Jebel Jais is a mountain of the North-Western Hajar range in the Musandam Governorate of Oman and also in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It is the highest mountain in the UAE which always has around 10 degrees less temperature than other UAE plains.
It also has become one of the best camping spots in the UAE, and because of being famous, it attracts a lot of visitors during the holidays and weekends. So if you want to avoid crowd, then you have to camp there during weekdays or off-peak times.
How to Go There
Reaching the foot of Jebel Jais mountains took us approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, while getting to the top of it took us another 20 to 30 minutes. It was a nice drive, however, if you’re a person who get easily nauseous with curvy and winding roads like me, then it’ll be another story. 😀
But don’t worry, before you decide to go up the mountains, you can take a short stopover and have some Karak Chai (tea) from this small cafeteria so you can refresh and prepare for the road ahead.
Overnight Camping
We camped overnight on one of the spaces available for camping. We went there during the weekend so we have already expected it to be crowded. In the afternoon, we enjoyed watching the sunset views, while in the evening, we started to grilled the BBQs we have prepared and did some stargazing.
The only downside of camping in Jebel Jais during the weekends or peak season, that is during the winter, was the presence of crowd. It was too jam-packed at the time, we were just too lucky to find a perfect spot for our group to build our tents and park our cars. The parking area was packed too!
So, to get a perfect spot for you to camp, you need to try to reach there earlier, as we have reached there around 6 in the evening and it was already packed with numerous groups of campers.
Aside from the camping space, some groups would also be doing some parties at night by playing loud music while chattering or singing. Well, this is part of the enjoyment so just expect what is already expected. Hence, be prepared for a compromised sleep. 🙂
Perhaps, as I’ve mentioned, do your best to camp on off-peak season or weekdays to avoid these camping issues.
“A bad day camping is still better than a good day working.”
Facilities in Jebel Jais
Parking and Entrance Fee
Free parking is available so you won’t have to worry about it as well as the entrance free. Just drive to the top and enjoy a magical bonding night with your families and friends.
Toilets
There are separate toilets for both male and female at each site. But also be prepared that whenever there’s crowd, there will also be a long queue.
Dining Facilities
There are few shops and cafe available especially near the viewing deck. From there, you can buy some tea, dinner or midnight snacks. But of course, you will be more than ready for an overnight camping, so for sure, food will not be an issue during your activity.
“There’s no wi-fi in the mountains, but you’ll find no better connection.”
“Camp more. Worry less.”
In the morning, you would for sure enjoy the sunrise, and I’m telling you… it was truly magnificent. It was a view you would never see from the city. The mountains were sun-kissed as you could almost see the houses and roads at the foot of the mountains.
“Time camping isn’t time spent, it’s time invested.”
“Away is a place where it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about the moments you share.”
The Takeaway
- As camping at Jebel Jais is becoming popular, a lot of campers visit during holidays and weekends. If you wish to avoid the crowd, camp on weekdays or off-peak season.
- There are no gas stations once you entered at the foot of the mountain, so make sure you have plenty or enough amount of fuel to go up and down the mountain.
- It’s a 1 to 1.5 hours drive from Dubai to RAK, so be prepared for such a lengthy drive.
- There is no entrance nor parking fees.
- There are no lights at the camping site so be sure to bring your own flashlights and properly do bonfires.
- It is around 10 degrees colder than the normal ground temperature so make sure to carry something to keep yourself warm all through the night, especially during winter.
- The terrain is coarse and hilly so make sure to wear proper closed, sports shoes especially when you’re planning to do hiking.
- If you plan to grill, make sure you have all the necessary equipment as there are no supermarkets there.
- There are washroom facilities, restaurants and parking spots present at the viewing deck, zip line and Via Ferrata.
- Always bring your trash with you. Do not leave anything behind, as the saying goes…
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.“
Enjoy camping!
Have you been to Jebel Jais mountains? We would like to know about your experience too!
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That looks like fun. We haven’t been camping in so many years!
Camping is always fund when you do that with people you love, i look forward to camping very soon
Stunning landscape, it made me think of the grand canyon! Love the idea of unplugging from wifi to relax
oh, I can see that you had a blast with your camping. Such a good experience and I love the place
Ooohhh…I haven’t been to the Jebel mountains. I’d love to be here, though….as I camp more! It’s something I rarely do.
What an interesting place to go camping. How cold was it there when you went? It is interesting how barren the landscape is in this area.
This is fun and omg! The view is amazing. Happy to see that you had a great time with friends. We all need adventures like this. Thank you for sharing your experience.
This is interesting, I have went on a camping trip before and it was so much fun. This place is perfect for camping.