When most people think about camping destinations, their minds immediately drift to places like Yellowstone, the Swiss Alps, or New Zealand’s rugged landscapes. These well-known camping hotspots have certainly earned their reputation, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to global outdoor adventures.
The world is filled with surprising camping destinations that fly completely under the radar. Here is a list of 20 countries that might not immediately come to mind for camping but offer incredible natural beauty, unique landscapes, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Oman
Nestled on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers an otherworldly camping experience with its dramatic mountains, vast deserts, and stunning coastlines. The Wahiba Sands provide a perfect backdrop for desert camping under star-filled skies, while Musandam’s khors (fjords) offer a completely different seaside camping atmosphere.
Locals are incredibly welcoming to respectful visitors seeking to explore their country’s natural wonders.
Slovenia
This small European nation packs an enormous punch when it comes to natural beauty. Slovenia’s Julian Alps provide breathtaking mountain camping, while its numerous lakes and rivers create perfect waterside spots to pitch a tent.
The country’s commitment to sustainable tourism means well-maintained campsites and pristine natural environments throughout the region. You’ll wonder why this gem isn’t mentioned in the same breath as neighboring Italy or Austria.
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Kyrgyzstan
The mountainous landscape of this Central Asian country provides some of the most spectacular camping opportunities you’ve ever heard of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic traditions make camping an activity and a cultural experience. The country’s jailoo (summer pastures) offer endless rolling hills and alpine lakes against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The locals still live in yurts during the summer, carrying on traditions that go back thousands of years.
Botswana
While African safaris might be well-known, Botswana offers a distinctive camping experience away from the typical tourist circuits. The Okavango Delta provides a unique wetland setting where wildlife viewing from your campsite is practically guaranteed.
The contrast between the delta’s waterways and the Kalahari Desert’s stark beauty gives campers two different experiences in one country. Conservation efforts have helped preserve these areas in near-pristine condition.
Uruguay
This small South American nation offers peaceful Atlantic beaches perfect for coastal camping adventures without the crowds found in neighboring Brazil. Uruguay’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals create a welcoming environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
The country’s interior farmland and gentle hills provide serene countryside camping options with excellent stargazing opportunities. The temperate climate makes camping comfortable for much of the year.
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Taiwan
Beyond its bustling cities lies an island of extraordinary natural diversity perfect for camping adventures. Taiwan’s mountains cover nearly two-thirds of the island, creating countless camping opportunities from alpine forests to dramatic coastal cliffs.
The island’s excellent infrastructure makes remote areas surprisingly accessible, while hot springs near many camping areas offer natural relaxation after hiking. The local camping culture is enthusiastic and welcoming to foreign visitors.
Georgia
Tucked between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia offers diverse camping landscapes from alpine meadows to subtropical coastlines. The country’s ancient wine-making traditions mean camping in vineyard regions comes with exceptional local refreshments.
Georgia’s mountain villages provide glimpses into traditional life that has remained unchanged for centuries. The hospitality culture runs deep, and you’ll likely find yourself invited to share meals with locals.
Bhutan
This Himalayan kingdom’s commitment to environmental protection has preserved its forests and mountains in pristine condition, which is ideal for eco-camping. Bhutan limits tourism to protect its natural and cultural heritage, making camping here a rare privilege in untouched settings.
The country’s Buddhist traditions create a peaceful atmosphere throughout its mountains and valleys. While permits and guides are required, the extra effort opens doors to landscapes that few outsiders ever experience.
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Estonia
With nearly half the country covered in forests and over 1,500 islands, Estonia provides endless woodland and coastal camping opportunities. The country’s ‘freedom to roam’ policies allow camping in many natural areas, creating a true wilderness experience despite being in the European Union.
Estonia’s technological advancement means that even remote areas often have good cell coverage, blending wilderness adventure with modern convenience. Summer nights barely get dark, giving you extended hours to enjoy nature.
Mongolia
Mongolia, the original land of nomads, offers the ultimate camping experience across its vast, open steppes and mountains. It has one of the lowest population densities on earth, meaning you can camp for days without seeing another person.
Traditional ger (yurt) camping provides a comfortable way to experience the nomadic lifestyle that has defined this region for millennia. The absence of light pollution makes for some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing.
