Your first camping trip in Israel is easier to plan than you think. This checklist covers everything — what to bring, what to skip, and how to make your first night under the stars genuinely enjoyable rather than something to survive.
Before You Go: Pick Your Spot
Israel has hundreds of designated campsites through the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA). Good beginner spots:
- Tel Dan Nature Reserve (North) — streams, shade, easy trails
- Nahal Amud (Galilee) — established sites, beautiful scenery
- Timna Park (South) — dramatic desert, easy access from Eilat
- Carmel National Park — closest forested camping to Tel Aviv
Check the INPA website (parks.org.il) for booking and regulations. Some sites require advance booking, especially on weekends.
The Complete First Trip Gear Checklist
🛌 Sleep (most important category)
- ☐ Sleeping bag (rated for the season)
- ☐ Inflatable mattress — don't skip this. The ground is cold and hard. $41.99.
- ☐ Camping pillow — sleeping on a rolled-up jacket is overrated. $13.99.
- ☐ Tent (or hammock if camping in a forested area)
🔥 Kitchen
- ☐ Camping stove — hot food matters more than you think. $24.99.
- ☐ Gas canister (buy at any outdoor shop before leaving)
- ☐ Lightweight pot or pan (700ml is enough for one person)
- ☐ Cutlery set — bring real utensils, not plastic. $19.99.
- ☐ Biodegradable soap + small sponge
💡 Light & Power
- ☐ Camp lantern — better than a headtorch for evening camp time. $24.99.
- ☐ Headtorch (for hiking at night or going to the bathroom)
- ☐ Power bank for phone (or solar if multi-day)
👟 Clothing
- ☐ Base layer (merino wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- ☐ Fleece mid-layer
- ☐ Rain jacket / windproof shell
- ☐ Sturdy hiking boots (broken in before the trip)
- ☐ Camp sandals/flip-flops
- ☐ Hat (sun + warmth)
🐧 Navigation & Safety
- ☐ Downloaded offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
- ☐ First aid kit (blister pads, bandages, pain relief)
- ☐ Sunscreen (Israeli sun is serious)
- ☐ Insect repellent (especially near water)
- ☐ Emergency whistle
- ☐ Water filter or purification tablets (for backcountry water)
💧 Water
- ☐ 2L water bottle or hydration reservoir (minimum)
- ☐ Know your water sources along the route before leaving
What to Leave at Home
- Cotton clothing — takes forever to dry, cold when wet
- A full home kitchen — heavy pots, full-size utensils. You need a 120g stove and one spork.
- Excessive food — pack for the trip + 20% emergency buffer only
- Multiple pairs of shoes — boots and camp shoes. Done.
Your First Night Budget
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inflatable Mattress | $41.99 |
| Camping Pillow | $13.99 |
| BlazeKit Stove | $24.99 |
| Solar Lantern | $24.99 |
| Total |
$105.96 With BUNDLE15: ~$90 |
🏕️ Get your first camping kit at yaamscomfort.store — free shipping to Israel. Use FIRST15 for 15% off your first order, or BUNDLE15 for 15% off 2+ items.