Whether it’s out in the desert or in the mountains, you should try to be safe in the way you camp and be mindful of what you do there. Here are the main things to bear in mind:
1. Choosing a Camping Spot
This is a very crucial step in the camping process. If you decide to set up camp directly behind a dune in the desert, you could be at risk of coming into close contact with off-roaders or dune buggies. When you’re in the desert, try to find a flat area so that its easier to pitch your tent on the ground. It could help to camp near a tree to protect you from the harsh morning rays. Don’t forget to scan the area for any noisy groups who may ruin your night.
If you are planning on camping in the mountains, avoid shallow areas or places prone to rising water levels. It might be uncomfortable to sleep directly on the ground with the amount of rocks and gravel that clutter the mountains so it is a wise idea to get a cot or something similar to place inside your tent for better sleep. Another option is to pack a foldable or inflatable mattress that can fit inside your car.
2. Tent Set-up
It is perfectly legal to camp in the UAE if you are planning on staying there for a night or the weekend. If it is a longer trip and you are camping with a caravan, that requires a permit. It is important to leave the campsite as you found it so anything that you set up should be easy to dismantle and temporary. Make sure to avoid pitching your tent in low areas such as stream valleys, or next to a cliff, and the tent site should also not be set up at the base of a cliff.
3. Camp Fires
Firewood must be stored away from the tent by a minimum of 15 feet in normal situations. The municipal guidelines also state that camp fires should not be left unattended at night as it can cause a fire hazard. Bonfire needs to be off the ground to preserve the environment so invest in a fire pit to avoid any fines.
It can be tempting to burn whatever trash you have at camp instead of keeping a trash bag but there are some materials that shouldn’t be burned such as plastics, MDF pieces that look like wood, etc. Burning these can release toxic fumes into the air which can be quite harmful for your health. You should also try to avoid burning any unnaturally treated wood or alternatives as they will also release hazardous gasses.
4. Littering
It is important to be mindful and not leave any trash where you camp as there are wildlife creatures that could be harmed. Pack extra garbage bags and keep your campsite as clean as you found it or even cleaner by picking up the clutter left behind by previous campers.
Not to mention that leaving a pile of rubbish in the desert and setting up fires in public places will leave you with a 500 dirham fine from the Dubai Municipality.
5. Bugs and Creepy Crawlies
Trying to avoid all bugs and pests is a bit impossible but you can do your best to keep yourself well-equipped to deal with them. Pack some bug spray and mosquito repellent lotion.
6. First-Aid Kit
Splinters and cuts are a common consequence of camping so don’t forget to pack a first-aid kit that contains band-aids, antiseptic wipes and all that you need to treat these. It can also get quite dirty at camp so carrying antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer could help you stay a bit more hygienic. We always make sure to carry a bottle of tap water for us to rinse our face, hands, or utensils that need to be washed.
7. Recovery Gear
Prepare for the possibility of your vehicle getting stuck and carry a rated recovery strap and shackles. It’s also important know where your car’s tow points are. Having more than two cars can be a bonus on a camping trip in recovery situations.
We advise deflating your tires if you plan on driving deep into the desert or mountains. This protects your tires and reduces the chances of getting stuck. If you plan on deflating, make sure you’re aware of the closest petrol station that can inflate your tires or you can take an air compressor if you have one.
That’s it! Happy safe camping everybody. Be sure to check us out on Instagram to see what we get up to on the weekends.
