Everyone who is traveling to Tunisia has a golden opportunity to explore the country's varied landscapes and great campgrounds. Campers from all over the world can easily plan a camping itinerary that includes different regions from secluded beaches and remote forests to the breathtaking desert.
Tunisia hosts the nicest camping regions in the world, where you can relax in the bush and take in the natural splendor. Adding the low cost of life in Tunisia, every type of travelers, including those who are on a tight budget, can travel independently and economically and camp in Tunisia.
WildyNess team walks you through everything you need to know about camping in Tunisia before embarking on your trip. From the steps you need to follow to the hidden gems you need to explore, we got you covered.
What are the Camping Types in Tunisia?
Wild Camping
Road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts are usually keen on wild camping. Camping anywhere without sticking to an established campsite, wild camping offers you the opportunity to live your adventure to the fullest.
In Tunisia, as everywhere in the world, most land is privately owned or government owned. Before embarking on your journey, make sure to have a solid idea about the place and ask locals to help you to map out your route.
Once you arrive in the region, make sure to let the Tunisian National Guard know where are you in order to be able to check on you and guarantee your safety. Also, it’s there where you will know if you need to a permission from “Direction Générale des Forêts” to camp in your chosen area.
We highly recommend joining camping groups in order to be always surrounded with locals.
Camping Centers / Areas
Camping centers are the hassle-free option, they handle the paperwork for you and most offer tents and equipment on-site if you don't have your own. Book at least a week ahead, they fill up fast on weekends and holidays. For a full list of centers by region, including exact locations and what each one offers, see our Tunisia camping sites & campgrounds directory.
Good to know that these camping centers are rarely available on weekends and holidays. Therefore, it’s always wise to book before one week and call the center to make sure it meets your expectations and needs.
Steps for a Safe Camping in Tunisia
Choose the Region Wisely
For a safe camping experience in Tunisia, like anywhere in the world, it is always recommended to choose the right region for you. The first step would be to map out the regions where campgrounds and camping centers are available. This way, you will be able to narrow down your options and start filtering them according to relevant factors.
Depending on age, physical limitations and medical needs, you need to pick what campground and region you have to pick. In fact, at this stage, you need to decide which landscape you want to camp in : the Sahara, the beach, the heart of a forest or on the edge of a dam.
These above-mentioned factors will also influence your decision to choose the campground, depending on the different amenities available. If you need a restroom or a cabin, you should go for a campground with dedicated blocks and available cabins, treehouses or bungalows. Once you make up your mind on what type of camping center you need, start looking for a suitable one in your site choice.
For instance, camping in a tent comes with either having your equipment with you or renting them on the place. If you’re unable to handle the weather or the sleep hours on an air mattress and a sleeping bag, a cabin provides you with a comfortable bed and heater, if needed.
No need to say: the weather has its say here! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is mandatory. If you’re not sure about whether you can adapt to weather sudden changes, make sure to check or even negotiate the cancellation policy of the camping center.
Inform the Police
In every part of the country, there is a Tunisian National Guard Office. This is where you want to go once you reach your destination. Guard officers will tell you whether you need a permission from La Direction Générale des Forêts or not.
Usually, there is at least one officer fluent in French. So, you may need to practice some handy phrases before going or use Google Translation to do it.
After informing the guards for security purposes, you can expect them to show up the next morning to check on you.
Recommended: Have a Local Camper With You
If you’re opting for a wild camping, it’s highly recommended to have a local camper with you. There are a lot of camping groups, where you can find people spontaneously organizing camping experiences. These are your go-to groups if you want to embark in this adventure.
As the camping community keeps growing day after day, these people usually know locals everywhere in the country. Being connected to at least one local in your destination will help you explore the region smoothly and safely. A local knows the ins and outs of the region and the landscape.
Having a local with you comes also in handy in case you encounter a situation where you need to communicate clearly despite language barriers. If a local approached you or a cap came to you, you have a spokesperson who speaks and understand the language as well as has a full grasp on the cultural and social background.
