The first time I slept in the Sahara, I woke up before sunrise. The air was cold, and everything was quiet. Then the sun appeared over the dunes, and the sand turned gold. That morning changed how I see Morocco.
Camping in Morocco is more than just sleeping outside. It connects you to nature and to our traditions. You can camp in the Sahara Desert, in the Atlas Mountains, or by the Atlantic Ocean. Each place offers something different. This guide will help you plan your camping trip, whether this is your first time or you camp often.
Different Types of Camping in Morocco
Before you start packing, think about what kind of camping you want to try.
Organized Desert Camps are perfect if this is your first time camping in Morocco. These camps are in places like Merzouga or M'hamid. They have tents already set up, bathrooms, and meals included. You get the camping experience but with comfort and help nearby.
Wild Camping is for travelers who want adventure and quiet. You bring your own tent and find your own spot. This gives you freedom, but you need to be prepared and know how to camp safely.
Mountain Camping in the Atlas Mountains is great when the desert feels too hot. The mountains are cooler, and the views are beautiful. You can hike during the day and camp at night.
Coastal Camping along the Atlantic gives you ocean breezes and sunset views. Beaches like Legzira and Sidi Kaouki are popular for camping and surfing.
Best Places for Camping in Morocco
Morocco has many great camping spots. Here are the best ones:
The Sahara Desert
Photo by Wolfgang Beisswenger
Merzouga and Erg Chigaga are the most famous. The sand dunes are high and golden. At night, you can see thousands of stars. Local Amazigh guides will welcome you with mint tea and share stories around the fire. The Sahara is the classic camping experience in Morocco.
The Atlas Mountains
Imlil and Toubkal National Park offer dramatic mountain views. The air is fresh and cool. You can hike to high places during the day and camp under the stars at night. This is perfect for people who like hiking and cooler weather.
Akchour
This place is in the Rif Mountains. Not many tourists know about it. Akchour has blue pools and waterfalls. You can swim in clear, cool water. It's a beautiful spot for camping away from crowds.
Atlantic Coast
If you like the ocean, try camping at beaches like Legzira or Sidi Kaouki. You'll fall asleep to the sound of waves. Many surfers camp here because the beaches are great for surfing.
What to Pack for Camping in Morocco
What you bring depends on where you go, but here are the basics:
A Good Tent – Choose one that works for your location. Desert nights get cold, so you need a tent that keeps you warm.
Warm Sleeping Bag – Even in summer, the desert is cold at night. Get a sleeping bag rated for 0-10°C.
Water Storage – This is very important for desert camping. Water sources can be hard to find, so bring enough water containers.
First Aid Kit – Include bandages, rehydration salts, and any medicine you need.
Navigation Tools – Bring maps, a compass, or a GPS device. Don't depend only on your phone. Sometimes there's no signal.
Sun Protection – Bring sunscreen with high SPF, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothes with long sleeves.
Cooking Equipment – If you're not staying at an organized camp, bring a portable stove, fuel, and basic cooking tools.
Cultural Tips for Camping in Morocco
As a Moroccan, I want to share some important cultural advice:
Dress Modestly – Especially near villages. This shows respect for local customs.
Ask Permission – If you want to camp near someone's land or a village, ask first. Moroccans are friendly, but it's polite to ask.
Learn Basic Greetings – Just saying "Salam" (hello) and "Shukran" (thank you) in Arabic makes people happy. If you're in Berber areas, learning a few words in Tamazight helps too.
Accept Hospitality – If someone offers you tea, accept it. Refusing can seem rude. Sharing tea is how we show welcome and friendship.
Safety and Taking Care of Nature
Stay Safe
Watch the Weather – Desert temperatures change a lot between day and night. Mountain weather can change quickly too.
Bring Extra Water – Always carry more water than you think you need. This is the most important safety tip.
Check for Scorpions – Before you put on your shoes or clothes in the morning, shake them out. Scorpions and insects sometimes hide in them.
Save Emergency Numbers – Know the local emergency contacts and always know where you are.
Respect the Environment
Leave No Trace – Take all your trash with you, including toilet paper. Keep Morocco's nature clean.
Be Careful with Fires – Use fire rings that are already there. Don't make new ones.
Save Water – Use biodegradable soap. Dispose of dirty water properly.
Respect Historical Sites – Never take artifacts or damage old structures. These places are part of our history.
Food and Cooking While Camping
One of my favorite parts of camping is cooking and eating outside.
Go to village markets before your trip. Buy fresh bread, fruits, and olives from the souks. These make great camping food.
If you have a campfire, try making a simple tagine with local spices. It's easier than you think and tastes amazing under the stars.
Learn to make Moroccan mint tea. It's a special camping treat and warms you up on cold desert nights.
Bring dried fruits and nuts. They're perfect for snacking during desert camping.
Not Ready for Full Camping? Try These Instead
If you want nature but with more comfort, Morocco has other options:
Glamping – Luxury desert camps give you the camping feeling with real beds, private bathrooms, hot water, and good food. You still sleep in tents and see the stars.
Eco-Lodges – These are found all over Morocco. They use solar power and traditional building methods. Many are run by local families, so you get authentic experiences.
Rural Guesthouses (Gîtes) – Perfect for the Atlas Mountains. These are Amazigh family homes that welcome tourists. You get home-cooked meals and local guides for hiking.
Riads with Rooftop Terraces – In summer, some traditional riads let you sleep on the rooftop under the stars. It's a nice way to experience outdoor sleeping while staying in a city.
Getting Around and Permits
Transportation – For desert camping, arrange a 4x4 from towns like Merzouga or M'hamid. For wild camping, renting your own car gives you freedom. Public transport works for established camping areas.
Permits – Some protected areas need permits. National parks usually have designated camping spots with small fees. Wild camping is generally okay in remote areas, but always respect local communities and check current regulations.
Final Thoughts
When the sun rises over the dunes, there's a special moment of peace. Camping in Morocco shows you our country in a way hotels can't. Whether you're sharing stories with Amazigh guides around a fire, learning to bake bread in the sand, or just watching the stars, these experiences create deep connections with Morocco.
Our country has snow-covered mountains, huge deserts, ancient cities, and beautiful coasts—all close together. For travelers ready to try something new, camping in Morocco gives you memories that last forever.
Have you tried camping in Morocco? Are you planning your first trip? I want to hear your stories and questions in the comments below. If you need more help planning your Moroccan adventure, check out our other guides about exploring the medinas, trekking in the High Atlas, and visiting traditional hammams.
Safe travels, and welcome to Morocco!