Three Unusual Camping Experiences

Darley learns about Bedouin life camping in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan.

Watch unique camping experiences in Botswana, Jordan and Banff National Park in Canada with Darley Newman

Looking to spend your nights at an unusual camping location? From Africa to the Middle East to Canada, these unique camping vacations may surprise you!

#1 Banff National Park, Alberta

Horseback riding pack trip in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Darley rides into nature!

Like camping with better than average amenities? Head into Banff National Park in Alberta where stationery camps welcome travelers on pack trips. You might be surprised to find a camp cook who uses a stove, washstands with hot water, and of course, a nice campfire for those necessary smores. 

#2 Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Darley Newman sleeping on the moon-like terrain of the salt pans in Botswana, Africa

Camping out on one of the world’s largest salt pans is most certainly an unusual camping experience. If you travel with Uncharted Africa, longtime safari specialists, to the remote and extreme Makgadikgadi Pans, you can camp in style at posh Jack’s Camp. There’s a museum and library with lots of cool artifacts and you can spend a night under the stars. The best part of this camping expedition, sundowners, a drink enjoyed at sunset, on the pans. Counting the shooting stars to fall asleep isn’t bad either. Just remember to pack layers, as it can get chilly on the desolate pans at night.

#3 Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

Enjoying Middle Eastern campfire cooking with the Bedouin in Jordan. Darley explored the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan for Equitrekking.

Head to the Middle Eastern Kingdom of Jordan for another unique campsite. In the Wadi Rum Desert, you can camp out with the Bedouin, a tribe of desert nomads with a rich history. You might sleep in a tent made of goat hair, enjoy campfire cooking—Middle Eastern style—and spicy tea by the fire at this interesting campsite.