WadiRum

Why Book a Desert Camp in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Jordan, known for its red sand dunes, towering sandstone cliffs, and ancient rock carvings. Spending a night in a desert camp is the best way to experience the landscape, the silence, and the Bedouin culture that has existed here for centuries. Most visitors arrive in the afternoon, take a jeep tour through the desert, watch the sunset from a high viewpoint, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked underground (called zarb), sleep in a tent under some of the darkest skies in the Middle East, and leave after breakfast the next morning.

Types of Desert Camps in Wadi Rum

There are several types of camps in Wadi Rum, and the right choice depends on your budget, comfort level, and travel style. Budget camps offer simple Bedouin-style tents with shared bathrooms and basic mattresses. They start from around 20 JOD per person per night and usually include dinner and breakfast. These camps deliver the most authentic desert atmosphere and are ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.

Luxury camps provide private en-suite bathrooms with hot water, air conditioning, quality mattresses, and upgraded meals. Prices range from 40 to 80 JOD per person. Some luxury camps also include a jeep tour in the price. Bubble tent camps are transparent dome tents that let you see the stars while lying in bed. They typically include AC, a private bathroom, and a comfortable double bed. Prices start from 35 JOD per person.

Bedouin camps focus on traditional hospitality: campfire evenings, Bedouin tea, music, and simple but hearty food. Family camps are selected for child-friendly facilities, flexible meal options, and safe, spacious layouts. Many camps combine categories: a camp can be both "luxury" and "bubble," or "budget" and "Bedouin."

What Is Included in a Wadi Rum Camp Stay

Almost every camp in Wadi Rum includes dinner (usually a traditional zarb or buffet) and breakfast (bread, hummus, jam, eggs, tea and coffee). Pickup from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center is typically included, though some camps charge extra for longer transfers. Jeep tours, camel rides, trekking and stargazing sessions are sometimes included in a package, but often cost extra. Always check what is included before booking.

How to Choose the Right Camp

Start by deciding your budget and comfort level. If you want AC and a private bathroom, look at luxury or bubble camps. If you prefer a raw desert experience, a budget Bedouin camp is the way to go. Check whether the camp is inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area (better scenery, more remote) or outside (closer to the village, easier access). Read recent reviews from other guests. And finally, consider what experiences you want: some camps are better for jeep tours, others for stargazing, trekking, or family activities.

On this site we compare every camp using the same criteria so you can make an informed decision. We list prices, inclusions, and reviews. You can book through us with no booking fees, and guests pay the same rates as booking directly with the camp.