How to Choose Between Tented Camps, Bubble Tents, and Bedouin Camps

When planning your Wadi Rum adventure, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. The desert offers three main types of accommodation: traditional Bedouin camps, luxury tented camps, and modern bubble tents. Each offers a unique experience with different levels of comfort, authenticity, and price points.

Traditional Bedouin Camps

The Experience

Traditional Bedouin camps offer the most authentic desert experience. These camps are often run by local Bedouin families and maintain many traditional elements.

What to Expect

Accommodation: Simple goat-hair tents or basic concrete structures with fabric coverings

Sleeping arrangements: Usually mattresses on the floor with blankets

Bathrooms: Shared facilities, sometimes basic

Electricity: Limited, often from generators that run only certain hours

Food: Traditional Bedouin cuisine cooked over open fires

Atmosphere: Communal dining, evening gatherings around the fire with traditional music

Best For

Budget travelers

Those seeking cultural authenticity

Travelers who don't mind basic facilities

Social travelers who enjoy communal experiences

Average Cost

25-50 JOD per person per night, including dinner and breakfast

Luxury Tented Camps

The Experience

Luxury tented camps blend traditional elements with modern comforts, offering a more comfortable desert experience without sacrificing the atmosphere.

What to Expect

Accommodation: Spacious canvas tents with proper structures

Sleeping arrangements: Real beds with quality linens

Bathrooms: Private or high-quality shared facilities with hot water

Electricity: Usually 24 hours, often solar-powered

Food: Enhanced traditional cuisine with more variety

Atmosphere: More private spaces but still with communal areas

Best For

Mid-range travelers

Families with children

Those who want comfort but still an authentic experience

First-time desert campers

Average Cost

70-150 JOD per person per night, including meals

Bubble Tents

The Experience

Bubble tents represent the height of luxury in Wadi Rum, offering a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars in complete comfort.

What to Expect

Accommodation: Transparent dome structures with climate control

Sleeping arrangements: Luxury beds with premium linens

Bathrooms: Private en-suite bathrooms with high-end amenities

Electricity: 24-hour service with charging stations

Food: Gourmet dining experiences

Atmosphere: Very private, romantic setting

Best For

Luxury travelers

Couples and honeymooners

Stargazing enthusiasts

Those seeking a unique, Instagram-worthy experience

Average Cost

150-300 JOD per night for two people, including meals

Making Your Decision

Consider Your Priorities

Budget: Traditional camps are most affordable, bubble tents most expensive

Comfort level: Be honest about what amenities you need to enjoy your stay

Authenticity: Traditional camps offer the most genuine Bedouin experience

Privacy: Bubble tents offer the most privacy, traditional camps the least

Views: Some camps have better locations than others regardless of type

Questions to Ask Before Booking

What meals are included?

Is transportation from the visitor center included?

What activities are offered and at what additional cost?

Is there heating/cooling for extreme temperatures?

How far is the camp from the main tourist sites?

Hybrid Options

Many camps now offer different accommodation types within the same property. This can be ideal for groups with different preferences or budgets.

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, spending a night in Wadi Rum is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the timeless beauty of the desert and the rich culture of the Bedouin people.