Famous 15 Camping Places in Egypt

The best Camping Spot in Egypt is very enchanting, offering travelers from all over the world the chance to live the most spiritual and entertaining camping vacation in Egypt. The goal of this article is to provide every traveler with all the information about the best camping spots in Egypt. All the details and facts in this article are collected by a group of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants.

If you want to escape the crowds in Egypt and clear your mind with the magical beauty of Egyptian nature, then a camping excursion in Egypt should be on your bucket list of the most unforgettable things to do in Egypt. The amazing land of Pharaohs is rich with the best camping spots on its spacious deserts, and while being in one of the following camping spots, you will explore an unexpected side of Egypt that can’t be missed and will allow you to enjoy a hypnotic, unforgettable holiday in Egypt. Camping in Egypt is a rare opportunity to witness the pure beauty and wonder of Egypt's natural sites. Here is a list of the most recommended Camping Spots in Egypt:

1. Siwa Oasis

It is located in the Western Desert, around 50 Km from the Libyan border. Hundreds of locals and foreigners head every year to Siwa Oasis to check its magical beauty and to witness its unique history & culture. With its Great Sand Sea & crystal clear salt lakes, and Olive & palm trees, you will be able to enjoy the most fabulous experience ever in such a magical tourist destination.

It is an ideal destination for camping under the impressive Milky Way in the magical Sand Sea and while being there, you will get the chance to visit the Mountain of the Dead, Shali Fortress, the temple of the Oracle of Alexander the Great, and Cleopatra’s Bath in addition to swimming in the hot springs of the area and enjoy the best sandboarding.

2. The White & the Black Deserts

Those magical deserts are located near the Bahariya & Farafra Oases and taking part in a camping tour there is such a wonderful activity to enjoy while being in Egypt. The great Western Desert is enormous, and the majestic White Desert & Black Desert are the best destinations to enjoy your camping trip, especially since it takes only an hour and fifteen minutes to be transferred from one desert to another so you can overnight in the desert for two nights or for just one night and enjoy a visit to both deserts.

The White Desert is mainly famous for its massive white chalk formations that are considered the most interesting natural wonders in Egypt and the Black Desert got its name from the magical layer of the black volcanic material that is concentrated on the upper part of its yellow sand dunes. The best way to enjoy camping is through booking with a travel agency with a desert guide and a 4X4 vehicle. When you reach, you will set up your tent, enjoy your food, and spend the most unforgettable time with the beautiful scenery all around you.

3. Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammad National Park is located around a 45-minute drive from Sharm El-Sheikh on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and it is such a charming destination for enjoying diving & and snorkeling what some people don’t know about it is that there is a special area there called “Marsa Bareika” that allows the best overnight camping excursions on the beach.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate enjoyment while being there as you will have the best chance to enjoy diving, snorkeling, and swimming excursions in the most famous diving spot all over Egypt in addition to having the chance to set up your tent after paying for the entry ticket of the national park and staying at the camp. You will be very lucky if you get the chance to visit Bedawi Eco Camp, which is known to be the most famous camp in the area. It takes 6 hrs of driving by car from Cairo to reach that amazing destination for camping and enjoying the best tours.

4. Fayoum

The beautiful Fayoum City is located around 2 hours drive from the capital of Egypt, Cairo. There are lots of breathtaking camping spots in Fayoum, such as the Sand Dunes that are located on the Magic Lakeshore, the ones close to the Wadi El-Rayan, one of the best places to experience sand boarding in Egypt, or the ones near Qarun Lake, one of the famous lakes in Egypt. Fayoum is a breathtaking mixture of water, desert, and water, rural & urban life that must be visited to enjoy a lovely experience while being in Egypt.

Not far away is Wadi El Hitan, which offers a closer look into ancient fossils that showcase the mind-blowing evolution of the whales that dates back more than 10 million years from sea to land creatures. Among the most notable things that you can enjoy while being in Fayoum are swimming, exploring Tunis Village, going sandboarding, heading to Wadi El-Rayan, discovering the ancient ruins of the city, and visiting its petrified forest.

5. Sinai Mountains

If you have the desire and will to have a camping tour in the mountains, then the Sinai Mountains in the Sinai Peninsula must be on the top list of your priorities as it is a terrific tour to enjoy in Egypt. There are so many camping options to enjoy there, including:

• Camping near the divine St. Catherine Monastery
• Spending your night at the holy summit of Mount Sinai
• Go on the bewitching Sinai Trail Trek

6. Ras Abu Galum

This captivating tourist destination is located around 15 Km from Dahab city on the Gulf of Aqaba; it is a national protectorate where there is a small Bedouin settlement at the edge of the park on the beach and is a perfect place for a camping tour beneath the stars. There are tons of activities that you can enjoy while being there, like diving, swimming, hiking, snorkeling, sunbathing, and camping.

