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Have you ever wanted to take your kids camping but thought all the preparation would be too much? Or maybe the price of camping was too high? Don’t worry; camping with your kids could be an unforgettable experience that creates lasting connections and priceless memories.
Having the correct equipment, finding the ideal free camping location, and maintaining a positive outlook are all essential. Here is a selection of fantastic free camping spots that we think will give you and your family a unique camping adventure. Imagine camping next to peaceful lakes, swimming in natural pools, or being in the middle of dramatic landscapes like red dunes and towering mountains.
So, are you ready to explore the world of family camping and make some wonderful memories with your loved ones? Together, let’s go off on this engaging adventure!
Top 6 Free Camping Sites in Dubai for Family
Let’s explore the top free camping locations in Dubai so that families may escape the city’s bustle and enjoy nature’s draws. These locations, which range from sandy deserts to lofty mountains, provide the backdrop for an inexpensive but unforgettable family trip.
It is time to find yourself in the middle of Dubai’s wild side, far from the city, and let the outdoors be your playground.
1- Family Camping at Al Qudra Lake Dubai
Just thirty minutes from Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates lies the world-famous Al Qudra Lakes, a popular spot for free desert camping. Nature lovers will find paradise at this campground, which offers a rare combination of desert and lake scenery.
In addition to being readily accessible even without an off-road vehicle, Al Qudra Lakes offers a serene retreat from all daily life activities. You could be fortunate enough to see wild camels in the mornings as you stroll around the lovely dunes surrounding the area. The lakes are home to 360 bird species, including many migratory birds, making them a bird watcher’s delight.
Tips for Camping in Al Qudra Lake
- If you want to have a great time camping, bring your BBQ box.
- Make sure your trip goes off without a hitch by using offline maps for navigation.
- December through March are ideal for camping due to the mild weather.
- Ground campfires are prohibited; however, grilling in a covered container is permitted.
- Do some off-roading in the surrounding dunes if you want an exciting adventure.
Things to Do at Al Qudra Lake Dubai
- Come and See the Love Lake
- Discover the graceful charm of Love Lake as you wander around its intricately designed heart-shaped pattern.
- Take in the sweet ambiance, complete with heart patterns and photogenic signs.
- Relax in the shade, light up the fire pits, and use the complimentary restrooms.
- Have fun with things like mountain riding, barbecuing, and swinging from large limbs of trees.
Get to Know the Local Wildlife:
- Visit the Al Qudra Desert and learn about the diverse animals and 170 native bird species that call it home.
- While strolling across the marsh, watch for flamingos, black swans, ducks, endangered Steppe Eagles, and migrating birds.
- Be wary of foxes, rabbits, and gazelles that wander freely in the Al Qudra region.
Have Fun Biking:
- Join along on the 86-kilometer trail ride, a favorite activity among visitors to Al Qudra.
- You may start your riding adventure at Al Qudra Lake from the Seih Al Salam Teck Bicycle Shop or the Al Qudra Riding Car Park near Mira Oasis.
Set Up Your Tent and Spend the Night Under the Stars:
- Prepare for a camping trip by pitching a tent among the man-made lakes and sand.
Enjoy a Sunset View from the Artificial Desert:
- Take breathtaking photos of the sun setting over the golden beach dunes.
- Lounging under the stars at night is a peaceful way to spend an evening.
How to Reach Al Qudra?
- Getting There: A vehicle is your best bet for getting to Al Qudra Lakes since it allows you to go anywhere in this secluded region.
- Recommended Vehicle: A 4-wheel drive vehicle will make the trip more comfortable, considering the state of the roads and trails in this remote area.
- Time Considerations: It is advisable to avoid driving after dark for safety reasons since there are no street lights in the region.
2- Wadi Hatta in Al Hajar Mountains Dubai
- Location: Wadi Hub – 44 – United Arab Emirates
The vast Hajar Mountains, which stretch over Oman and the United Arab Emirates, provide stunning scenery but are more of a challenge for adventurers. The Hajar Mountains offer the tranquil desert camping spot of Wadi Hatta, a picturesque camping spot that is easily accessible from Dubai by car and does not need a 4×4. Wadi Hatta in the Al Hajar Mountains will entice campers of all experience levels with its varied landscapes and stunning scenery.
