Nature has many wonders to explore and offers an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Out between the trees, streams, clouds, and animal life, we get to reconnect not only with nature but that part of ourselves that stems from it. But sometimes, a short hike or an afternoon picnic simply doesn’t offer enough of an escape. That’s why, in honour of National Sleep Under the Stars Night on 8 August, Expat Explore has rounded up the best camping spots around the world! Read on for some of the world’s most popular camping spots as well as some hidden gems to uncover!
Take a look at the best camping spots around the world:
Wadi Rum, Jordan
The Wadi Rum region in Jordan is a truly spectacular protected desert wilderness known for its stretching red sands and impressive rock formations. Known as the “Valley of the Moon”, Wadi Rum is the perfect place to spend Sleep Under the Stars Night.
This region has many camping sites on offer, depending on your budget and requirements. Pack your backpack and tent (or indulge in a glamping experience), and get ready to seek out the rock formations, jagged mountains and narrow canyons peppered along the endless desert sands.
Related: Spend a night in Wadi Rum on our Egypt & Jordan Adventure with Felucca Cruise tour!
Merzouga, Morocco
Merzouga is a small town in the desert of Morocco, located near the border of Algeria. This desert town is also near the gateway to a wide stretch of impressive sand dunes, the Erg Chebbi. It is also home to a seasonal salt lake which, when full, often attracts some of the area’s most incredible birdlife, such as desert warblers, Egyptian nightjars and if you’re lucky, even the occasional flamingo.
When it comes to camping in this dream desert location, your options are plenty. An added bonus is that you can either pack your own or hire camping gear at one of Merzouga’s luxury desert camps. During the day, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained! Soak up the spectacular sand dunes and even go on a camel ride!
Related: New departure dates for our brand-new Morocco tour are coming soon!
Patagonia, Argentina
What makes Patagonia in Argentina such an incredible choice for camping enthusiasts is the varying landscapes one can encounter in this massive piece of land at the southernmost tip of South America. While it encompasses parts of Argentina and Chile, the Argentinian side is where the most unmissable camping experiences can be found.
For diverse options and a variety of landscapes, choose between the Chubut Province and the Neuquén Province. Or, make a whole camping adventure of it and camp your way from one destination to the next!
Related: Tick Argentina off of your bucket list on our Brazil, Iguazu & Argentina Delights tour!
Asturias, Spain
Asturias is an autonomous principality of Spain and is located in the northwest of the country. At first glance, you will understand why this is a camper’s paradise! From the many varying landscapes to the plethora of unmissable attractions, this is not only a must-visit camping region but a bucket-list destination for all!
From rugged, untamed coastlines and spectacular mountains to awe-inspiring medieval architecture and religious sites, Asturias has a whole lot more to offer than campsites. Camping in this area will feel like you’re not only in a different country but a different era entirely!
Related: Looking for festive travel ideas? Why not spend Christmas in Spain?
Connemara, Ireland
Located in western Ireland, Connemara is an Irish district with an Atlantic-facing coastline. Here, you will encounter a myriad of small coves and bays as well as fishing villages aplenty. The region is also home to the Connemara National Park, which is an impressive stretch of varying landscapes consisting of mountain ranges, bogs, heaths and lakes.
Camping enthusiasts will also be happy to know that, not only are there a number of idyllic camping sites to stop over in, but Connemara National Park also has more remote areas where wild camping is permitted!
Related: Take an unmissable tour right around Ireland on our Irish Explorer tour!
Setonaikai, Japan
Campers, you’re in for a treat! Setonaikai National Park in Japan was established in 1934 and comprises 3,000 islands, known as the Setouchi Islands. The best-known of these islands is Itsukushima, thanks to popular attractions like the orange Great Torii Gate as well as lush forests and ancient temples.
However, when it comes to camping, Setonaikai National Park offers many options! In fact, visitors can even go as far as picking an island to camp on. Just take note that, while wild camping isn’t illegal, it’s not encouraged as the country takes fire precautions while camping very seriously.
Related: Be sure to visit Japan in the perfect season for your travel needs!
The Lake District, UK
The Lake District is a popular destination in the UK among locals and travellers alike. The area offers magnificent scenery, complete with lush greenery in the summer as well as the country’s tallest peak and largest lake, which is stunning year-round. This UNESCO-listed destination is filled with small villages that offer the most glorious landscapes.
When it comes to camping, you’ll be spoiled for choice! There are, of course, the expected sites with full facilities where you can spend Sleep Under the Stars Night. However, for the more adventurous campers, the Lake District National Park also offers other stunning campsites such as lakeside pitching spots, as well as sites in the “fell” – the name given to the mountains and hills of the Lake District. Lastly, the area is also known for its prime wild camping sites!
Related: Visit the Lake District on a guided group tour to Great Britain!
There you have it – some of the best camping spots around the world to spend Sleep Under the Stars Night! Now that you’ve discovered the world’s most popular and breathtaking camping spots, pack your backpack and get ready to get your steps in and reconnect with nature!
If you’d like to tour any of the must-visit countries on our list, book a tour with Expat Explore and start ticking the world’s top attractions off of your bucket list for less.