How about setting up a tent on the bank of a stream or a spring, falling asleep to the relaxing sound of gentle running water and take a dip at sunrise? In many of the streams and springs - even the clean ones – this activity is not possible, mostly for preservation reasons.
Israel's top:
However, there are quite a few locations where you can do it legally, and sometimes even for free. So prepare your swimsuits and mats - and get ready for the 15 most recommended campsites near streams and springs.
Horshat Tal
Horshat Tal (Dew Grove) National Park is a 179-acre nature and recreation resort, with broad stretches of natural grass and a large lake fed from cool streams of water originating from the Dan River. There is a grove of oak trees in the reserve where Mount Tabor oaks grow to impressive sizes. At the end of winter, the lawns are covered by a stunning bloom of anemones in all colors, and in the spring, rare types of orchids bloom in the adjacent Orchids Reserve.
Area in Israel: Emek HaHula (Hula Valley) / Upper Galilee
Accommodation options: The overnight campsite of the Nature and Parks Authority in Horshat Tal offers several accommodation options, with the highlight being an equipped wood and straw bungalow designed for up to 4 people with beds and mattresses (bedsheets, blankets and pillows are not provided), and includes a refrigerator, fan and/or air conditioner and power point. There is also an option to bring a private tent and to rent a mattress on site – subject to availability, or to rent a tent along with mattresses. There is also an option for Caravan parking in a caravan campsite, which includes electricity, gas and water connections at each stand.
What's at the campsite: picnic benches and tables, toilets and showers with hot water, light poles, faucets and sinks for washing dishes, mobile phone charging units and rental of refrigeration lockers (at an extra fee). In addition, there is a cafeteria where you can buy food products, snacks, and related equipment at the campsite and in the National Park.
How to get there: in Waze – Horshat Tal National Park
Routes and sites in the area: Horshat Tal National Park, Ayun Stream Nature Reserve, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, HaBanias Stream Nature Reserve, Snir Stream Nature Reserve, Nimrod Fortress National Park, Kayaks in HaGoshrim and in Kfar Blum, Ein Tina and Ein Divsha, Hermon Site, Hula Reservoir, Hula Nature Reserve, daffodils in the Tel Anafa Nature Reserve.
Prices:
Camping in a family tent - 65 NIS for an adult (from the age of 14), 50 NIS for a child (from the age of 5). Mattress rental - NIS 10.
Camping in a family rented tent (up to 5 people) - NIS 90 for an adult (from the age of 14), NIS 75 for a child (from the age of 5).
Bungalow for up to 4 people - NIS 350 per night mid-week, NIS 450 on weekends and holidays.
Upgraded bungalow with air conditioning for up to 4 people - NIS 400 per night during the week, NIS 500 on weekends and holidays.
Camper/RV station with electricity hookup and water - 80 shekels per night + payment for overnight accommodation according to the number of people.
The cost includes a visit to the National Park on the next day until 12:00. Subscribers of HaMatmon card are entitled to a 25% discount on on-site accommodation.
Notes/restrictions: The accommodation in the bungalow is conditional on booking a minimum of two nights. Check-in: From 15:00 to 22:30. Check-out: by 12 noon on day of departure. Pets are not allowed. Amplifiers and speakers may not be used in the campground. Lighting bonfires is prohibited. It is not possible to bathe in the lake in winter.
Booking: in advance through the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Camping Dafna
Camping Dafna is located on Kibbutz Dafna on the banks of the Dan River and is operated by the Travel Hotel chain. The tents are located among ancient trees and well-kept walkways and next to the river where visitors can freshen up in its cool water.
Area in Israel: Emek HaHula / Upper Galilee
Accommodation options: At Dafna Camping, 60 quality pop-up tents await you, ready to accommodate couples and families – no need to set up, the tent is waiting for you ready – with mattresses and a private power point. Each tent has three huge windows with ventilation grilles. The tent is resistant to water and rain.
What's in the campsite: Adjacent to each tent there is a picnic table. For your convenience, lighting, toilets and showers, a shared kitchenette with cooling compartments and stoves and BBQ corners in designated areas. You can order breakfast by prior arrangement, and there is also a café operating on site. Camping guests can enjoy the kibbutz facilities - soccer field, playground and discounted entry to the pool.
How to get there: in Waze - Dafna Travelers Camping.
Routes and sites in the area: Dan River, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Horshat Tal National Park, Snir Stream Nature Reserve, HaBanias Stream Nature Reserve, Sa'ar Waterfalls, Ayun Stream Nature Reserve, Nimrod Fortress National Park, Kayaks in HaGoshrim and in Kfar Blum, Mount Hermon Site, Hula Reservoir, Hula Nature Reserve.
Prices:
Setting up a tent independently for up to 6 people - NIS 275 per night. Mattress rental at a cost of NIS 15.
A family tent for up to 4 people, ready with mattresses and a private power point - NIS 350 per night.
Notes/Restrictions: Dogs are allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: by phone 04-6883040 or on the website.
Blum Village
The well-invested camping and glamping complex "Blum Village" is adjacent to the Kfar Blum kayaking site, and the accommodation includes a ticket for a family cruise in the Snir Stream (HaHatsabani) and a ticket to the nearby ropes park.
