As temperatures gradually fall across the UAE, residents are preparing for the winter camping season, when an overnight trip can cost around Dh300 per person, while basic equipment may require a budget of about Dh300 to Dh500, depending on the type of trip and gear needed.

Camping enthusiasts say preparations sometimes begin months in advance, from checking tents and buying firewood to upgrading equipment and planning meals. Reusing gear can also reduce costs over time.

Ahmed Al Mansouri, a Ras Al Khaimah resident, said an overnight camping trip costs around Dh300 per person, including food, drinks, snacks and water for washing and cooking.

He added that costs can be lower for family or group camping trips because expenses are shared among participants.

A bag of charcoal typically costs between Dh30 and Dh40, while a whole chicken costs around Dh25. Depending on the meal, food expenses may reach about Dh50, while a small gas cylinder for cooking costs between Dh7 and Dh10.

Al Mansouri said camping styles vary. Some people prefer quiet solo trips, while others organise gatherings of up to 30 people. Participants either bring their own supplies or divide responsibility for preparing food.

“Camping every weekend can be difficult; once or twice a month is more manageable,” he said.

Marcus Bernardo, a Brazilian resident of the UAE, said first-time campers do not necessarily need expensive equipment and can buy basic gear for around Dh300 to Dh400.

However, he recommends setting aside about Dh500 to cover most of the essentials needed for a simple camping trip.

According to Bernardo, a sleeping bag costs around Dh35 to Dh36, a basic tent about Dh70, a small barbecue grill about Dh20 and a portable camping stove about Dh30. A two-piece cookware set sells for between Dh10 and Dh20.

“The minimum cost for a basic camping experience is around Dh300 to Dh400, but I recommend a budget of close to Dh500 to ensure you have all the essential equipment,” he said.

Bernardo added that the final cost largely depends on the type of experience people want, with better-equipped camps requiring a larger budget.

Preparing months before winter

For experienced campers, preparing for the season involves more than buying food and setting up a tent.

Al Mansouri said some enthusiasts begin buying equipment during the summer, several months before the winter camping season starts, while others wait for temperatures to fall before checking their existing gear.

Some residents also invest in caravans and portable toilet facilities for greater comfort, particularly on group trips or overnight stays.

According to Al Mansouri, some caravans can be found for less than Dh10,000, although the final price depends on their features and equipment.

Preparation times also vary. Some people organise their equipment a week in advance, others do so two days before departure, while more experienced campers may decide to leave on the same day.

Most equipment, including tents, portable toilet tents, barbecue grills and cooking utensils, can be used several times during the season, reducing the need for frequent purchases.

Al Mansouri said food and certain cooking items that wear out over time are among the supplies that need to be replaced.

Items such as barbecue grills, cooking grates and firewood braziers may also need occasional replacement because of repeated use.

Eight years of family camping

For Dubai resident Radina Dixon, camping has become a family tradition over the past eight years, providing an opportunity to spend time in nature with her husband and their two children, aged 10 and seven.

The family tries to camp almost every weekend from late November until the end of April, when daytime and nighttime temperatures are generally pleasant.

The cost of each trip varies depending on its duration and location.

“If we spend a day in the desert or mountains, we usually only pay for fuel, food and firewood,” Dixon said.

Longer trips, particularly cross-border journeys to Oman, are more expensive because of visa fees and the need for additional food and firewood.

The family often camps alone, but Dixon said they also regularly travel with four other families who have been their camping companions for years.

Before each season begins, they clean and inspect their equipment, identify items that need replacing and decide on potential upgrades.

This year, after experiencing problems with their previous battery, the family bought a new one to power their camping refrigerator and electronic devices. They also purchased gas cylinders and a small two-person kayak for beach trips.

Dixon said her family began camping with basic equipment eight years ago and gradually upgraded its gear while reusing older items whenever possible.

“For us, camping is an investment in spending quality time with our family, our spouse and our children,” she said.

Choosing the right camping location

Alongside budgeting and equipment, choosing the right location is an important part of planning a camping trip.

Bernardo said camping at the beach, in the desert or in the mountains requires different precautions.

For beach camping, visitors are advised to check sea and tide conditions. Desert camping may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and precautions against insects.

In mountainous areas, altitude, strong winds and vehicle access must be considered, as reaching some destinations may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Bernardo also recommends checking the weather forecast before departure and avoiding camping in areas where rainwater may flow, particularly during unsettled weather.

He also advises bringing warm clothing for cold nights and using suitable equipment for lighting fires and barbecuing.

Al Mansouri said popular camping destinations in the UAE include Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, areas around Khor Fakkan, Jebel Jais and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah, Shawka and Liwa.

He said their natural surroundings, cooler weather and access to public amenities in some locations are among the reasons they are popular with campers.

Al Mansouri said the variety of camping destinations across the UAE allows residents to choose between beaches, mountains and deserts according to their preferences and the type of experience they want.