Wild camping in Oman is one of the best ways to enjoy nature.
The isolation, the silence… you can connect with your surroundings.
In Oman, wild camping is allowed almost everywhere which can give you memorable nights on the beach, in the mountains or even in the desert!
Here are some tips to help you decide whether to camp or not during your road trip in Oman.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Oman:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Oman: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Muscat: Dolphin and Snorkeling
My favorite excursion from Muscat: Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
My favorite places to stay:
- Muscat, the capital – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: The Chedi
- Sur, for the turtles – see the best rated hotels
- Khasab, Musandam peninsula – see the best rated hotels
- Wahiba Sands, in the desert – see the best rated hotels or my favorite camp: Desert Nights Resort
TIPS – Wild camping in Oman
Safety
- First of all, Oman is a very safe place in general so there are no problems with wild camping. Locals might come to chat but most of the time you will be alone.
- Animals are not really a problem. You would be very very lucky to see an Arabian leopard!!! The only annoying animals are the goats which are curious.
Where to camp in Oman? – Camping spots
- There are no official campsites in Oman with what you are used to (showers, electricity etc). However some hotels have a few camping spots on their land and allow you to use the facilities (In Jebel Shams for example).
- It is allowed to camp almost everywhere as long as it is not private property or cultivated land and not too close to inhabited buildings.
- The only place (that I know of) that forbids camping are the turtle reserves around Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which is normal to leave the animal in peace – Note that there are few public beaches around the turtle area but those beaches are not very clean and in any case, starting a fire would frighten the turtles for years to come
- So you can camp on the beach, near a oasis, in the mountains or in the desert
- However DO NOT CAMP IN THE WADIS because water level can climb fast in case of rain. I know it is tempting but safety first
- Avoid staying too close to habitations
- In Wahiba Sands Oman, behind the Desert Night Camp (luxury camping) there are dunes smaller than the rest which makes it easier to reach an isolated spot, but you still need to be able to drive on sand dunes (very technical) and make sure you are insured for that
Camping equipment tips
- I did not have to buy any equipment (it was organized by my guide) but everyone seems to agree that the Carrefour supermarket in Muscat sells appropriate and affordable camping gear. Otherwise you can find equipment at Lulu hypermarket and The Sultan Center.
- You can generally find small wood everywhere. For bigger firewood, drive slowly in the villages and you might see some small shops selling many things including packs of wood
- Gas is recommended because alcohol based fuel is harder to find
- For the mountains, be aware that the ground is rocky and hard, a mattress is recommended. Plus it can get really cold so bring layers, hat and gloves.
Please respect the environment and take any rubbish away with you.
Need to rent a car in Oman?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Other things to know about wild camping in Oman
- As always when wild camping – use a trowel, do your business away from campsites and water source and bag your toilet paper
- Be careful when building a campfire – dig a pit or keep it contained with rocks. Use only dead wood lying on the ground or buy at supermarkets
- Always take all your rubbish with you
- Oman does not have much drinking water so plan accordingly
Road Trip itinerary
Considering you can camp quite freely, this let you free to set up your itinerary the way you want.
- You can check out my article about planning an Oman road trip itinerary
- and check out my eBook designed to facilitate the planning of a road trip – However note that it is focusing on places to see and does not list specific camping spots.
Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 190+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 100+ original photos to help you choose
Camping on a beach in Oman
My first night of wild camping in Oman, the plan was to stay on the Salmah plateau (4WD access only). However when we arrived to set up camp, it was in the clouds. So we decided to drive back down and find a nice beach to stay. And I am so glad we did!
We found this little bay. There were some locals but they soon left.
In the comments, Cris recommends the beach of As Sifa.
The cooking started…
And sunset started displaying amazing colors!
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
The rest of the evening was spent around the fire. The noise of the burning wood mixing with the noise from the waves crashing on the beach: what a peaceful moment!
One of my favorite thing with wild camping is that you can easily wake up early and admire an enchanting sunrise in nature. Look at that one!
I was ready from my Hiking and Swimming adventure in Wadi Shab Oman!
Camping in the Wahiba Sands desert
The second night was as amazing. I was in the sand dunes of Wahiba sands. I am so glad we camped. I saw 2 of the established camps and they were in the wadi between very high sand dunes so I would not have been able to go wander on my own to take pictures.
But with our tents set up between small dunes isolated, I was able to wonder at sunset as well as sunrise and be alone with my thoughts, the silence and the sand. I am looking forward to sharing more photos from the desert in a dedicated post!
