 metres to any buildings, car parks, or other structures.
- There must be two emergency exits in tents.
- putting fire extinguishers on all the tent’s surfaces.
- The availability of hygienic and suitable facilities.
- Having certain areas where flames can be lit and avoiding igniting fires inside tents.
Read more: Hail’s Wadi Mashar: Scenic Beauty with Priceless History
Top Camping Locations
Camping in Saudi Arabia offers the chance to spend the night in the desert, enjoy building cosy fires and take in the brilliant starry sky. Here are the top camping locations in Saudi Arabia to assist you in making your selection:
Jabal al-Lawz
It is one of the top winter locations in Saudi Arabia, located at the country’s northernmost point near the Jordanian border. The mountain rises approximately 2,580 metres above sea level.
Wadi Al Disa
Wadi Al Disa’s natural beauty set against a towering red sandstone cliff makes it one of Saudi Arabia’s top locations for camping. In addition to several archaeological monuments, the immaculate valley features beautiful streams, flowing springs, and verdant places with lots of palm trees.
Al-Kharara National Park
The distance to Al-Kharrara National Park is 60 km from Riyadh. Due to the terrain and dunes, a conventional automobile cannot easily make the trip. Instead, one must rent a 4×4 vehicle.
Valley of the Moon
Reputed for peacefulness and astronomy, this is one of the best camping spots because of the pure, pollution-free sky. Moreover, it offers nature lovers breathtaking views, a chance to witness sunsets and stargazing, and educational opportunities about constellations like Orion’s Belt.
Al Thumama Park:
It is one of Riyadh’s most popular camping spots, and it is perfect for families and groups who like serviced accommodations, as well as adventurers, thanks to the availability of quad bike rental services and roadside merchants. Tents and other gear are available for rent, or you can bring your own.
Read more: Abu Al-Waul Cave: A Novel Tourist Spot for Nature Enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia