Before you go: permits and fines
Camping inside national parks needs a permit from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; camping there without one is fined SAR 500 per camp the first time, rising to SAR 3,000 for repeat offences.
Cutting firewood is banned: making firewood or charcoal from trees without a licence is fined up to SAR 8,000, and burning trees starts at SAR 20,000. Buy your firewood and charcoal from licensed shops, and never leave a fire burning.
Near Riyadh
- Thumamah park: plateaus, valleys and dunes north of Riyadh, with equipped camps for families and young people.
- Rawdat Khuraim: about 150 km from Riyadh, with sidr and lotus trees, turning green after the rains.
- The Edge of the World: sheer cliffs about 90 km north-west of Riyadh; the last stretch needs a 4x4.
- Wadi Hanifa: for a short day out, with a promenade and gardens inside the city.
The north: Tabuk, Hail and Qassim
In Tabuk, Wadi Disah with its rock pillars and the soft sands of the Hisma mountains are among the best winter camping spots. Hail has the red dunes of the Nafud, and Unaizah has Al Ghada park with its dunes and trees.
AlUla: mild days, cool nights
Winter is AlUla's best season, with desert camps and resorts for anyone who wants the desert with hotel comfort.
The Eastern Province: Half Moon Beach
A crescent-shaped sandy beach ringed by dunes south of Al Khobar, combining sea and desert in one outing.
Camping packing list
- A tent or traditional tent, with mattresses and blankets for the cold nights.
- Firewood and charcoal from a licensed shop, and a small fire extinguisher.
- A first-aid kit, enough water, a torch and a power bank.
- Rubbish bags, so you leave nothing behind.
- Tell someone where you're going: some sites have no mobile coverage.
If you'd rather have comfort, we'll find you resorts and chalets near the camping spots at the best available rates.
Frequently asked questions
When is camping season in Saudi Arabia?
Roughly November to March; the meadows are loveliest after the winter and spring rains.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Inside national parks, yes, from the National Center for Vegetation Cover; camping without one is fined from SAR 500.
What is the fine for cutting firewood?
Making firewood or charcoal without a licence is fined up to SAR 8,000, and burning trees starts at SAR 20,000.
What are the closest camping spots to Riyadh?
Thumamah park north of Riyadh, Rawdat Khuraim about 150 km away, and the Edge of the World about 90 km away.
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Published 8 October 2026, last updated 8 October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and seasons can change, and the binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.