We first drove along the wadi:
And we passed the established camps:
The 2 camps of the Al Wasil Wadi in the desert are: The Desert Nights Camp and the Arabian Oryx Camp.
Driving in sand dunes is a very technical endeavour. You should only go if you are trained for it. However note than most car rental companies’ insurance do not cover off road driving even with 4WD vehicles.
Then we went on a bumpy ride through the smaller sand dunes. This is the beginning that looks simple but it gets harder right after. NO pictures I was holding on to the car…
We picked a spot more or less protected:
And I started walking away! Do you see the car?
Set up of the camp with the fire:
Camping at Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is the impressive Grand canyon of Oman. Learn more on my article.
You can camp on the plateau not far from the ridge.But note that you are in altitude. It can get quite windy and cold during the night.
So if you want a little bit of protection and access to facilities, the Jebel Shams Resort has a little space for camping tents.
Camping in Muscat
I have not seen any information about a campsite in Muscat.
Want to see more of Oman?
- Best Things to do in Oman – read article
- Best of photos from Oman – Landscapes – read article
- Where to stay in Oman – read article
- Planning a road trip in Oman – read article
- Renting a car and Driving in Oman – read article
- Best Things to do in Muscat – read article
- The impressive Wadi Shab – read article
- The Bimmah Sinkhole – read article
- The desert of Wahiba Sands – read article
- The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves – read article
Planning a trip to Oman?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 190+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 100+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of Oman’s beauty?
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Wow your pictures are amazing! Will definitely consider going wild camping when my husband and I go to Oman this year!
Thanks Lindsay. It was a blast, I really recommend it. Have a great trip!
hi! we are planning to go to the beach un sur
where do you recommend to camp in sur?
I am sorry but I have not camped there so I cannot give you a specific spot.
However to the West of Sur is a big plant so not the best. Either go further west near Wadi Tiwi or East / South of Sur but on the cliffs not the beach because of the turtles.
Tiwi beach
Fins beach
Hi, we are planning to go to Oman and also want to camp in the wild. Did you take a 4-wheel-drive when you went to Oman? Is it mandatory to get to the good spots?
Thank you for your feedback.
Daniel
Hi Daniel
It is not mandatory as a lot of land in Oman has low density of population even close to good roads.
But if you want to reach isolated beaches, a 4WD will give you more freedom.
And if you want to go sleep in a wadi (although dangerous if it trains) or in the desert or in the mountains (such as Jebel Akhdar), then it is mandatory.
If you’re planning trips up the Hajar mountains eg. Jebel Sham and Jebel Akhdar then you will need a true 4WD (not to be confused with an AWD).
Please note at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar there is a police checkpoint to check the suitability of your vehicle.
Tip – build up your speed on the flats, using the momentum to ascend and then drop the gears to gain extra torque for the very steep bits and bends.
Going down, use 4WD mode, low gear, high torque for a controlled descent.
Great article, thank you for all those tips and beautiful photos! We are going in november so I cant wait to see all the beautiful places 🙂
Thanks for your comment Blanche
I wish you a wonderful trip!
What amazing photos!
Must have been a wonderful experience and adventure.
How many days/nights did you go camping and how many spots did you stay at?
Thanks and enjoy your camping trips.
Jessica
Hi Jessica.
Thanks for your comment.
I did only 2 nights of wild camping. One in the desert and one at the beach. I wish I had done more though.
I met a couple who did their whole holidays camping, changing site every night. They loved it!
Hi Claire,
thank you for your answer.
I also agree that two nights are not enough. But better than nothing!
We also enjoy camping and are planing to go to Oman in the winter season.
It is a beautiful country and we love the people and their friendliness.
Hope you also have a chance to return soon and to discover more and share it with us.
Take care,
Jessica
hi, 4WD and camping equipment’s for RENT. GPS with camping spots in oman saved will be free with gears. Camping expert guides also available. Please contact for further inquiries.
Look at those pictures…it makes me feel so calm!
Great pictures and article! Camping is just amazing in Oman. If u feel in summer hot in Muscat, just drive around 80km after Sur. Its more than enough to get lovely 25c with nice cool wind. Its call Ruwais or Ashkara and down south other amazing places. Well experienced and reccommended. As well we can tailor made your itinerary to wild camping at beaches, desert or mountains. As well camping equipment available.
Hello,
I too want to go camping like you yaar. Its really cool to live life like this and enjoy every movement with your loved once.