A plethora of activities await explorers within this picturesque setting. The crystalline waters beckon divers and swimmers, inviting them to discover the vibrant marine life thriving in the Gulf. Hiking trails reveal the untamed beauty of the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views that mesmerize hikers. Snorkeling adventures unveil the hidden wonders beneath the surface while sunbathing enthusiasts revel in the serene coastal atmosphere.

7. Ras Shetan

This beautiful spot is located between Nuweiba & Taba on the Sinai Peninsula, and it is one of the most recommended camping spots on the beach all over Egypt. There are lots of bohemian camps there where there are local Bedouins and camps about mixtures between chalets and huts. Get ready to enjoy some of the best activities there, like hiking next to the Colored Canyon, swimming, snorkeling, and visiting the hypnotic Castle Zaman.

Adventure enthusiasts find themselves spoiled for choice with an array of exhilarating activities. The neighboring Colored Canyon beckons hikers with its vibrant geological formations, offering breathtaking trails to explore. The crystalline waters invite indulgence in swimming and snorkeling, providing glimpses into the captivating marine world beneath the surface.

8. Ain Sokhna

Ain El Sokhna is found in the governorate of Suez which is on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez that is positioned about 55 km south of Suez and roughly 120 km east of Cairo. Its climate aligns with a hot desert environment, with average high temperatures around 27°C (80°F) and average lows at 14°C (57°F). Recent archaeological findings indicate an ancient Egyptian port and settlement in the area which was discovered in 1999 through an investigation by Egyptian and French archaeologists. It served as a crucial link connecting mining areas in Sinai to Memphis, which is about 120 km away across the Eastern Desert, thus playing a vital role in the trade of turquoise and copper.

The town's significance dates back to ancient times. During the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt (2700 – 2500 BC), it served as a launching point for seafaring expeditions on the Red Sea. Activities continued through the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt (2040 – 1782 BC), facilitating trade between the Red Sea and mining regions in Sinai. Expeditions led by various ancient Egyptian pharaohs, such as Mentuhotep IV and Amenemhat I, involved thousands of men aiming to acquire desert products and resources. These expeditions left inscriptions and storage galleries in the surrounding areas, unearthing ancient Egyptian artifacts dating back to the 12th Dynasty, including wooden boat planks, ceramics, and even a gold pendant resembling ones found in Dahshur from the reign of Senusret III. The area is able to provide all the needed means to enjoy the most magnificent camping adventure in this truly enriching attraction.

9. Gebel Elba

Gabal Elba is known as Box Mountain, which stands as a significant peak within the Halaib Triangle in Northeast Africa. This area is a point of contention between Egypt and Sudan but falls under Egyptian control. Gabal Elba hosts several high peaks, with the main one reaching 1,435 meters in height. Its unique position near the Red Sea results in low average annual rainfall for the region, but the mountain itself receives substantial precipitation due to a combination of factors, including its proximity to the coast and the layout of the land, which allows for moisture collection from sea winds.

This phenomenon leads to a fascinating ecological feature at Gabal Elba's summit called a "Mist Oasis". This creates an unparalleled ecosystem with diverse flora which includes around 458 plant species. The moist environment supports acacias and other vegetation, thus making it the sole natural woodland in Egypt. It is a hotspot for biodiversity, which hosts Afrotropical elements at their northern limits. The Gabal Elba National Park was declared in 1986 and spans about 3,560,000 hectares that hold most of the disputed Halaib Triangle and a similarly sized area to its north. This park is home to diverse wildlife, potentially even the last population of the Nubian wild donkey. It holds a great coexistence of wildlife and locals in this marvelous region, which makes up the most magical camping adventure.

10. Wadi Degla Protectorate

The Wadi Degla area was declared a protectorate in 1999. That spans 60 square kilometers in Cairo governorate, which is just 10 kilometers away from the city. This desert landscape forms a crucial valley running east to west amid the mountains of the eastern desert. The valley showcases limestone terrain that features a winding canyon sculpted by floodwaters into stunning rock formations, some housing fossils and scattered petrified wood. Ephemeral plants flourish post-rainy season, while the wadi hosts diverse animal species like the Dorcas Gazelle, Nubian Ibex, and bats dwelling in its caves. Tourists always pick this magnificent camping site for those seeking tranquility, and birdwatchers frequent this destination for its serene environment. The valley shelters various mammals, including deer, rabbits, foxes, and bats, along with a rich insect and reptile population.

