Egypt has some of the most beautiful desert terrains in the world and it would be a shame not to make use of them. If you’re a camping fanatic, we hear you!
Camping in Egypt especially this time of year is not to be missed. So, we’ve gathered a collection of the best camping sites in Egypt for you to check them off your bucket list!
Beach Camping in Egypt
These are the ultimate spots for a mix of beautiful waters and a cool camping experience:
1. Ras Mohamed National Park
Popular among Egyptians and visitors alike as one of the best diving spots in the country, Ras Mohamed National Park has more tricks up its sleeves. Not a lot of people know that there’s a designated camping sight there by the beach for adventure seekers.
Bring along your camping tents to Egypt’s hidden wonder and set it up yourself, or you could use one of the available ones in the campsite.
Just imagine the sound of the beach waves at night below the shining stars!
Location
Ras Mohamed National Park is located in Sinai about 45 minutes outside Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Driving from Sharm El Sheikh is the best way to reach your destination, and note that there are no bathrooms or any electricity on those camping grounds; it’s old-school camping!
Things to Do
Here’s an idea about fun activities at Ras Mohamed National Park:
- Chilling out in a Bedouin-style sitting and drinking tea.
- Diving
- Swimming
- Snorkelling.
Entrance Ticket: Egyptians L.E. 50; other nationalities L.E. 200
Private Car Entrance: Extra L.E. 10 per car.
Here are some details about the camp there called Bedawi Eco Camp:
This Bed camp is proud to introduce the glamping concept or luxury camping, but with a Bedouin twist! Your tent will be complete with comfy mattresses, low-table, pillows, and sufficient back support.
- Price: L.E. 600 for 1-day use of camping services.
- Opening Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm
- Contact Details: 002 (0)100 698 3031.
2. Ras Abu Galum
Another charming Bedouin beach setting, Ras Abu Galum is located on the outskirts of Dahab. The settlement is a bit small, which adds to its intrigue, and offers a camp vibe by the beach you don’t want to miss.
The beach has various huts scattered in front of it, but it would be wise to get a sleeping bag along and anything camping gear you might need.
If the hut is not what you prefer, this is the perfect opportunity to camp in the open air under the stars.
Location
Ras Abu Galum is located just 45 minutes outside of Dahab, Egypt. You could drive your own car from Dahab or reach out to any local tour companies in Dahab to set things up for you.
If you want to make your adventure more exciting, you can hike from Dahab to Abu Galum, just make sure you are prepared for the rocky road. Otherwise, you could reach there by a hired boat.
Things to Do
There are many activities there to enjoy your day to the max:
- Stargazing (watch out for those shooting stars!)
- Swimming
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Hiking
- Kitesurfing.
3. Ras Shetan
Ras Shetan is a very popular spot in Egypt that attracts visitors from all over. It is a truly beautiful destination between majestic mountains and crystal clear waters.
The coastline features a number of camps you could choose from run by local Bedouins. You can choose between huts by the beach or simple chalets. Alternatively, setting up your very own tent is another great option for adventurers.
Location
Ras Shetan is located by the Aqaba gulf close to both Taba and Nuweiba in Sinai, Egypt.
You can opt for a long road trip driving all the way from Cairo—we’re suckers for a long drive and good music! Or you can simply fly to Sharm El Sheikh and hire a car transfer from there (about 2 hours ride).
Things to Do
A stunning location like this one offers plenty to do:
- Hiking
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Discovering the Colored Canyon and Castle Zaman
- Diving
- Chilling by the beach
- Safari.
Check out this top camp at Ras Shetan:
New Moon Island Camp
Here you can sit back and relax on the quiet and secluded beach in your own bungalow. There’s a restaurant offering a variety of delicious food. There’s electricity and heated showers, so bingo!
- Price: L.E. 150 per night (with breakfast and dinner)
- Opening Hours: Everyday 7 am to 12 pm
- Contact Details: 002 (0)100 733 3102.
4. Marsa Alam
Anyone can tell you that Marsa Alam is a heavenly destination in Egypt with some of the best beaches in the world. When it comes to camping, you would expect a more luxurious experience here than other spots.
Most camps offer your basic tent by the beachfront, but with more services such as housekeeping. More luxury means you could go for a bigger tent with an installed fan or a chalet for those of you wanting to camp like kings!
Whichever way you choose, a beach setting in Marsa Alam is straight out of your desktop background!
Location
Marsa Alam is located on the west side of the Red Sea, Egypt.
