Must-Visit: UAE’s Coolest Camping Spots In 2026

Are you ready to escape the hustle and swap skyscrapers for starlight? The UAE’s camping scene is absolutely brilliant – and we’re here to spill all the stellar locations you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re after luxurious glamping, raw desert vibes, or organised beachfront bliss, this season is your golden ticket to unforgettable adventures under Arabian skies.

Glamping & Lifestyle Camping Spots

The Dunes Camping & Safari (Ras Al Khaimah)

• Distance: 170 km from Dubai (2.5 hours) | 280+ km from Abu Dhabi

Dome tent heaven awaits. The Dunes is pure magic for those who want desert glam without sacrificing comfort. Set up at the heart of Al Wadi Desert with dramatic mountain backdrops.

Activities at the Dunes Camping & Safari include: 

Desert safaris in 4×4 vehicles, camel rides through endless dunes, bonfire evenings with traditional Emirati vibes, stargazing sessions, and hosted cultural performances that’ll make your jaw drop.

Longbeach Campground (Ras Al Khaimah)

• Distance: 107 km from Dubai (63 mins) | 200+ km from Abu Dhabi

Three hundred metres of pristine beachfront – yes, that’s a campground. This spot’s brilliant for families seeking that perfect blend of sand, sea, and serenity.

Activities at the Longbeach Campground include:

Water sports extravaganzas, snorkelling in crystal waters, fishing adventures, marine life spotting, and sunset picnics that rival postcards.

Mleiha Camping Site (Sharjah)

• Distance: 55 km from Dubai (50 mins) | 150+ km from Abu Dhabi

Fossil Rock and archaeological wonders await. This is where history literally comes to life – perfect for the curious camper.

Activities at the Mleiha Camping Site Include: 

Fossil Rock hikes with expert guides, thrilling 4×4 dune-bashing, archaeology-focused walking tours, telescope stargazing, and sunrise photography that’s Instagram-worthy (and then some).

The Retreat Camp (Fujairah)

• Distance: 120 km from Dubai (1.5 hours) | 250+ km from Abu Dhabi

Eco-consciousness meets comfort here. The Retreat is basically your mate’s cottage in the mountains – except it’s surrounded by the majestic Hajar ranges.

Activities at the Retreat Camp Include: 

Meditative yoga sessions, wadi trekking with phenomenal mountain views, heritage storytelling experiences, natural hot spring explorations, and bonfire gatherings under crystalline skies.

Naseem Farm Escape (Ajman)

• Distance: 70 km from Dubai (1 hour) | 150+ km from Abu Dhabi

Your dog won’t stop wagging. This four-acre farm is genuinely dog-friendly, making it brilliant for pet parents wanting adventure without the guilt.

Activities at the Naseem Farm Escape Include: 

Farm tours and animal encounters, bird-watching expeditions, nature walks through lush farmland, dog-friendly beach trips nearby, and farm-to-table dining experiences.

Liwa Nights Bedouin Glamping Retreat (Abu Dhabi)

• Distance: 240 km from Dubai (3.45 hours) | 220 km from Abu Dhabi (2.45 hours)

The Rub’ al Khali – the Empty Quarter – meets luxury tents. This is where you’ll find genuine Bedouin hospitality and dunes that stretch to infinity.

Activities at the Liwa Nights Bedouin Glamping Retreat Include: 

Camelback trekking through golden sand valleys, traditional desert safaris in 4x4s, Milky Way stargazing with telescope sessions, Bedouin-style campfire dinners, and sunrise desert photography.

Hatta Resorts

Distance from Dubai: 90–100 km (1–1.5 hours) | Distance from Abu Dhabi: 180+ km

Hatta is home to two absolutely supercool glamping options, and both are brilliant depending on what you’re after. Whether you fancy vintage nostalgia or modern luxury, this mountain escape delivers unforgettable experiences alongside access to the phenomenal Wadi Hub adventure activities.

Vintage Camper

Experience nostalgic glamping in restored Kombi van-inspired campers with modern comforts. Enjoy stunning Hajar Mountain views, your own fire pit and BBQ station, and retro vibes with contemporary luxury. Complimentary firewood and charcoal included—perfect for vintage Instagram moments.

Dome Tent

These geometric beauties feature private temperature-controlled plunge pools, sprawling terraces, and panoramic mountain views. Sleep four comfortably with full air conditioning and HDTV. Each dome includes a private BBQ, a fire pit, and unlimited access to 20 Wadi Hub adventure activities.

Activities at Hatta Resort include: 

Ziplining, archery, axe throwing, wall climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding, hiking trails, children’s play areas, and bonfire evenings under pristine mountain skies.​

Nara Desert Escape (Dubai)

• Distance: 35 km from Dubai (45 mins) | 130+ km from Abu Dhabi

Luxury dining in the desert. Nara transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories through curated desert experiences and intimate gatherings.

