If you like to pitch a tent and fall asleep beneath the stars in America’s national parks, on the beaches in Asia or in the Australian Outback, there’s no reason you can’t do the same thing in Morocco. The country’s climate makes Morocco an ideal place to camp, whether you’re traveling by car, bike or foot.

Morocco is actually a very camp-friendly country, regardless of where you’d like to wander. Campsites located outside the cities are well-equipped and very popular, but as you move into the mountainous regions, you’ll need to provide all your camping needs because water and toilet facilities are relatively non-existent.

As you prepare for your camping trip, you may find it necessary to rent some equipment once you arrive in Morocco. Tour outfitters in particular are able to advise of where you can obtain the equipment you’ll need. In fact, if you’ve never camped in Morocco before, it’s not a bad idea to go with a tour operator your first time out. Most tour operators supply tents, donkeys, cooking supplies, food, medical equipment and general camping supplies. You’ll need to provide your clothing (including rain gear), any extra foodstuffs you might need, toilet paper and water purification tablets. If you do book a trip, check with your tour operator before you leave home about what you are responsible for packing so there are no surprises.

So … where can you camp in Morocco? Here are a few suggestions:

Camping on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Though the Atlantic Coast is home to Casablanca and numerous fishing villages, you can camp just beyond the confines of these cities. If you’re like many people, you’re traveling along the Atlantic Coast in search of warm weather or ideal surfing conditions. Along the way, expect to find year-round campsites that offer great vantage points for both. This is one area of Morocco where first-time campers may feel comfortable enough to travel without a tour guide.

Camping in the Rif Mountains of Morocco

As trekkers traverse the Rif Mountains, they’ll likely have to set up camp along the trail. If you’d like to camp in the Rif Mountains, make your plans for the spring and summer months as nights can be cold come autumn. The area is thick with caves and wilderness areas, one of which is the popular Al Hoceima National Park, which consists of mesas and dry canyons. Limestone cliffs line the coast, and many endangered species make their home in the park. Many tour companies offer trekking and camping tours in the Rif Mountains.

Camping in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Make your way to Morocco’s most famous mountain range and camp below the peaks of Jebel Toubkal and M’Goun, the two highest mountains in the country. The forests in the High Atlas region are full of flowers and trees, and the entire area is lush due to the amount of rain this part of Morocco receives each year. There is a lot of uncharted area and several Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains, so hire a guide to ensure you remain on the right paths to reach your intended destination.

Camping in Southern Morocco

The Anti-Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert make up the southern portion of the country. The mountains are rockier and, due to their proximity to the desert to the south, summers are often characterized by extreme heat. If you are planning on camping in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, you should be aware that facilities in this area are less developed and you’ll need to be able to provide for yourself.

Camping (& More) in Morocco with Journey Beyond Travel

Want to find out more about the trip of a lifetime to Morocco? We can help you design a great trip that mixes trekking (camping included!) along with a superb cultural adventure. You can set up a free travel consultation with one of our experts. We offer:
– Knowledgeable Guides
– Genuine Experiences
– Outstanding Quality
– Custom itineraries hand-crafted just for you
You can read about our tours to Morocco, treks, see our various itineraries, and even send us an email to find out more.

Posted by JoAnna Haugen, managing editor at Journey Beyond Travel and author of Kaleidoscopic Wandering.

Photo by 300td.org.