Leave No Trace
If there is one thing all citizens of the world know about in 2022, it’s that the world is witnessing all the climate tipping points. Every move and every step we take need to have this in mind: we all share the responsibility to save the planet. This obviously goes with traveling and camping. While the goal of camping in the outdoors is to explore natural areas and enjoy moments of connection with nature, we need to be cautious about the damage we may cause and the footprint we are producing.
There are simple don’ts and do’s that can help you to minimize your impact on camping site:
- Dispose of waste properly: don’t leave the trash or leftover behind you. Always make sure to leave the place even cleaner by picking the trash you may have found on site. If you’re going to wash the dishes, make sure to do it at least 200 feet away from lakes, sea or water sources. Always use a biodegradable soap or eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Use campfire wisely: keep fires small and use sticks scattered on the ground or those that can be broken easily. Store rations and rubbish safely to protect wildlife and your food.
- Never approach, handle, feed, or pick up wild animals. It stresses the animal out, and there is a chance that it may be infected with rabies or other diseases. Always remember, you’re their guest.
- Noise pollution is real. When there is too much background noise, humans and animals are harmed. For the wildlife, many species, including fish, birds, and insects, rely on hearing to find their way around. They won't be able to detect predators or attract mates if they are in a noisy environment. Additionally, they are susceptible to stress and irrational conduct. To stay away from noisy regions, they would make a special effort, hindering them to focus on and keep up with their travel plans. So, try to always watch out the level of man-made background noise. Let the sounds of nature dominate. No loud noises or music. It’s not party time.
- The golden rule in life :"Treat people as you would like to be treated." It also applies outdoors. Keep in mind that there are other guests wherever you are, so be respectful and courteous. In Tunisia, you can always approach people easily. So, if you want to connect with people and make new friends, this is a good occasion. But, always follow your guts and intuition when approaching strangers.
Checklist for a Successful Camping Experience in Tunisia
Before going camping, you need to figure out the itinerary you will be doing, the season you will be travelling in, the type of accommodation you’re opting for, and the activities you want to try.
Depending on your itinerary, the season and your travel style, here is a checklist that can serve as a guide:
Clothes & comfortable shoes
A jacket if the weather is cool
Toiletries & all must-carry products
Travel first aid kit
Sunscreen (even in winter)
Insect repellant
Hand sanitizer
Passport
Mini sewing kit
Cup
Spork
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Tunisia
Why You Should Try Camping in Tunisia?
You may be wondering, "Why you should try camping in Tunisia?" One of the best things about camping in Tunisia is that there is always a chance to meet a local camping group and tie bonds with them. Whether you’re a backpacker or an adventure seeker, this allows you to be introduced to the culture and get the best travel tips and hacks from a local.
There are numerous great places to camp depending on your preference and the season. Nature lovers can enjoy the fresh air, great mountains, and crystal clear beaches. Waking up amidst the sounds of birds chirping, waves crashing or the desert sun rising, it is always worth the try. Living this in a different country is even better.
Is It Safe to Camp in Tunisia ?
As a tourist, the first thing that comes to mind is how to maintain your safety while camping in a remote and secluded area. In Tunisia, this is no different to any other unfamiliar place. This is to say, what you are going to do the same steps you’re familiar with to choose an area, issue a camping permission, spend your night outdoor and take your precautions.
For some tourists, camping is one of those money-saving adventures you want to embark on while travelling. Due to the exchange rate, you can always resort to a recognized camping area, an auberge or an organized camping experience. If you prefer comfort and security, these are alternatives to be considered to be able to live this disconnection moment without worries.
Tunisia, a Great Destination for Campers:
For every season, Tunisia is an ideal destination for campers who want to explore the country through camps or go camping for a couple of days. Some will tell your trip without a night in the desert or in the forest wouldn’t be complete. So, planning for your camping experience in Tunisia before coming would be a great idea.
In Tunisia, people are growing familiar with campers and campgrounds are multiplying every season. It’s fair to say that it’s both safe and accessible when done right.