It's a habitat for diverse bird species, and larger animals like foxes and gazelles, and preserves fossils from its ancient aquatic past. The area contains an extensive trail network suitable for all skill levels; the primary 10.5 km trail begins at the Wadi gate, providing an easy yet enjoyable route with occasional rough sections. More challenging terrains cater to intermediate and advanced-level hikers on the south and north plateaus, thus offering a rewarding experience for seasoned adventurers and camping enthusiasts.

11. Taba

Taba Protected Area is found in southwest Egypt. It has a space of 3,590 km2 (1,386 sq mi) where everyone will get to explore epic geological formations such as valley string, caves, and mountainous passages. It is located on the northern tip of Aqaba Gulf and is also renowned for being Egypt's Red Sea Riviera's northernmost resort. It contains about 50 species of rare birds, 25 species of mammals, and 24 species of reptiles. The area is a magical attraction filled with tropical allure with a twist of modern history that reshaped the entire place.

Taba Heights is positioned 20 kilometers south of Taba and serves as a resort community boasting several prominent hotels like the Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Sofitel, and Intercontinental. Renowned for its diving opportunities, it attracts enthusiasts interested in free diving, scuba diving, and diving courses. The area offers a new desert-themed golf course alongside various recreational amenities which will make every moment worthy of remembering.

12. Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wadi El Gemal National Park stands as a rich ecosystem blending natural beauty, marine wonders, and historical heritage, which makes it ideal. It is a delightful national wonder that spans 7,450 square kilometers, which is made up of 4,770 square kilometers of land with 2,100 square kilometers of marine territory. The park holds prehistoric rock art, remnants of Ptolemaic and Roman ruins, and historical sites like Mons Smaragdus, once an ancient Egyptian mining community. It was established as an IUCN Category II park in 2003.

Its coastal zone teems with diverse marine life, hosting 450 coral species of abundant fish like the emperor angelfish and parrotfish, and serves as a habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle. The park is made of five islands filled with various bird species like the African spoonbill and Caspian tern. The park offers semi-rocky coasts with mangroves and stunning beaches that provide excellent snorkeling and diving spots, with spinner dolphins adding to the allure with their captivating inner magic. There are many species of animals, including the aoudad, Dorcas gazelle, jerboa, and Nubian Ibex.

13. Marsa Matrouh

Marsa Matruh is a magical port in Egypt, known as the capital of Matrouh Governorate, and has a rich historical past. Once known as Amunia in ancient times and later called Paraitonion during various periods like the Roman Empire, it shifted names with different rulers. This city played a crucial role during World War II, witnessing battles and changes in control between British forces and the Axis powers. The area is magnificent, where everyone can enjoy the most enriching and entertaining camping quest. 

Mersa Matruh boasts Mersa Matruh International Airport and features stunning beaches with calm waters sheltered by natural rock formations. Its history spans ancient Egyptian ruins, Roman trading prominence, Christian influences in the Byzantine era, and Islamic conquests that showcase diverse cultural imprints. The city's climate experiences moderately hot and humid summers and mild, somewhat wet winters that are influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. It is among the cooler spots in Egypt during summer and one of the wettest in the country which is known to experience diverse weather patterns. Some of the most incredible sights to explore include the Ruins of the Temple of Pharaoh Ramses II (1200 BC), the drowned city of Caesar, the drowned Palace of Cleopatra, the Egyptian Fleet Anchorage, which was built by the Ptolemies, the Coptic chapel, and a number of cemeteries.

14. Wadi Ghazala

Wadi Ghazala is a magnificent place where everyone can witness some of the most beautiful natural marvels, which are found in Nuweiba, where everyone will get to enjoy the mat's profound desert scenery and activities. While camping there, everyone will enjoy a magical collection of fun activities where all will get to have fun hiking and climbing. It is found just one hour away from Dahab, where everyone will enjoy a variety of natural features, including towering sandstone cliffs, lush green oases, and ancient rock paintings.

Over time, the area has gained the reputation of being an ideal place for many marvelous camping chances across the divine tranquility of the Sinai region. The peaceful atmosphere of the area will offer an enchanting camping trip filled with the sight of the core of nature across the waters, deserts, magnificent wildlife, and stars of Wadi Ghazala.

15. Marsa Shagra

Marsa Shagra is a legendary camping and diving attraction found on the Red Sea coast, about 40 kilometers south of the town of Marsa Alam. It is a part of the Red Sea Diving Safari company, which also owns two other resorts in the area: Marsa Nakari and Wadi Lahami. Marsa Shagra is known for its beautiful coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful fish.