Camping in Wadi Al Qahfi, high above the riverbank, is great for families seeking peace. However, adventurous people should bring camping mats or mattresses to help children manage the rough ground. This free camping location in Dubai is a breeze due to the beautiful scenery and the proximity to popular attractions like Hatta Pool and other swimming holes.
Tips for Camping in Wadi Hatta in the Al Hajar Mountains
- Getting to the Al Hajar Mountains from Dubai is a breeze; you won’t need a 4×4.
- Wadi Al Qahfi is one option for a more laid-back camping experience; nevertheless, camping mats may be necessary due to the uneven terrain.
- While camping, try to see wildlife, such as lizards, nocturnal foxes, and unusual songbirds.
- The location’s bright night sky makes it ideal for astronomy fans who love stargazing.
- Perfect for novice campers needing a low-effort outing and seasoned campers searching for a high-altitude challenge.
3- Suhaila Lake Hatta
Location: R56C+7C3 – Sufayri – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Undiscovered jewel Suhaila Lake is among perfect surroundings, captivating with its mesmerizing beauty and providing a tranquil getaway for explorers and nature lovers. Suhaila Lake presents a lovely scene with rich flora and crystal-clear waters, offering a getaway from the rush of city life. This camping spot in Dubai stands out due to its meticulous portrayal of a landscape that reflects a flourishing natural balance, guaranteeing that visitors will be immersed in biodiversity.
Tips for Camping in Wadi Hatta in the Al Hajar Mountains
- Suhaila Lake is accessible to all campers since it offers free entry.
- The site has all the necessary conveniences for overnight camping.
- Although camping does not cost anything, there are a variety of optional extras.
- Add excitement to your camping vacation by participating in any of the many recreational activities.
- Recharge your batteries at a camping retreat outdoors by taking in the breathtaking scenery around the lake.
- Explore the rich biodiversity of Soheila Lake by taking a boat ride around the lake and listening to the birdsong that fills the air.
4- Lahbab Desert in Dubai
Lahbab Desert Location: 2HRR+VG2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
The Lahbab Desert in Dubai is a well-known free camping spot that caters to experienced campers and those just starting. The desert is famous for its unique activities, such as stargazing, dune bashing, and BBQ nights.
Lahbab is a hamlet located around 50 kilometers south of Dubai city. Its inhabitants are affluent Bedouins who are friends with the Dubai royal family and make their living mostly from camel breeding and racing.
Also, nightfall in the desert brings many new experiences, such as Arab costume parties, Henna tattoos, traditional Arabic music (Kehwa and Sheesha), belly dance, Tanoura, and a spectacular fire display. Visiting the desert is like being a local Arab; you get a glimpse of the traditional way of life.
Tips for Camping in Lahbab Desert in Dubai
- You must do dune bashing at least once to feel the exhilaration of racing down the world-famous “Big Red” sand.
- Try your hand at sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides, and all the other desert activities imaginable.
- Discover the evening’s one-of-a-kind entertainment, including Tanoura dance, fire displays, and other exciting activities.
- Authentic Arab and continental cuisines, as well as BBQ buffets, are available for your tasting pleasure.
- Various photography places in the desert provide opportunities to capture the captivating nature and sensations.
- Trained professionals in high-end 4×4 SUVs carry out the classic safari activity of dune bashing.
Lahbab Desert Safari Reviews
Travelers who have been to Dubai’s Lahbab Desert Safari have nothing but praise for the thrilling adventures and welcoming environment that await them. Passengers have recounted the exhilaration of riding in Landcruisers across the dunes, with knowledgeable operators delivering thrilling rides filled with spectacular acrobatics. In addition to heart-pounding experiences, safarigoers may enjoy local food and entertainment beneath the blanket of stars, making for lasting memories.
Lahbab Desert Weather
To have a safe and pleasurable time exploring the Lahbab Desert, it is helpful for tourists to have a basic understanding of the typical weather patterns. The weather of the Lahbab Desert in the United Arab Emirates is typical of a desert, with high temperatures and little precipitation. Daytime highs in the summer can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or more.
The winter months of November through February provide more bearable temperatures, with highs of 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 degrees Celsius). Desert experiences like dune bashing and camel trekking are perfect for this area because of the year-round sunlight.
Moreover, guests should bring warm clothing since the temperature drops considerably at night, particularly in the winter. It is also possible to have sandstorms, especially in the warmer months.
