From the Desert to the Sea: 4 Camping Experiences

The holiday season is already behind us, but now, when everything has calmed down, it's the perfect time to go out and travel, swap the hotel for a tent, and rediscover Israel through nature and close to the ground. This time, the recommendation is to do it through camping.

From the southern desert to the seashores, from the northern streams to the forests, every region in the country has a different character, and it's worth matching both the camping style and the equipment to it. "During the intermediate days of the holidays (Chol HaMoed), there are countless options for camping, and each region brings a different experience—from the water and greenery in the north, through the beaches, to the silence and stars in the desert. We recommend matching the equipment to the nature of the trip and the terrain conditions so that the camping trip is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for the whole family," say representatives at Rikoushet.

So, where should you pitch a tent, what is there to do in the area, and what should you pack for each destination?

1. Forest Camping - To the Shaded Trees:

Those looking for a relaxed vacation can choose forest camping. The combination of trees, shade, hiking trails, and seating areas makes the forest the perfect backdrop for a family vacation.

Where? For example, Carmel Park is an excellent option for forest lodging enthusiasts. There are several overnight camps in the area, including Yad Labanim, Rakafot, Rakit, and the Lake Campground, from which you can head out on various trails in the Carmel. Another option is to look for forest campgrounds in the Jerusalem area and the Judean Hills, combining the stay with hikes, viewpoints, and visits to nature and heritage sites.

What to do in the area? Hike the Carmel trails, visit observation points, combine a short trail with a picnic, or simply make the camping itself the main part of the vacation—games, family meals, and quality time without screens.

What to pack? A tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, a mat, folding chairs and a table, a cooking kit, outdoor lighting, headlamps, long clothes for the evening, and mosquito repellent.

The Vibe: A family vacation in a forest atmosphere—plenty of shade during the day, pleasant air in the evening, and endless hiking options.

2. Stream Camping - When Water is Part of the Vacation:

Camping by a stream is much more than just sleeping in nature; it's an opportunity to turn the entire vacation into an adventure. Arrive in the afternoon, set up the tent, take a dip in the water, head out on a trail, and return in the evening for a family dinner under the open sky.

Where? For example, Travelers Camping Dafna is an excellent choice for a family vacation in the north. The campsite is located in the heart of the Galilee Panhandle, in a particularly green environment, allowing you to combine outdoor lodging with trips and attractions in the area—from the streams of the Upper Galilee to the Banias, Tel Dan, and the Hasbani. Other options include the overnight camps at Horshat Tal, Nahal Amud, and Yehudiya, which allow for a combination of lodging with hiking trails and northern landscapes.

What to pack? A tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a comfortable daypack, hiking shoes, water sandals, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, a quick-dry towel, and a waterproof bag for your phone and important equipment.

The Vibe: Waking up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping, making coffee next to the tent, and heading out for a day of water, trails, and nature.

3. Desert Camping - A Vacation Where the Sky is the Attraction:

The desert offers a completely different kind of camping experience. During the day, you hike among cliffs, craters, and viewpoints, and in the evening, the temperatures drop, silence takes over, and the sky becomes the largest star screen imaginable.

Where? For example, the Be'erot Campground in the Ramon Crater is one of the most well-known options for camping in the area. The campground is located in the heart of the crater and allows you to combine lodging with hikes and viewpoints nearby. Another option is the Mount Ardon Campground for those looking for a more rugged desert field experience with access to the impressive trails and landscapes of the Ramon Crater.

What to do in the area? You can combine a hiking trail, a sunset viewpoint, a visit to Mitzpe Ramon, and of course, go out in the evening for stargazing.

What to pack? A stable tent, an insulated sleeping pad, a suitable sleeping bag, layers of clothing, a fleece or light jacket for the evening, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, a cooler, and a cooking kit.

The Vibe: A day of hiking and adventures, an evening of starry skies and desert silence.

4. Beach Camping - A Beach Vacation Without Booking a Hotel:

There is something hard to beat about sleeping by the sea. Arrive in the afternoon, pitch a tent, go down for a swim, watch the sunset, eat dinner in front of the waves, and wake up in the morning right by the ocean.

Where? For example, Achziv National Park is one of the most popular destinations for a beach camping vacation. Here you can combine outdoor lodging with the sea, lagoons, antiquities, and trips in the Western Galilee. For those who prefer to stay in the center, you can combine a visit to the Palmachim Beach area with a trip to the Lowlands (Shephelah) and the coastal plain.

What to pack? A ventilated tent, a large mat, a sunshade, folding chairs, microfiber towels, water shoes, a waterproof bag, sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, and a change of clothes.

The Vibe: Flip-flops, sunset, a meal on the beach, and waking up with the sea just a few steps from the tent.

Summary:

The beauty of camping is that no two vacations look the same. In the desert, you need to prepare for temperature fluctuations; at the sea, for sand and sun; at the stream, for water and walking; and in the forest, for cool nights and insects.

Therefore, just before loading up the car, it's worth thinking not only about where you are going but what kind of camping experience awaits you there.

(Photo: At Camping Dafna – Photo: Assaf Nussbaum)