The resort offers a variety of diving and snorkeling excursions, as well as other activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, but above all else, camping is by far the most enjoyable due to all the heavenly natural and tropical will reveal their beauty before your eye. The resort has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious villas. There are also a number of restaurants, bars, and shops on the property.

Camping in Cairo

Camping within Cairo itself might be challenging due to the urban setting, but once you start to get away from the capital, the natural desert and magical landscape will come to life before your eyes. However, there are nearby areas like Wadi Degla Protectorate or Baharaiya Oasis, home to the white and black desert, where some organized camping events or overnight stays occur.

These areas offer a brief respite from the city buzz. All the ethereal elements will spring to life before your eyes, revealing the epic treasures that the rich landscape of Egypt has to offer. Every moment spent camping in this marvelous location will be truly special and showcase the true milestones of Egypt.

Camping in Alexandria

The coastal city of Alexandria presents opportunities for beachside camping across the heavenly Mediterranean Sea that connects the coast of North Africa with the countries of Europe. Everyone will camp under the celestial skies and shining stars of Alexandria and then walk across the blessed Montazah Gardens or Agami Beach, which are popular spots where camping is allowed, thus letting you enjoy the Mediterranean coastline where epic stories come to life, revealing the glorious history of one of the greatest cities on earth where it once the capital of Egypt during the greek era of Egypt which has left an incredible mark on the city as seen across all the structures and monuments that shines under the atmosphere of Alexandria where you will have a camping experience that will be cherished for ages to come.

Camping in Egypt Lakes

Camping at lakes in Egypt is an incredible activity to enjoy as there are many lakes found in the Egyptian cities located in the most enchanting surroundings, both natural and man-made. Lake Nasser is a great place for camping as this artificial lake of the Aswan High Dam, which is found in proximity to Abu Simbel Temple, creates an open gateway to a unique view of the lake and the surrounding desert landscape.

Camping across the delta region, Lake Burullus and Lake Manzala will be the key to exploring the marvelous wetland ecosystems and birdwatching. The natural lake Qarun, a.k.a Lake Moeris, is a marvelous place of great historical and biodiversity, thus making your camping adventure truly special.

Camping in the Egypt Desert

The Egyptian desert, also known as the Western Desert and the Sahara, is a living organism filled with divine milestones that offer incredible camping experiences that showcase the ethereal nature of this legendary place. The White Desert, near Farafra Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, or Siwa Oasis, is famous for its surreal landscapes and camping under the stars, which will leave everyone with magical memories filled with the scenery of the most natural wonders of the face of the earth.

Across the Sahara of Egypt are epic areas that provide unique desert camping experiences filled with the sight of real celestial miracles, so if you have the chance to experience these incredible milestones, don’t miss them at all.

Camping in Sinai

The Sinai Peninsula is a golden gem for camping enthusiasts as the area contains everything a traveler desires, from ancient history to one-of-a-kind culture to natural wildlife, plus a desert area that makes the most enriching and divine camping quest. Across the high tops of the great mountains of Sinia is St. Catherine's Protectorate, which is near Mount Sinai and offers the breathtaking chance to camp amidst stunning mountain scenery that will uncover the tales of gods and great men that shape the world that we see today.

Dahab and Nuweiba along the Red Sea coast provide both beach and desert camping options for those looking to mix their adventure with some tropical fun across the Red Sea.

Glamping Sites in Egypt (Luxury Camping)

Luxury camping, a.k.a glamping, presents an exquisite way to relish the country's splendor with comfort and flair. Numerous sites across Egypt offer this luxurious experience, each boasting distinctive amenities and activities; some of these sites include Siwa Oasis, which offers tranquility and beauty and provides activities like sandboarding, camel treks, and visits to the ancient Shali ruins.

The White Desert showcases an otherworldly landscape of wind-eroded chalk formations where everyone can sleep under the stars amidst this surreal setting. The lush Fayoum Oasis, hosting lakes, waterfalls, and ancient ruins, offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and exploring the oasis's natural wonders. Wadi Ghazala is rich with towering sandstone cliffs, lush oases, and ancient rock paintings where all can enjoy thrilling activities such as hiking, climbing, and exploring the valley's natural marvels.

Adventures in Egypt

There are many more interesting camping spots in Egypt and lots of breathtaking activities to enjoy wherever you go in the Land of Pharaohs, so pack your camping equipment and get prepared for an adventure of its kind while following the footsteps of the ancient Pharaohs with our Egypt trip packages.

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