Belize
This small Central American nation combines coastal camping along the Caribbean with inland jungle adventures. Belize’s barrier reef—the second largest in the world—provides island camping opportunities just minutes from world-class snorkeling sites.
The country’s interior offers camping near Mayan ruins and within dense rainforests teeming with wildlife. English is the official language, making it particularly accessible for American campers.
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Moldova
Europe’s least-visited country offers peaceful countryside camping among rolling hills and vineyards. Moldova’s lack of mass tourism means authentic experiences and untouched natural areas ripe for exploration.
The country’s famous wine regions provide perfect camping bases with the bonus of excellent local wine tastings after a day outdoors. Rural traditions remain strong here, offering glimpses into European country life that has disappeared elsewhere.
Djibouti
This tiny African nation contains otherworldly landscapes that seem transported from another planet. Lake Assal, one of the world’s saltiest lakes, and Lake Abbe, with its limestone chimneys, create alien-like camping backdrops.
Djibouti’s location, where the African and Arabian tectonic plates meet, has created dramatic geological features perfect for adventure camping. Despite its small size, the country encompasses desert, mountain, and coastal environments.
Albania
With rugged mountains and a stunning Mediterranean coastline, Albania offers diverse camping landscapes without Western European crowds or prices. The Albanian Alps provide challenging hiking and pristine camping spots that rival more famous European mountain ranges.
Coastal camping along the ‘Albanian Riviera’ means crystal-clear waters and perfect swimming beaches outside your tent. The country’s recent emergence from isolation means many areas feel freshly discovered.
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Suriname
This South American nation contains some of the most pristine rainforests, perfect for adventure camping. Suriname’s unique cultural mix of Caribbean, Dutch, and indigenous influences creates a fascinating backdrop to outdoor adventures.
The country’s river systems provide natural highways into remote jungle areas where camping feels truly exploratory. Despite its vast wilderness areas, Suriname remains one of the least visited countries in South America.
Brunei
This small sultanate on Borneo offers remarkable jungle camping experiences in well-protected rainforests. Brunei’s wealth has allowed it to preserve natural areas that neighboring countries have developed, creating pristine camping environments.
The Ulu Temburong National Park provides access to primary rainforest via well-maintained facilities and canopy walkways. The country’s compact size means you can experience diverse landscapes in a single trip.
Lebanon
Despite its small size, Lebanon offers remarkable geographic diversity that is perfect for varied camping experiences. The Lebanon Mountain Trail provides a 290-mile hiking and camping route through stunning mountains and traditional villages.
The country’s Mediterranean climate provides comfortable camping conditions, while its famous cuisine ensures excellent campfire meals. Ancient cedar forests and historic sites create camping backdrops steeped in thousands of years of history.
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Madagascar
This island nation contains plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, creating truly unique camping experiences. Madagascar’s famous baobab trees and lemur-filled forests provide camping environments that feel like traveling back in time.
The diversity of landscapes—from rainforests to deserts within relatively short distances—allows for varied camping adventures on a single trip. Local guides can help navigate the complex environments while sharing knowledge about the island’s unique ecology.
Namibia
Namibia, with the oldest desert in the world and an extremely low population density, offers camping in splendid isolation. The country’s well-maintained infrastructure makes self-drive camping adventures accessible even in remote areas.
Namibia’s dramatic landscapes—from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the otherworldly Skeleton Coast—create unforgettable camping backdrops. The desert nights reveal southern hemisphere stars in remarkable clarity against the dark skies.
Eswatini
This small kingdom (formerly Swaziland) packs diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing into a compact, camping-friendly package. Eswatini’s national parks offer camping with excellent chances to spot rhinos and other wildlife without the crowds of larger African countries.
The mountainous highveld and lowland plains provide varied camping environments, from cool forests to classic African bush. Strong cultural traditions add depth to the camping experience, with opportunities to learn about local customs.
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Beyond the Expected
These unexpected camping destinations remind us that adventure often waits where we least expect it. Each of these countries offers beautiful landscapes and opportunities to experience different cultures, ecosystems, and perspectives by sleeping under the stars.
The next time you’re considering where to pitch your tent, look beyond the familiar camping hotspots. These twenty countries prove that sometimes the most memorable outdoor experiences happen in places you wouldn’t think to look—until now.
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