Comfortable Bedouin camp offering authentic desert experience at reasonable prices. Traditional goat hair tents with mattresses and bedding, shared bathroom facilities, delicious home-cooked meals, and friendly hosts. Jeep tours and camel rides arranged. Great stargazing location away from light pollution.
Rum Stars Camp is a well-regarded Bedouin-run desert camp situated within the Wadi Rum Protected Area in southern Jordan, approximately 60 kilometres from the city of Aqaba and four hours by road from Amman. The camp occupies a quiet position away from the main tourist cluster in Wadi Rum Village, set amid the dramatic sandstone mountains and rose-coloured sand plains that have made this UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the most photographed desert landscapes on earth.
Accommodation is in traditional Bedouin goat-hair tents erected on wooden platforms, furnished with comfortable mattresses, bedding, and warm blankets for the cold desert nights. Shared bathroom facilities are kept clean and include warm shower options. The camp's layout centres on a communal sitting area with floor cushions and rugs where guests gather for meals, tea, and the campfire evenings that are the highlight of most visitors' stays.
All overnight packages include dinner and breakfast. Dinners follow a traditional Zarb method — meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in a sand-buried oven, then served on communal platters with rice and flatbread. The flavour of food prepared by this method is distinctive and consistently praised by camp visitors. Bedouin tea — heavily sweetened and spiced with sage — accompanies meals and is brewed continuously through the day.
The camp's Bedouin guides arrange half-day and full-day jeep tours into the protected area, visiting major rock formations including Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, the Um Fruth rock bridge, and the Mushroom Rock. Camel rides along dune corridors are offered at set rates. Stargazing is exceptional at this camp's location, with virtually no light pollution and frequent sightings of the Milky Way on clear nights from March through November.
The camp is family-friendly and has hosted guests ranging from solo travellers to school groups. Guides provide genuine context on Bedouin culture, traditional crafts, and the ecology of the Wadi Rum desert during excursions.
Amenities
- traditional tents
- shared bathrooms
- meals included
- jeep tours
- camel rides
- campfire dinners
- Bedouin hospitality
Location
Wadi Rum Village, Jordan
29.5794, 35.4211 View on map
Highlights
- Traditional Zarb underground oven cooking — slow-roasted meat and vegetables buried in sand, served on communal platters
- Outstanding stargazing location with minimal light pollution and near-nightly views of the Milky Way
- Experienced Bedouin jeep guides visiting Khazali Canyon, Lawrence's Spring, and Wadi Rum's major rock formations
- Authentic goat-hair tent accommodation in a quiet camp location away from the main tourist cluster
- Camel rides through the rose-red sand corridors and dunes surrounding the camp
Tips for visiting
- Wadi Rum nights are cold year-round and very cold from October to February — bring a warm layer even if visiting in summer.
- The jeep tour in the afternoon light (4–6 PM) captures the red sandstone at its most photogenic; request an afternoon departure from the camp.
- Bring cash in Jordanian dinars for tips and optional extras — there are no ATMs in Wadi Rum Village.
- Alcohol is not available at traditional Bedouin camps — bring any preferred drinks from Aqaba or Petra if needed.
- Booking in advance is strongly recommended from March to May and September to October when camp capacity is fully subscribed.
When to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable daytime temperatures in Wadi Rum for jeep tours and camel rides. Summer is very hot during the day but pleasant at night; winter is cold at night but clear, making it one of the best periods for stargazing.
Accessibility
Rum Stars Camp is a desert camp with unpaved sandy ground that presents significant challenges for wheelchair users or guests with mobility limitations. There are no paved paths, and the tents require stepping up onto a wooden platform. The experience is most accessible for guests with reasonable walking ability; those with specific needs should contact the camp in advance to discuss practical options.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rum Stars Camp suitable for families with children?
Yes. The camp welcomes families with children. The flat sand terrain around the camp is safe for children, and the campfire evenings and camel rides are particularly popular with younger guests.
Are the shared bathroom facilities adequate?
The shared bathrooms include warm showers and are maintained to a reasonable standard for a desert camp. Guests accustomed to hotel facilities should note these are basic but functional and clean.
What is included in the overnight package price?
The standard overnight package includes accommodation in a traditional tent, dinner prepared by Zarb method, breakfast the following morning, and use of the camp facilities including the communal sitting area.
Can guests book a jeep tour as a day visitor without staying overnight?
Yes. The camp can organise jeep tours for day visitors. Day visitors typically arrange half-day or full-day tours and are welcomed to the camp for lunch or tea.