Best Places for Camping in Abu Dhabi

Camping in Abu Dhabi lets you take in the lush splendor of the Arabian Desert and spend the night under the stars. It offers diverse adventures, including desert safari in abu dhabi, dune bashing, camel rides, and quad biking. Additionally, it includes folk dance performances, Arabic BBQ, henna application, and more to help you learn about UAE's rich culture and traditions.

Abu Dhabi camping sites provide distinctive and exciting experiences, whether you choose mountains, beaches, or deserts. From Liwa Oasis, Al Khaznah, and Al Dhafra Beach to Al Wathba Lake Camp, these camping sites feature a variety of camps, tents, and other lodging options to make your stay a memorable staycation. Set up your own tent, reserve a Bedouin camp, or take a luxurious desert stay, the choices for camping in Abu Dhabi are unlimited.

 Liwa Oasis
Liwa Oasis

Liwa Oasis is a hidden gem located at the edge of Rub’ al Khali between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Famous as the Empty Quarter, it is considered to be the world's largest carpet of uninterrupted sand. The panoramic beauty of distinctive landscapes, including date palm trees and orange-red dunes make the camping experience in Liwa an unforgettable one. However, it is one of the most challenging Abu Dhabi camping sites as here you will find only animals, sand, and minimal camping amenities. But the breathtaking natural splendor of the Liwa Desert will make you forget about these challenges. This desert also offers perfect settings for dune bashing, quad biking, sand boarding, and camping at night.

Al Khaznah
Al Khaznah

Immerse yourself in the vast expanse of the Al Khaznah desert and have fascinating experiences amidst stunning sandy dunes. Located between Abu Dhabi City and the verdant garden city of Al Ain, this desert is home to towering dunes and stunning sand valleys, offering a wealth of wonderful adrenaline-fueled adventures for people of all ages. While the desert stretch is known as a great destination for off-roading, sand boarding, and other 4 x 4 experiences, the camping scene is also something not to be missed. Whether you set up camp close to Al Fayah or spend the night in the Desert Rose Bedouin Desert Camp, your camping trip will be one to remember.

Al Wathba Lake Camp
Al Wathba Lake Camp

Al Wathba Lake Camp, which is only 45 minutes from the city center of Abu Dhabi, mixes a beautiful lake with a breathtakingly gorgeous desert, making it a spectacular location to pitch up a camp. The Department of Municipalities and Transport built this website to encourage eco-friendly tourism and camping in Abu Dhabi. There are 24 picnic areas and 13 campsites available in Al Wathba Lake Camp. There are amenities on-site for a variety of leisure activities, including a bicycle track, several volleyball courts, playgrounds, a running track, observation decks, and more. This region is home to over 250 distinct bird species, including Greater Flamingos, making it an ideal location for bird watchers.

 Mirfa Beach
Mirfa Beach

The serene waves, clear waters, and breathtaking surroundings of Mirfa Beach make it one of the ideal locations for leisure and camping in Abu Dhabi away from the bustle of the city. This beach is a hidden treasure, well-known for the Al Dhafra Watersports Festival. It is popular among individuals who appreciate camping and seclusion due to its beautiful surroundings and lack of crowds. You can buy materials for a day trip or a night of camping in the surrounding little town. During the annual Al Dhafra Watersports Festival, participants and guests get the facilities for camping along with evening live entertainment, children's play zones, and a Sunset Souk.

Al Dhafra Beach
Al Dhafra Beach

Al Dhafra is the place "where the desert meets the sea," with breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities to pitch a tent and participate in fun activities. Camping overnight at Al Dhafra Beach allows you to experience the finest of both the desert and the sea. The beach is frequently visited by a variety of exotic birds and aquatic animals, making it an excellent area for wildlife viewing. Overnight camping at Al Dhafra Beach allows you to participate in a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, and water sports while relishing the breathtaking views of the beach. Simply choose a camping area between Al Hamra Airport and Shuweihat Power Complex, pitch your tent, and spend a fantastic night amidst nature.

 Banan Beach Resort
Banan Beach Resort

The Banan Beach Resort is a vibrant, beachside resort in Jebel Ali, Dubai, that provides tents and chalets for an unforgettable camping experience. Chalets, which come with beds and a small pool, offer a more opulent camping experience than tents, which are best for traditional camping. Here, you can enjoy traditional dining with BBQ stations and a special space for making wood-fired pizza in a bean-bag-lined area. Additionally, you can take part in a variety of water sports, moonlight yoga, and beachside relaxation. With the setting sun, the area gets lively when the adjacent market starts to operate. This resort offers a carefully thought out and executed camping concept, giving everyone the opportunity to make lifelong memories.

