Unusual Camping Destinations in the Desert

Key Takeaways

• Desert camping offers a chance to experience stunning landscapes, dark skies, and profound solitude
• Unusual desert camping destinations include slot canyons, lava fields, ghost towns, and oases
• Proper preparation is essential for safety and comfort in the harsh desert environment
• Leave No Trace principles are especially important in delicate desert ecosystems
• Desert camping can be a transformative experience that connects you to the power and beauty of nature

Why Camp in the Desert?

When most people think of camping, they picture lush forests, babbling brooks, and cool mountain air. But for the adventurous few, the stark beauty of the desert holds a special allure. Camping in the desert offers a chance to experience a landscape like no other, with towering sand dunes, twisted rock formations, and vast expanses of open sky.

Desert camping is not for the faint of heart. The harsh environment poses unique challenges, from extreme temperatures to lack of water to dangerous wildlife. But for those who come prepared, the rewards are immense. Imagine falling asleep under a canopy of stars, waking up to a sunrise over the dunes, and exploring slot canyons and hidden oases that few ever see.

If you're ready to trade your forest campground for a patch of sand and solitude, read on for some of the most unusual and unforgettable desert camping destinations around the world.

Camping in Slot Canyons

Slot canyons are one of the desert's most mesmerizing features. These narrow, twisting gorges are carved by water over millions of years, creating a labyrinth of smooth rock walls that glow in shades of red, orange, and pink. While slot canyons can be found in many desert regions, some of the most spectacular are in the American Southwest.

One of the best places to camp among slot canyons is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. This vast, remote wilderness is home to countless canyons, from the iconic Antelope Canyon to lesser-known gems like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. Camping is allowed throughout the monument, but be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.

Another incredible slot canyon camping destination is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. The park's Slot Canyon is a narrow, winding gorge that's just wide enough to squeeze through in places. Camping is available in the nearby Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, which has amenities like toilets and picnic tables.

Camping in Lava Fields

For a truly otherworldly camping experience, head to a lava field. These surreal landscapes are created by volcanic eruptions, which leave behind vast expanses of black, twisted rock. While lava fields can be found in many volcanic regions around the world, some of the most accessible for camping are in the American West.

Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is a prime example. This stark, alien landscape was formed by lava flows over the past 15,000 years, creating a maze of caves, cinder cones, and lava tubes. Camping is available in the monument's developed campground, which has amenities like water and restrooms.

Another incredible lava field camping destination is Valley of Fires Recreation Area in New Mexico. This BLM-managed site sits on a 5,000-year-old lava flow, with hiking trails that wind through the surreal landscape of black rock and twisted junipers. Camping is available in a developed campground with electric hookups and water.

Camping in Ghost Towns

For a taste of the desert's human history, consider camping in a ghost town. These abandoned settlements are scattered throughout the American West, remnants of the mining booms and busts of the 19th and early 20th centuries. While many ghost towns are little more than crumbling foundations and rusted machinery, some have been preserved as eerie time capsules of a bygone era.

One of the best ghost towns for camping is Bodie, California. This once-thriving gold mining town was abandoned in the 1940s, leaving behind a collection of weathered buildings and artifacts. While camping is not allowed directly in the town, there are several nearby campgrounds, including Bodie State Park's developed campground.

Another ghost town camping destination is Terlingua, Texas. This former mercury mining town on the edge of Big Bend National Park has been partially restored, with a handful of residents and businesses catering to tourists. Camping is available at several nearby RV parks and campgrounds, as well as in the backcountry of Big Bend.

Camping Near Desert Oases

In the midst of the desert's harsh landscapes, oases are a welcome sight. These pockets of water and greenery are created by springs, seeps, or underground aquifers, providing a lush respite for wildlife and humans alike. Camping near a desert oasis offers a chance to experience a true natural wonder.

One of the most iconic desert oases in the world is Huacachina in Peru. This small village is built around a lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes, creating a surreal landscape that looks like something out of a dream. Camping is available on the dunes themselves, with local outfitters providing tents, sleeping bags, and meals.

Another incredible desert oasis camping destination is Ein Gedi in Israel. This lush valley is fed by natural springs, creating a green oasis on the edge of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. Camping is available in the nearby Ein Gedi campground, which has amenities like toilets and showers.

Camping in the Sahara Desert

For the ultimate desert camping experience, head to the Sahara. This vast expanse of sand and rock covers much of North Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. While much of the Sahara is inhospitable to human life, there are several areas that offer incredible camping opportunities.

One of the best places to camp in the Sahara is Erg Chebbi in Morocco. This sea of sand dunes rises up to 500 feet high, creating a stunning landscape that changes color with the light. Camping is available through local outfitters, who provide camels, tents, and meals.

Another Sahara camping destination is the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in Algeria. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its incredible rock formations and ancient cave paintings, some of which date back over 10,000 years. Camping is available in the park, with local guides providing transportation and meals.

Tips for Desert Camping

Camping in the desert requires special preparation and precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Bring plenty of water and drink often to stay hydrated in the dry air
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun
• Use sunscreen and lip balm to prevent sunburn and chapping
• Bring warm layers for cold desert nights, even in summer
• Use a sturdy tent with good ventilation to stay cool and keep out sand and bugs
• Pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect delicate desert ecosystems
• Be aware of flash flood risks and avoid camping in washes or low-lying areas
• Watch for wildlife like snakes and scorpions, and keep food stored securely
• Let someone know your itinerary and carry a satellite communication device in case of emergency

Conclusion

Desert camping is not for everyone. It requires a sense of adventure, a willingness to rough it, and a healthy respect for the power of nature. But for those who are up for the challenge, camping in the desert offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with some of the most stunning and surreal landscapes on Earth.

From the twisting slot canyons of the American Southwest to the towering dunes of the Sahara, the world's deserts are full of incredible camping destinations that few ever experience. By venturing off the beaten path and into these harsh but beautiful environments, you'll gain a new appreciation for the resilience of life in all its forms.

Of course, desert camping also requires careful planning and preparation. The extreme temperatures, lack of water, and remote locations can pose serious risks for the unprepared. But by following Leave No Trace principles, packing the right gear, and being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize your impact and maximize your enjoyment of these incredible places.

So if you're ready to trade your forest campground for a patch of sand and solitude, consider one of these unusual desert camping destinations for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring a slot canyon in Utah or camping on a lava field in Idaho, you're sure to come away with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder at the incredible beauty of the natural world.