If you enjoy a long drive, take that car of yours and head to Marsa Alam. Alternatively, you could fly there and hire a car to any of these villages.
Things to Do
Here’s an idea of things to do in Marsa Alam:
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Water activities
- Visit Wadi el Gemal National Park
- Boat rides
- Workshops.
There are various camps in this beautiful town to consider:
- Marsa Shagra Village
- Wadi Lahami Village
- Marsa Nakari Village.
All three villages are affiliated to Red Sea Diving Safari:
- Price: Starting 70 Euros for single tent; 55 Euros for double tent
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Contact Details: 002 (0)2 333 71833 / 333 79942.
5. Dahab
Dahab is heaven on Earth; no two people can argue about that. This fact makes it one of the most surreal spots in the country for camping.
Camping in Dahab is simply an experience you have to try in the city that defines the meaning of serenity.
You can camp at the famous Blue Lagoon in Dahab or the Blue Hole. Both offer amazing diving opportunities and a sky full of stars come nighttime.
Location
Dahab is located about 80 km from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It’s an easy drive from Sharm El Sheikh airport.
Things to Do
Here are the most popular activities in Dahab:
- Swimming
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Water activities
- Stargazing.
You can check the top things to do in Dahab for an unforgettable trip right here on Property Finder.
6. IL Monte Galala
Finally, a combination of the beach and some of Egypt’s most surreal desert terrains brings us to Sokhna. The Red Sea with a backdrop of the majestic Sokhna mountains is an addictive sight for every avid camper.
When we talk about camping in Sokhna, we recommend a mountain top. IL Monte Galala is one of the top destinations in Sokhna and is constantly growing in popularity as a resort and campsite.
Location
IL Monte Galala is located in Sokhna on Zafarana Rd.
Here’s everything you need to know about Basecamp IL Monte Galala for a surreal camping experience that suits everyone:
A mountain-top campsite with all the facilities you could possibly need, Basecamp is a dream come true and the first of its kind in the area. Check these awesome activities and facilities:
- Hiking zone
- Yoga zone
- Volleyball court
- Rope obstacle course
- Labyrinth maze
- Parkour area
- Kids play area
- Basecamp
- Bonfire pit
- Public toilets
- Pitch tents grounds
- Glamping area
- Boardwalk.
Contact Details
16094
Desert Camping in Egypt
If you’re more of a desert person, there’s definitely no shortage of surreal deserts in Egypt. Check the below spots!
1. White Desert and Black Desert
You can’t think about desert camping in Egypt without thinking about the country’s vast Western Desert. The pure sight of the endless sand and natural formations will truly take your breath away.
The White Desert and Black Desert are the highlights in this mesmerizing remote area, located about an hour and a half apart from each other by car.
Tourists flock here from all over the world to witness the White Desert, which boasts a range of natural white rock formations for you to camp underneath. It truly is one of the best camping places in Egypt.
On the other hand, you have the Black Desert which features black material of volcanic form right on the top of the dunes. How’s that for an instagrammable shot?
Location
These distinct deserts are located near Bahariya Oasis and Farafra Oasis.
Your best bet is to hire a guide from a tour company in Cairo and go from there. They will arrange 4×4 transportation once you reach Bahariya Oasis, which is about 4 hours from Cairo.
Things to Do
Aside from an awesome overnight camping experience, here are some of the activities you can do there:
- Safari
- Stargazing
- Swimming in natural oases
- Visiting Crystal Mountain
- Visiting Aqabat Valley
- Singing by the campfire
- Taking awesome pictures.
2. Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is one of those places that strip you away from all modern life in every sense. It’s the perfect destination for you to “get away from it all.”
Siwa is located quite close to the border between Egypt and Libya, so isolated—in a good way. It’s the land of culture, history, palm trees, natural oases, olives, salt lakes, and, most importantly, sand dunes!
You’d be doing yourself a huge favor by camping in Siwa Oasis; just imagine stretching in the wide desert of the Great Sand Sea under a breathtakingly clear vision of the Milky Way! We’ll just let that image sink in.
Location
The beautiful Siwa Oasis is located about 50 km from the Libyan border and about 400 km from Marsa Matrouh in the Western Desert, Egypt.
Driving is your best bet; it will take you about 10 hours though to get there so be prepared for that. It’s advisable to drive during the day. There are many sufficient stops on the way.
