Are you still stuck in that era when mountain camping was overrated among the youths tied up with the backpacking culture? Broaden your vision and start visualizing a different picture amid the glistening dunes of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While planning a trip to Saudi, don’t limit yourself to the usual desert activities like camel riding and ATV rides, explore the ethereal beauty and serenity prevail in the deserts at night. Riyadh Desert Camping Guide will allow you to discover the scenic desert camping sites, glamping facilities to surrender yourself in the lap of luxury, and your ideal guide for a memorable camping trip.

Riyadh Desert Camping Guide: Create Your Desert Camping Saga Under the Glittery Sky

Desert Camping Guide

Since Riyadh is enriched with majestic dunes and long sand valleys, you can experience a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure amid the calm surroundings. If you want an extraordinary experience to treasure for a lifetime, night camping in the picturesque deserts of Riyadh is the ultimate bliss to satisfy your soul. If you are a first timer, take help from Riyadh Desert Camping Guide to escape the mundane and hold on to some ecstatic desert camping memories for an enriching cultural experience. Start packing your bags, include all your camping necessities and gear up for the extreme adventure.

Suggested Read: Desert Safari In Saudi Arabia: Adventurous Experience in the Golden Sand of Middle East

Desert Camping Sites in Riyadh: Marvel at the Exalted Landscapes

Desert Camping Sites

Being the largest city perched on Arabian Peninsula and situated in the middle of Nafud desert, the northern and northeastern part of Riyadh is best known for its mammoth dunes and have developed for tourism activities at a rapid pace in the contemporary times. Desert camping Riyadh will let you gaze at the majestic celestial bodies at night. Let’s have a quick glance at the top 5 desert camping sites to marvel at the lustrous landscape of Riyadh.

1. Al Kharrarah National Park: Located in the South of Al Muzahimiyah Governorate, Al Kharrarah National Park is best known for the sprawling golden dunes and exotic fauna. Spot the majestic lake formed from rainfall and immerse yourself in its unparallel beauty.

Things to Do: Camping, Hiking, Swimming

2.  Red Sand: An ideal location for desert camping in Riyadh, you can marvel at the majestic dunes by relishing a cup of aromatic Arabian gahwa. Engulfed by mountain terrains on all sides, you can carry out numerous activities to understand the true essence of Saudi’s culture.

Things to Do: Camping, Quad Biking, Sandboarding

3. Rawdhat Nourah: With a distinct feature of long green grass grown on the vast patches of sand during spring and winter, Rawdhat Nourah is a paradise to soak in its solitude. If you are a true nature enthusiast, you can easily connect with Mother Nature for an immersive experience.

Things to Do: Camping & Hiking

4. Al Thumamah National Park: Best known for permanent Bedoiun camps and adventures, Al Thumamah Desert Riyadh will let you discover the unseen beauty of Saudi’s landscape and desert culture. Carry out numerous activities like camping, rock climbing, barbecues, and quad bike rides for extreme thrills.

Things to Do: Camping, Camel Riding, Quad Biking

5. Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq: Located near the Raghba Town tucked in between Qassim and Riyadh, this camping site will offer you captivating sights of the rugged mountains and alluring dunes. Stargazing is one of the best activities to carry out during your stay here.

Things to Do: Camping & Hiking

Glamping in Riyadh: Undertake an Experiential Voyage in the Lap of Luxury

Glamping in Riyadh
Image is for reference purpose only

Glamping in Riyadh will let you relax in the lap of luxury amid the majestic dunes and is one of the best things to do in Riyadh. Even though camping comes with the bare minimum requirements and insists on a minimal vagabond lifestyle, glamping is the more refined form of camping adorned with elegant decor, modern facilities, and amenities. Moreover, Glamping will offer you an opportunity to explore the night sky and gaze at the twinkling stars. Let’s have a look at the top 5 resorts that offer magical glamping experience and are considered as the best places to visit in Riyadh.

1. Akwakh Almazraah: Delight your senses by gazing at the night sky from the uniquely designed and aesthetically pleasing wooden chalet villas of Akwakh Almazraah.

Resort Location: Wadi Hanifah Street, Rafiaa District, Riyadh

2. Pauseaway at Tuwaiq House: With a perfect blend of culture and luxury, Pauseaway at Tawaiq House will let you discover Saudi’s culture.

Resort Location: Old Dirab Road, Riyadh

3. Kan Ya Ma Kan: Live your Saudi fairy tale and discover the beauty of universe by staying at Kan Ya Ma Kan vas it offers best glamping experience.

Resort Location: Huraymila National Park, Riyadh

4. The Valley Resort: Considered as the tranquil oasis in the desert, you can plunge into desert adventures by staying at the Valley resort, best for camping in Saudi Arabia.

Resort Location: Wadi Laban, Riyadh

5. REES: Escape the hustle & bustle of Riyadh city and find solace amid the calm surroundings by staying at REES resort, best known for glamping experience.

