Sakaka, January 27, 2025 – The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in Al-Jouf has recently designated eight camping sites within the region’s picturesque spring areas, creating a unique destination for wilderness tourism. These sites are located in some of Al-Jouf’s most scenic landscapes, including Rahiya, Hadib National Park, Al-Rasif, Al-Yatima pasture, Al-Mahta pasture, Al-Athath pasture, Al-Adhra’ pasture, and Laijah National Park. These areas have rapidly become popular among both locals and tourists, offering an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Al-Jouf, especially during the spring season.
The designated camping areas provide visitors with an immersive experience of the local environment, particularly during the spring months when wildflowers such as lavender, buttercup, Jahq, Qahwiyan, Maknan, and Didhan bloom in vibrant displays of color. In addition to hiking and sightseeing, these regions offer a unique experience for truffle hunting, as the region’s rich soil fosters the growth of these prized delicacies. The springtime transformation of the landscape into a vibrant display of flora is a sight to behold, making it an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature.
For the residents of Al-Jouf, wilderness outings are a beloved tradition, particularly during the cooler winter months. Many locals, like Bilal Al-Khalidi, an avid wilderness enthusiast, cherish the weekend camping trips and day excursions that allow them to escape the routine of urban life. Al-Khalidi shared with the Saudi Press Agency how these outdoor adventures serve as valuable recreational opportunities, offering a chance for friends and families to bond while embracing the region’s natural charm.
The camping experience is often a communal activity where groups of friends embark on outdoor adventures in well-equipped vehicles, each prepared for the demands of wilderness camping. Every group member has a specific role, whether it be transporting tents and cooking equipment, gathering supplies, or selecting the perfect campsite. Upon arriving at their destination, the group sets up camp, prepares traditional Saudi coffee and tea, and spends the afternoon exploring the area by hiking and collecting wild aromatic plants, which are abundant in the region.
Evenings spent around the campfire are an integral part of the experience, where traditional meals are prepared and shared. The warm, hearty meals are often followed by an overnight stay under the stars, with the morning beginning with a simple yet delicious breakfast of “Musli,” a hand-baked flatbread made from flour and water, cooked over charcoal using a traditional tool called Makhbaza. This rustic, yet beloved, meal serves as the perfect start to another day of outdoor exploration.
Camping in Al-Jouf has become a prominent social activity, especially during winter weekends and national holidays. It serves as an opportunity for friends to reconnect, while also immersing themselves in the region’s natural beauty, particularly the spring areas that flourish after the rainy season. These outings are more than just outdoor adventures; they are a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of Al-Jouf, to embrace the region's cultural heritage, and to connect with the natural environment in a way that is both restorative and enriching.
As Al-Jouf continues to grow as a key destination for wilderness tourism, the newly designated spring camping sites offer a perfect balance of tradition and nature, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of the region's landscapes while fostering a deeper appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and environmental heritage.
