Camping at the Dead Sea is a great budget-friendly option for travelers. Masada and the Dead Sea are two of the most visited sites in Israel. Because of their location, some people opt to take a day tour from a nearby city like Jerusalem. But, for travelers who really want to take their time and explore the area overnight, camping is a good choice.
Dead Sea Campgrounds
There are several campgrounds available in the region at various prices. Some of the campgrounds are very close to either the Dead Sea or Masada. There is also a range from rustic to a bit more elegant, depending on the experience you want.
Here is a list of campgrounds in the area:
Ein Gedi Beach Campground
This campground sits on the northern shores of the Dead Sea in Ein Gedi Beach. It is in a centralized location for travelers who want to explore the Masada, Dead Sea and Ein Gedi region. Because the campsite is attached to the Ein Gedi Beach, travelers can can take advantage of the beach’s picnic areas and snackbar. Kibbutz Ein Gedi is also across the street from the campsite. Staying overnight at the campsite is free, but there is a charge for the use of toilets and showers. There is no electricity. The campground is located off Route 90.
Ein Gedi Beach Campground is temporarily closed due to sink holes in the area
Kefar Hanokdim
Kefar Hanokdim campground is between the city of Arad and Masada, located in the Kana’im Valley in the Judean desert. The campground includes bedouin-style tents with colorful rugs and mattresses. The site is designed to be a peaceful, reflective place, shaded by palm trees and surrounded by gardens. Visitors have a great view of the Judean desert and are a short distance to Masada. There are also various activities visitors can do at the campground, like riding camels. Prices at this site vary depending on the type of accommodation.
Kesem Hamidbar Campsite
This campground is located 20 minutes south of the Dead Sea coast in Moshav Neot Hakikar. Kesem Hamidbar offers large Bedouin tents. There are five tents that can accommodate 10 to 25 people, and mats, mattresses and pillows are included. There is a self-service barbeque and kitchen, where visitors can cook their food (charcoal not included). There are also hot showers. Kesem Hamidbar is located off of Route 90, 10 minutes north of the Arava junction.
Masada Campsite West
Masada Campsite West is located inside the National Park near Mount Masada. Here, travelers can bring their own private tents and trailers or rent rent tents and mattresses. There are also six guest cabins on site. The campsite includes an outdoor barbeque area (charcoal not included), a gas cooking area, a kitchen and a refrigerator. The cost for camping overnight in a private tent starts at 53 NIS for adults. Other prices vary. The entrance to the campsite can be accessed only from the city of Arad.
Shkedi Camp Lodge
Shkedi’s Camp Lodge sits south of the Dead Sea in Neot Hakikar. The campground has several spacious and stylish bungalows. They include mats, mattresses, and cushion. Each bungalow can accommodate up to 15 people. There are also air-conditioned cabins available. The campground includes clean toilets, hot water showers, a barbeque and grill area, and a self-serve kitchen. Shkedi’s Camp Lodge is open September-June and is 20 minutes south of the Dead Sea shoreline.
Camping Neot
The Camping Neot is located 20 minutes from the Southern Shore of the Dead Sea, in the Valley of Soddom. The Camping offers space for private tents and has 3 large communal tents with mattresses.In summer months you will be able to enjoy the swimming pool of the camping! Also, the camping facilities include hot showers, grocery store, BBQ space.Prices start from 50 ILS.