Things to Do
Plenty of activities await you in Siwa for an unforgettable trip:
- Safari
- Swimming in natural hot springs
- Swimming in salt lakes (floating)
- Climbing Mountain of the Dead
- Visiting Shali Fortress
- Visiting Cleopatra’s Bath
- Sandboarding
- Feasting a traditional Siwa dinner (cooked underground)
- Drinking local tea
- Buying olive oil, dates, and handicrafts.
Local companies and tour guides can arrange activities and guide you to camping sites there. Here’s a popular campsite in Siwa:
Siwa AstroCamp
- Price: Starting L.E. 471 per night for 2 adults.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Contact Details: 002 (0)122 490 7806.
3. Fayoum
Fayoum has the advantage of being near Cairo and also having some of the best Bedouin camps in Egypt. While you won’t be camping near fancy beaches, Fayoum offers amazing natural lakes and wonders right in the middle of the desert.
There are 3 main destinations in Fayoum to consider for camping; you can choose one to camp and visit the rest because it would be a shame to be there and not see all of them:
- The Magic Lake (colors change during the day)
- Lake Qarun (the largest oasis in all of Egypt)
- Wadi El Rayan (waterfalls)
- Wadi El Hitan (you can see actual whale bones in this UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Location
Reaching Fayoum is quite easy as it’s only 2 hours away from Cairo by car.
Things to Do
Check out some of the activities waiting for you in Fayoum:
- Swimming in natural lakes
- Sandboarding
- Visiting Tunis Village
- Visiting the petrified forest
- Safari.
Here’s some of the top camps in Fayoum:
Magic Lake Camp
This camp offers facilities such as a restaurant, changing rooms, kitchen, and cafeteria.
- Price: Starting 200 L.E. per person
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Contact Details: 002 (0)102 522 0255.
Mangrove Camp
Another good camping ground located at Fayoum’s Izbat Al Misharrak area, you will find here private parking, restaurant, garden, BBQ, and a terrace.
- Price: Starting $16 per day
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Contact Details: 002 (0)101 062 0220.
4. Wadi Degla
We bet you didn’t even realize there’s a hidden gem for camping in Cairo where you can experience camping with all its glory! And this place is Wadi Degla.
Go ahead and google images of Wadi Degla; we assure you that you will stare in awe. It’s hard to believe this amazing protectorate is just half an hour away from Maadi!
Wadi Degla has beautiful rock formations and the quiet atmosphere you are seeking. Camping in Wadi Degla is ideal if it’s your first time camping and not really into long drives.
Adventure seekers will want to expand their horizons a bit with this one. You can try rock climbing as the valley is up to 50 m high, and getting your bike along to discover the place is a cool idea as well.
Location
Wadi Degla is located right next to Wadi Degla SC in Zahraa Al Maadi, Cairo, Egypt.
Driving your own car is the obvious choice. You get to park it up to 2 km inside the protected area and the rest will be on foot.
Things to Do
Here’s some ideas on things to do in Wadi Degla:
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- BBQ
- Taking awesome shots
- Cycling
- Running.
Check these useful information about Wadi Degla:
- Price: 3 L.E. per person; 3 L.E. per car; 10 L.E. per night.
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm everyday.
- Contact Details: 002 (0)22 525 6439.
Mountain Camping in Egypt
There’s probably just the one destination in Egypt that comes immediately to mind when you think about mountain camping:
Sinai Mountains
The majestic mountains of Sinai provide the perfect setting for camping, the most popular one being Saint Catherine Mountain.
There are various ways to go about camping in this distinct location for a fulfilling experience:
- Camping by the Saint Catherine Monastery at Mount Sinai. You can camp in your own tents or some of the rooms located there near the monastery.
- Camping at the Mount Sinai summit. Feeling like a daredevil? Get ready for a 3-hour hike to the top of the mountain and camp in your tent at the top.
- Camping on the Sinai Trail trek. This one is for professional hikers; you can choose between the 12-day Serabit el Khadem trek or the 38-day Sinai Thru hike.
Location
Sinai is about a 6-hour drive from Cairo.
If you prefer flying, head to Sharm El Sheikh airport and arrange for local transportation from there.
Things to Do
These are the main exciting activities that await:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Visiting Saint Catherine Monastery.
These camps are highly recommended:
Desert Fox Camp
- Price: Starting $10 for double room
- Contact Details: 002 (0)100 389 7416
Sheikh Moussa Bedouin Camp
- Price: Starting L.E. 456 for double room
- Contact Details: 002 (0)100 641 3575.
There you have it! Here’s your very own guide to the best of the best places for camping in Egypt from Property Finder. What are you waiting for?
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