Lahbab Sands Camping
Lahbab Sands Camping

Lahbab Sands, well known for its Bedouins and brilliant red sand and dunes, is a camper's delight. The Big Red, a sizable sand dune used for dune bashing and sand boarding, is another reason why campers favor this location. Many campgrounds here provide both conventional Bedouin camping accommodations along with 4x4 adventures. Here, the pristine night skies shine with innumerable brilliant stars, making for an exceptional opportunity for stargazing. Bring a tent and a BBQ pit for a simple yet beautiful desert camping experience if you want to spend time alone while camping. Located close to local settlements and amenities, Lahbab Sands is amongst the most preferred Abu Dhabi camping sites amongst novice campers and adventure lovers.

 Al Hajar Mountains Camping Site
Al Hajar Mountains Camping Site

If you prefer to camp in the mountains, this lovely area offers a picturesque setting for adventurous activities and camping in Abu Dhabi, UAE. You can engage in a variety of leisure activities here, including mountain climbing, hiking, and trekking. The trek to the camping spot is strenuous, so you must be physically fit. If you're up for a challenging hike, don't pass up the opportunity to visit Masafi and enjoy its spring waters. The breathtaking natural scenery from the campground atop the rocky peak and throughout the trip makes all the effort worthwhile. Professional campers prefer this location, which should be visited in a group tour with expert guides for an unforgettable camping trip.

Umm Al Quwain Beach Camping Site
Umm Al Quwain Beach Camping Site

Umm Al Quwain Beach, which is situated along Dubai's coastline, is regarded as one of the best beach locations for camping in Abu Dhabi. Popularly known as Al Rafaah Beach, it provides a wealth of exciting activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A variety of magnificent indigenous and exotic bird species, as well as flamingos, visit the area, making it an excellent place for bird watching. Set up your tent next to the water to enjoy a lovely camping trip, and don't forget to pack your best fishing equipment, binoculars, and grills. The night sky remains clear with full of sparkling stars, providing excellent opportunities for stargazers. It is suggested to check for high tides because beach tents are placed close to the shore.

Do’s and Don'ts of Camping in Abu Dhabi

Do’s and Don'ts of Camping in Abu Dhabi

Do:

Pack warm clothes as it gets cold at night in the desert.Carry sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing to deal with the heat.Charge your phone and any additional power banks.Check the tire pressure and fluid levels of your car.Bring all required gear, such as a tent, sleeping bag, first aid supplies, and insect repellent.Check the forecast before heading as the weather can change drastically.Inform your pals of your plans and the time you anticipate returning.Wear footwear appropriate for walking in sand.Set up your camp before sunset as setting up a tent in the dark is challenging.

Don’t:

Pitch tent in private or secluded areas.Set up the tent at the bottom of a sand dune.Leave food out at nighttime.Use warming equipment inside the tent.

Know Before You Go Camping in Abu Dhabi

Highlights
What to Carry
Best Time to Go Camping
Highlights
  • Enjoy the natural landscape, a range of exciting activities, and a relaxing night under the stars with camping in Abu Dhabi.
  • Pitch your own tent or join a tour operator-organized camping tour and collect memorable experiences.
  • Choose from a variety of locales, including beaches, deserts, and mountains, each of which provides a unique approach to experience nature.

  • Book a Bedouin camp and indulge in dune bashing, sand boarding, camel riding, and enjoy traditional dance, BBQ dinner, and many other extras.

  • Choose beach camping to spend the night near the gulf shore, see some flamingos, go fishing, kayaking, or visit a local souk.

  • Trek to the Al Hajar Mountains camping site, engage in mountain climbing and hiking and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and valleys from the summit.

FAQs Related to Camping in Abu Dhabi

What are the essentials for camping in Abu Dhabi?

    • Tent, mattress, and sleeping bag
    • Outdoor stove, some utensils, BBQ, and other essentials
    • Lights, headlights, and torch
    • Appropriate clothing
    • Insect Repellent
    • Toiletries
    • First-Aid kit
    • Water supply and food

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What kind of clothes and equipment should I carry?

Is Abu Dhabi famous for camping?

What are the other activities you can do in the desert in Abu Dhabi?

Is camping in Abu Dhabi safe?

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