Resort Location: Mulhim, Riyadh

Suggested Read: Horse Riding in Riyadh: Saddle the Horse, Conquer the Speed

Follow the Riyadh Desert Camping Tips for a Memorable Trip

Desert Camping Tips

Riyadh Desert Camping Guide will make your desert camping Saudi Arabia trip more successful and remarkable by providing insights into it. Starting from packing your bags with the minimum necessities to the camping tools and equipment, you must prepare a checklist and ensure everything is ready for Saudi desert camping.

  1. The first and foremost thing is to choose an ideal location for desert camping which is safe and tourist friendly.
  2. If you are a newbie, you should carry camping gear and safety products like a sleeping bag, camping chairs, tent, repellants, flashlights, spare batteries, pillows, tent repair kit, along with a first aid kit.
  3. Since the temperature drops at night, make sure to carry blankets and jackets to warmup yourself.
  4. If you are planning to take your vehicle, make sure it is ideal for desert driving (4*4)
  5. Carry wood log, barbecue machine, fire essentials for a perfect bonfire night.
  6. Even if you are on a solo camping trip, make sure your camping area is under expert supervision to avoid any risk.
  7. Always be prepared for any kind of unpredictable situation to tackle with ease.
  8. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the camping site.
  9. Always carry your food items, water, and cooking essentials if you are planning to cook your food in a natural setting.
  10. If you are planning to hike up the mountains, bring your comfortable hiking wearables too.

Additional Information for Riyadh Desert Camping Guide

Riyadh Desert Camping

Before planning your Riyadh desert camping, have a look at the basic information to have a fun-filled and invigorating experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

How to Reach Riyadh: King Khalid International Airport is the main airport about 35 km away from Riyadh, which connects the city to the other parts of the world.

Best Time for Desert Camping in Riyadh: October to April

Reasons for Desert Camping in Riyadh: Landscapes, Bonfires, Desert Adventure activities, Barbecue, Live Music, Late night Conversations, Stargazing

Best Desert Camping Activities in Riyadh: Camel Riding, Quad Bike Riding, Stargazing, Hiking, Sandboarding

Also Read: Most Surreal Places for Camping in Saudi Arabia

If you are on a desert adventure in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Desert Camping Guide will help you out to find some idyllic locations to organize camping, experience glamping in some of the boutique resorts, and carry out several activities. It is always better to experience something new apart from the usual activities for a lifetime treasure. Riyadh is filled with vibrant and serene landscapes starting from majestic dunes to steep mountain ranges where you can set your tent at one corner and marvel at the impressive jewels of Saudi. Book your Riyadh tour packages with us to live your Arabian nights fantasy.

Riyadh Desert Camping Guide FAQ’s

Q1. What can I expect for desert camping in Riyadh?

Desert camping in Riyadh will allow you to have an ideal camping experience amid the glistening sand dunes. With a calm and tranquil natural setting, you can set your camp and carry out some desert activities like camel riding, quad bike riding, stargazing, etc. You can also experience glamping and have a unique dining experience in an outdoor setting.

Q2. What is glamping?

Glamping is the refined form of camping with a luxurious touch. With elegant and opulent decor along with modern amenities, you can experience glamping in some of the best resorts in Riyadh. One of the best activities that comes with glamping is stargazing.

Q3. What are the top 5 desert camping sites in Riyadh?

Since Riyadh is enriched with a scenic desert landscape in the north and northeastern part, best known for peace and serenity, tourism has developed over the years in the region. Tourists can carry out numerous activities like camping, safaris, etc. The top 5 camping sites in Riyadh are:

  • Al Khararrah National Park
  • Red Sand
  • Rawdhat Nourah
  • Al Thumamah National Park
  • Nufud & Rawdat Um Al Shuquq
Q4. When is the best time for desert camping in Riyadh?

You can plan desert camping in Riyadh starting from the months of October till the end of April to enjoy its pleasant weather. It is considered ideal since you can carry out stargazing during these months too.

Q5. When is the best time to visit Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Riyadh is during the winter months starting from November to March since the weather is comparatively cooler and pleasant which will make your stay convenient and comfortable. Try not to plan your trip to Riyadh during the summer season.

Q6. How many days are required for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

A minimum of 3 days is required for Riyadh to cover the significant landmarks of the city. Moreover, you can extend your trip based on your preferences. If you want to experience desert camping in Riyadh, you should spend 4-5 days in Riyadh for an enriching cultural experience.

Q7. What are the activities of desert camping in Riyadh?

While experiencing desert camping, you can have a memorable immersive travel by undertaking some adventure activities to explore the vast landscapes of Riyadh. The major activities of desert camping in Riyadh are:

  • Camel Riding
  • Quad Bike Riding
  • Stargazing
  • Hiking
  • Sandboarding
Q8. What is stargazing?

Stargazing is a major desert camping and glamping activity which will offer you an opportunity to explore the majestic cosmos including the stars, planets, and constellations. Moreover, stargazing and glamping go hand in hand which is associated with deep-rooted Arabian culture, and this is why it is often recommended to the tourists.