Thank you
Janna Jamieson
Hi,
We’re planning on visiting Oman at the end of this year, and can see from your post ‘wild camping’ is the way to go 🙂 Who would you recommend hiring a 4WD and camping gear through?
Thanks,
Tiahna
Hi Tiahna,
Yes, it is a wonderful way to travel. But I am sorry I have used the equipment of the person I was traveling with, so I have no recommendation for hiring equipment.
I met a couple there who did a mixture of bringing some equipment and buying the rest at reasonable prices at the Carrefour supermarket.
All I have found online is that Chris from Nomadtours.com do rent equipment (he also runs the Nomad Guesthouse in Muscat). I only found 2 reviews about its rental of equipment. They were both positive. But I have never used them, so I cannot give my personal opinion.
Sorry I cannot be of more help.
Have a great trip!
Thanks Claire. I’ll have a look at their site as a starting point.
I am also planning to go there with my husband in next year.
Hi
one of the most beautiful wild camping would be in AS SIFA beach..its amazing place to camp..we all love it and it is just about one hour from city season hotel in Muscat. i recommend this place …we love sunset and fishing up there
Thanks for the info Cris!
Hi claire,
great post with a lot of helpful tips and advise. And your photos are awesome. We’ve visited Oman in March and we loved our time there. Beautiful nature, great food and some of the most hospitable locals I ever encountered.
I’ve put together a list of beautiful camping spots in case someone needs some further inspiration.
http://www.travelpixelz.com/oman-camping-spots/.
Hope that helps to show people how beautiful this country is.
Thanks for all your tips, keep up the good work and happy travels.
Nice pictures. Do you know which month is best for visiting Oman? Thanks in advance.
Hi Lisa – Thanks. one of my other articles introduce the different seasons to travel to Oman – https://www.zigzagonearth.com/planning-trip-oman/
Hi Claire,
I was wondering my type of camera/ lense (if any) you used taking those photos. As everyone else has noted they are beautiful photos, I hope to capture some nice ones my self.
Thanks,
Tiahna
Thanks Tiahna
My pictures are taken either with my Canon 7D and a variable lens or with an iPhone.
I am sometimes surprised by what I am able to take with the iPhone!
I wish you wonderful travels and photos 🙂
Great pics and useful tips 🙂 I just want to ask about your tent which brand and model do you use? Thanks
Hi Roman.
Thanks.
I am sorry. Those were not mine, so I have no idea.
Hi! My friends and I, (two women) will be travelling to Oman in February 2018. Since we are women, would you still recommend that we go camping? We would love to but as long as it’s safe. Thanks for your article by the way!
Hi Julie
We were 2 women camping.
I personally did not feel unsafe at anytime.
Have a great trip!
On our way to Oman with our new rooftop tent and quite excited!
As we did Jebel Shams last year and it was amazing, we will be traying out Jebel al Akhdar this time and hope it will be just as good!
WOW! What a bunch of great information. Thanks for taking your time to sharing this post. I think I got a lot of ideas for my next trip.
Great information and very helpful!
I’ll be traveling to Oman at the beginning of next year (alone; female 31) and really want to go wild camping but a little unsure if this is something I can do by myself. Did you encounter any solo female campers during your trip? Also, did you ladies have guides with you or did you drive through the desert by yourselves?
Looking forward to my adventure and any and all extra tips are always welcome 🙂
Hi
I have not seen any solo female campers. Just one male and couples.
Oman is overall a safe country, but like anywhere else, solo traveler must be careful and smart.
My co-traveler was a female local guide.
I wish you wonderful travels!
Hey there! Great article!
I am going to Oman in 2 weeks time and I might be a little late to buy your book Wild Camping in Oman. Is it possible to buy just ebook?
Hi Jernej
All my books on this website are eBooks only. No paperbacks. You get them as soon as you pay.
However note that my Oman book is not at all about wild camping. It is a guide about the best places to see on a road trip, but it does NOT mention locations to camp or hotels at all.
I wish you wonderful travels!
Hi! I saw there is only ebook avaliable just moments after I have send question above 😀
I already bought the book, it is even better than I have expected, so thanky you very much!
Take care!
Oh Great! That’s fantastic to read 🙂
Happy travels!
Provide all camping with AST
Interesting information!
Over 2 weeks I’m visiting Oman (wild camping ofcourse) 🙂 Is it easy to buy gas bottle’s for cooking in Muscat or other bigger city’s?
Thanks for letting know!
Regards,
Willem