Best Camping Spots in Israel 2026: Where to Go and What to Bring

May 25, 2026

Israel is one of the most underrated camping destinations in the world. In a single day you can drive from snowy Mount Hermon to the shores of the Red Sea. Here are the best camping spots for 2026 — and exactly what to bring for each one.

1. The Galilee (North)

Best for: Hammock camping, waterfalls, green forest trails
Season: March–November
Highlights: Nahal Amud, Nahal Tzalmon, Sea of Galilee shoreline

The Galilee is Israel's most forested region — perfect hammock country. Find two oak or eucalyptus trees at any of the national park campsites and you're set. The Ultralight Hammock ($34.99) was built for exactly this.

What to bring: Hammock, light sleeping bag, rain layer (it actually rains here), BlazeKit stove for morning coffee.

2. The Golan Heights

Best for: Open skies, stargazing, volcanic landscape
Season: April–October
Highlights: Nahal Yahudiya Nature Reserve, Gamla, Odem Forest

Wide open skies, almost zero light pollution. The Golan is Israel's best stargazing destination. Bring a good sleep setup — nights get cold even in summer. The Camp & Go Mattress + Silk-Touch Pillow combo makes cold-ground camping genuinely comfortable.

3. The Negev Desert

Best for: Raw wilderness, silence, dramatic geology
Season: October–April (avoid summer heat)
Highlights: Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon), Ein Avdat, Timna Park

The Negev is Israel at its most dramatic. But it's also where gear matters most — no shade, no water for long stretches, cold nights even in spring. A Solar Power Bank ($44.99) is essential: it charges on your back all day and keeps your navigation app alive. The Solar Lantern ($24.99) lights up your campsite and charges your phone at night.

4. The Carmel Mountains

Best for: Weekend trips from Tel Aviv/Haifa, Mediterranean forest
Season: Year-round
Highlights: Nahal Oren, Ein Hod area, Carmel National Park

Israel's most accessible forest camping, 45 minutes from Tel Aviv. Good trails, established campsites, and dense Mediterranean forest. Good beginner territory for hammock camping.

5. The Dead Sea Region

Best for: Unique landscape, hot springs, canyon hiking
Season: October–April
Highlights: Ein Gedi, Nahal Arugot, Masada

Camping at the lowest point on Earth. The morning light on the Judean Desert hills is unlike anywhere else. Bring a compact kitchen — the BlazeKit stove + titanium cutlery keeps your pack light for the canyon hikes.