5- Umm Al Quwain Beach in Dubai
Umm Al Quwain beach camping is the pinnacle of coastal paradise, offering a picture-perfect environment for families and ecotourists. North and south of Al Rafaah are beaches that provide various activities, such as fishing, kayaking through mangroves or the ocean, and bird watching, where you can see beautiful flamingos and other tropical birds.
The region is well-known for its quiet spots, where visitors can relax in nature and see colorful birds with binoculars. Tourists love Umm Al Quwain Beach since it has everything: a place to unwind by the water, rafting through mangroves, and ancient fishing communities.
Additionally, there is the nearby Dreamland Aqua Park, which is perfect for families. Moreover, the Kite Beach Center in Umm Al Quwain offers cozy tents close to the beach for a unique coastal camping experience. It gives guests easy access to water activities like paddleboarding and kite surfing.
Tips for Camping in Umm Al Quwain Beach in Dubai
- Anyone may pitch up camp anywhere along the beach’s coastline, although campers should be careful not to have their sites flooded at high tide.
- Near Umm Al Quwain Beach, you’ll find Dreamland Aqua Park, a great place for families to have fun.
- Keep an eye on the tides, set up camp far from any bodies of water, and be ready for a night under the stars if you want to be safe.
- Always check the tide charts, set up camp far from bodies of water at high tide, and be sure you have accurate information on the weather at sea.
Umm Al Quwain Hotels
There is a wide range of hotels in Umm Al Quwain that provide guests with different kinds of services and experiences. Hotels in Umm Al Quwain strive to give unforgettable experiences, whether you’re seeking leisure, family-friendly surroundings, or unique getaways.
Here are just a few of the hotels:
Umm Al Quwain Zoo
The Umm Al Quwain Zoo offers an enthralling glimpse into the animal realm, with its stately tigers, writhing snakes, and the amusing antics of young tigers, tortoises, and elephants. Kids, in particular, will love the close-up interactions they may have with the zoo’s animals, such as the orangutan.
6- E611 Half Desert
The E611 Half Desert is a free camping area in Dubai along the E611 highway that is perfect for anyone who wants to camp in the desert without spending a fortune. If you’re an explorer who loves the wild beauty of the desert, this spot is a great alternative to famous camping spots like RAK’s Wadi Shawka and Dubai’s Al Qudra.
The E611 Half Desert is easily accessible from the highway. It is part of a network of free camping spots such as the Al Qaeda Milky Way Spot in Abu Dhabi, the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi, and the summit of Jebel Hamri in Fujairah.
Those seeking a budget-friendly way to experience the environment will find this choice appealing since campers may fully immerse themselves in the rough nature without paying any camping costs.
The Last Words
Several great free camping spots in Dubai are perfect for outdoor adventures with the family. These campgrounds give all the comforts of home, like fresh toilets, cooking space, playground equipment, and fire pits, so campers can relax and enjoy themselves.
Be careful to follow any site regulations, including those relevant to the length of your stay and the pet policy, to ensure you have a safe trip. Ideally, optimal timing in winter allows for even more enjoyable weather.
FAQS
What Are Free Camping Sites in UAE?
Jebel Hamri near Fujairah, Sharjah’s Fossil Rock, Fujairah’s Al Aqah Beach, and the Masafi-Dibba road are just a few of the beautiful free camping spots in the United Arab Emirates.
Is Camping Safe for Families in Dubai?
Yes, camping can be safe if proper precautions are taken. Ensure you have a well-equipped first aid kit, know emergency contacts, and inform someone about your camping location.
When Is the Best Time for Family Camping in Dubai?
The winter months, from October to March, offer pleasant weather. Avoid summer (June to August) due to extreme heat.
What are Free Camping Sites in Abu Dhabi?
The Milky Way in Al Quaa and the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi are popular free camping sites, offering families an opportunity to experience the beauty of the outdoors.
What Amenities Are Available at Free Camping Sites?
Free camping sites often have clean restrooms, designated cooking areas, playgrounds for children, and fire pits for safe cooking.
Are There Restrictions on the Duration of Stay at Free Camping Sites?
Some sites have limits ranging from 24 to 48 hours to ensure fair usage and environmental preservation.
Can I Bring Pets To Free Camping Sites in Dubai?
Check each site’s pet policy. Some may allow pets on a leash with responsible waste disposal.
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