Booking a desert camp in Wadi Rum
Book directly through a reputable camp's website or via a highly-rated host on WhatsApp to avoid middleman fees and ensure you get the specific tent category you want. Most reputable camps include a 4x4 tour in their nightly rate, so confirm this before paying.
- Choose your camp style. Decide between 'traditional' Bedouin tents (goat hair, communal bathrooms) and 'luxury' Martian domes (glass walls, en-suite bathrooms). Domes are usually $150+ per night, while tents range from $40–$70.
- Check the location. Verify if the camp is inside the Protected Area. Camps outside the perimeter require longer drives to reach the famous rock bridges and dunes.
- Verify tour inclusions. Ask the host if the 4x4 tour is included. If it isn't, a half-day tour typically costs 40 JOD ($56) per vehicle. Don't book a separate tour; the camp operator should provide it.
- Confirm logistics. Ensure the camp provides a meeting point in Wadi Rum Village. You must leave your rental car at the guarded parking lot in the village, as you cannot drive your own vehicle into the protected desert.
- Can I drive my own car to the camp?
- No. You must park in the official lot at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center or the Village and let your camp host collect you in their 4x4.
- Is there Wi-Fi in the camps?
- Only in communal dining tents. Don't expect signal inside your individual sleeping tent.
- Should I pay in advance?
- Most camps ask for a small deposit via PayPal or link, but keep the balance payment in JOD cash to pay upon arrival.