Make the best of the last few months of good weather with a camping trip that'll leave you with memories for days. Grab a friend, your family, or loved one, and head to one of Qatar's picturesque desert landscapes and beaches for an adventure to remember. If this is your first time in the great outdoors, don't worry; we've got a few tips and tricks up our sleeves to make your first overnight experience hassle-free and enjoyable.
Picking the right spot might be one of the most important parts of your pre-camping decision making process. Some camping spots like Wakrah North and Wakrah Family Beach are easily accessible by sedans or small cars and. They're family-friendly, and equipped with amenities for overnight stay like toiletries, kids' playgrounds, shallow waters, and more. On the downside, they can tend to pack on the crowds during peak season and weekends, which might sour an otherwise restful trip. The Umm Bab Family Beach offers a good middle ground, with modern amenities and creature comforts to help you acclimate, and minimal crowds. Other popular spots include the Dukhan Family Beach, Zekreet Village, Fuwairit North (soft sand, turtle-sighting on a good day), Ghariya, and Sealine North. If you have access to an SUV or 4x4, you can venture out to some of Qatar's more scenic spots like Ras Al Burooq - a quite, private spot between cliffs with amazing scenery, or other fan favourites like theFurwairit Cliffs, Fuwairit South, Sealine South, Southwest Inland Sea, Southeast Inland Sea, and the North Inland Sea.
Once you've settled on the right place and crew, make sure your vehicles are well-equipped to make the sandy, rocky trip across the desert terrain. Check tires and oil before beginning your journey, and make sure to carry spare reserves of petrol or diesel. When gearing up, remember that the amount of things you can carry depend on the room you have and how long you’ll be gone. Be mindful about weight and bulk. Stick to absolute essentials and leave the fancy extras for car camping.
Getting a good night's sleep depends on packing the right equipment. Don't forget the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow. Pack a tent that fits the number of people in your camping crew. Make sure to buy one that's weather resistant, like the classic light-weight “three-season” tent that's perfect for spring, summer, and fall conditions. They're designed to keep people dry during light snow or rain, cool during hot summer nights, all the while keeping the bugs out.
For food, pack granola bars, peanut butter, beef jerky, canned beans and soup, trail mix, drink powders, and other non-perishables like coffee and tea. Stock up on energy-replenishing drinks and keep away from fizzy sodas or pop drinks. For solid meals, pack sandwiches, chapatis, and other finger-foods that travel well. Stock up on miniature condiment and seasoning packets to flavour food instantly. Keep an empty water bottle on hand, too, and make sure to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour while doing high-intensity outdoor activities. If you're planning on cooking, make sure to bring along some charcoal (for campsite grills), fire starters, wood, newspaper, matches, propane stove, skillet, pot, utensils, and cups/bowls/plates. Keep sand and water nearby in case the fire needs to be put out quickly. Make sure your raw meats are stored in a well-chilled cooler and cook them as soon as you reach the campsite.
Always make sure to bring a first aid kit, insect-repellants, sunscreen, blister creams, flashlights (or headlamp or lantern), extra batteries, a multi-tool, and phone charger (for emergencies) to make the trip safer and easier. Bring soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper to stay as clean as possible. Bonus tips: Use baby wipes to get rid of dirt, always carry hand sanitizer, try soap to wash hair, and bring garbage bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Carry bin bags to pick up leftovers and garbage after you leave the campsite, and always make sure to leave the place as you found it.
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Take a camera and make some memories! Use your time off the grid to catch up on some reading, play a few rounds of your favourite board games, or exchange good ole' campsite stories over some smores. Looking to splurge a little? Consider getting a portable pizza oven or a comfy blow up armchair. If you need any help picking the right tools or gear to carry on your trip, make sure to check out our list of the top camping equipment providers here in Doha, Qatar below. Bon voyage and good luck!