Activities at the Nara Desert Escape Include: 

Starlit desert dinners with fine-dining menus, yoga and wellness sessions at sunrise, meditation retreats in serene dune settings, bespoke photography tours, and personalised Emirati cultural experiences.

Terra Solis (Dubai)

• Distance: 40 km from Dubai (25 mins) | 130+ km from Abu Dhabi

Glamping meets resort living. Terra Solis is the spot where you’ll grab your camera, your mates, for pure desert magic – complete with a buzzing pool scene.

Activities at the Terra Solis Include: 

Hot air balloon rides over the dunes, exhilarating desert safaris, horse riding adventures, evening pool parties under the stars, and gourmet desert dining.

Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat (Abu Dhabi)

• Distance: 120+ km from Dubai (1.5 hours) | 17 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre

Island vibes, Arabian Gulf waters, and luxury tents. Hudayriyat Island feels miles away, yet you’re basically still in the city.

Activities at the Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Include: 

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, non-motorised water sports, outdoor cinema nights, beachfront bonfire gatherings, and kids’ play areas for the little ones.

Public Camping Spots – Where Adventure Meets Your Budget

Al Aqah Beach (Fujairah)

• Distance: 145 km from Dubai (1.5 hours) | 300+ km from Abu Dhabi

Free camping gold. The waters are crystal-clear, the sunrises are unreal, and it’s genuinely one of Fujairah’s best-kept secrets for overnight stays.

Activities at the Al Aqah Beach Include: 

Sunrise and sunset stargazing, bonfire nights with friends, swimming in Gulf of Oman waters, snorkelling adventures, and mountain hiking nearby.

Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah)

• Distance: 175 km from Dubai (2.5 hours) | 210+ km from Abu Dhabi (3.5 hours)

UAE’s highest peak. Mountain camping at its finest – plus the world’s longest zipline for thrill-seekers and mountain-top dining experiences.

Activities at Jebel Jais Include: 

Peak camping with 360-degree mountain views, serious mountain hiking trails, stargazing sessions away from city lights, Jais Flight zipline adventures, and mountain-view dining at 1484 by Puro.

Qudra Lakes (Dubai)

• Distance: 55 km from Dubai (45 mins) | 180+ km from Abu Dhabi

An artificial oasis in the desert that feels genuinely untouched. Free entry, 24-hour access, and absolutely zero crowds on weekdays.

Activities at the Qudra Lakes Include: 

Cycling on the 86-kilometre track, bird-watching expeditions, stargazing under pristine skies, BBQ picnics, and sunrise jogging along scenic routes.

Suhaila Lake Rest Area (Hatta)

• Distance: 100 km from Dubai (1 hour) | 180+ km from Abu Dhabi

Mountain lakes surrounded by dramatic Hajar peaks. This is where Dubai locals escape when they genuinely need peace and quiet.

Activities at Suhaila Lake Rest Area Include: 

Lakeside camping with mountain backdrops, hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, mountain biking adventures, BBQ sessions, and stunning stargazing.

Mirfa Crabbing & Fishing Spot (Abu Dhabi)

• Distance: 250 km from Dubai (3.5 hours) | 150 km from Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours)

Al Mirfa Beach is remote, gorgeous, and utterly brilliant for fishing and crabbing enthusiasts. The water’s so clear you’ll spot marine life immediately.

Activities at Mirfa Crabbing & Fishing Spot Include: 

Crabbing during low tide (family-friendly fun), fishing in rocky coastal areas, kayaking and paddleboarding, snorkelling adventures, and sunset picnics.

Shipwreck Beach (Ruwais, Abu Dhabi)

• Distance: 250+ km from Dubai (3.5 hours) | 200+ km from Abu Dhabi (2.5 hours)

Isolation at its finest. Only 25 minutes from Ruwais city, Shipwreck Beach feels like you’ve travelled worlds away. Shallow waters, golden sand, and Rub Al Khali views.

Activities at the Shipwreck Beach Include: 

Remote beach camping under starlit skies, wading in knee-high waters, stargazing away from light pollution, fishing in shallow waters, and sunset photography.

Pro Tips for Your UAE Camping Adventure

• Best Season: October to March – temperatures are absolutely perfect, and the night skies are crystal clear.
• What to Bring: Bring proper camping gear, water (loads of it), torches, insect repellent, warm clothing for cool desert nights, and your camera – trust us on that last one.
• Permits & Rules: Some spots require permits (check beforehand). Respect local wildlife, leave no trace, and always inform someone of your location. Here is a complete article on the new rules and fines for camping.

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