Area in Israel: Emek HaHula / Upper Galilee
Accommodation options: The complex includes 45 air-conditioned family tents with beds and sheets + 40 non-air-conditioned Coleman tents with mattresses. Each tent has a refrigerator, an electrical outlet for charging phones and lighting. Outside each tent is a picnic table.
What's in the campsite: toilets and showers with hot water, seating areas, barbecues, a central kitchenette equipped with sinks, microwaves and electric kettles, wide lawns and a cafeteria. In the Kfar Blum Kayaks complex, besides the rafting options, visitors may also enjoy the "Top-Rope" Adventure Park, zip-line sliding into the water, a climbing wall and archery.
How to get there: Waze - Kfar Blum Kayaks
Routes and sites in the area: Ami Promenade - Jordan Promenade, Horshat Tal National Park, daffodils in the Tel Anafa Nature Reserve, Hula Reservoir, Hula Nature Reserve, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Ayun Strem Nature Reserve, HaBanias Nature Reserve, Snir Stream Nature Reserve, Nimrod Fortress National Park, Mount Hermon site.
Prices:
Family accommodation in the Coleman tent (up to 4 people) - between NIS 590 and NIS 890.
Family accommodation in an air-conditioned tent (up to 5 people) - between NIS 1,000 and NIS 1,280 (depending on the day of the week).
Notes/Restrictions: Pets are not allowed. Blankets and towels are not provided.
Booking: by phone 04-6395618 or on the website.
Lehavot HaBashan Recreation Park and the East Jordan Channel
The Eastern Jordan Channel was constructed in order to drain the waters of the Hula Lake as part of the draining operations in the 1950s, and it is an extension of the Jordan River where the lake and its northern marshes used to be. The length of the channel is about 16 kilometers and extends between Kibbutz Sde Nehemiah - where the mountainous Jordan River separated from its original channel - and the Cork bridge, which stands where the southern outlet of Lake Hula used to be.
As part of the artificial channel development and restoration project, making it more accessible to travelers, overnight campsites have also been prepared - the Lehavot HaBashan campsite located north of the Lehavot HaBashan bridge, the Dishon campsite near the draining of the Dishon stream into the Jordan River, and the Cork bridge (Gesher Hapkak) campsite.
Region in Israel: Hula Valley
Accommodation options: Accommodation in privately owned tents, which can be set up along the channel:
On the East Bank - between the Lehavot HaBashan complex and the Cork Bridge, not including the area of Ha'Hamisha bridge (Yesud Ha'Ma'ala).
On the West Bank - between the Lehavot HaBashan complex and the Agmon gate, and between the HaHamisha bridge (Yesud HaMa'ala) and the Cork bridge.
The construction of shade canopies (up to 4 square meters) is allowed only between the Cork Bridge and the Mahanayim stream, on both banks.
What's in the campsite: arranged areas and/or lawns for setting up tents + picnic tables. The Lehavot HaBashan campsite also has toilets and a drinking water faucet, and access points to the river. Outside of the overnight campsites there is no arrangement for travelers, therefore guests should bring along all necessary equipment.
How to get there: At the Lehavot HaBashan intersection - those coming from the south should drive about 200 meters to the eucalyptus plantation, then turn left and drive on a dirt track until you reach the Jordan River. For those who choose not to spend the night in the campsite, it is recommended to drive a few kilometers further from here on a road overlooking the Jordan River and choose a spot where you can spend the night in a tent or under the open sky.
Routes and sites in the area: the Jordan River, the Lehavot HaBashan "Hot-Cold" ("geyser"), the Hula Reservoir, the Hula Nature Reserve, Ein Tina and Ein Divsha, the "IndiPark" adventure park, Tel Hatzor National Park, Horshat Tal National Park, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Ayun stream Nature Reserve, Snir Stream Nature Reserve, HaBanias Nature Reserve, Nimrod Fortress National Park.
Prices: free of charge.
Notes/restrictions: stay is up to five consecutive days at most. Operation of amplification systems is forbidden during all hours of the day. Bathing in the river outside the Lehavot Bridge campsite can be dangerous and is under the visitors' sole responsibility, jumping into the water is prohibited. The accommodation area must be cleaned upon departure.
Booking: No prior arrangement is necessary. For more information, you may contact the Upper Galilee Regional Council Hotline at *8669 from any phone.
IndiPark
IndiPark is an adventure park on the banks of the Eastern Channel of the Jordan River, which offers an all-inclusive ticket that combines a variety of activities such as sailing in the Jordan River + park activities + recycling workshops, bicycle tours and more. In addition, the park offers a private and well-equipped camping area right on the banks of the river.
Region in Israel: Hula Valley
Accommodation options: camping in privately owned tents. It is recommended to bring a shaded canopy. Mattresses can be rented.
What's in the campsite: picnic tables, showers with hot water, air-conditioned toilets, shared refrigerators and freezers, and mobile phone charging units.
How to get there: Waze - IndiPark.
Routes and sites in the area: the Jordan River, the Hula Reservoir, the Hula Nature Reserve, Ein Tina and Ein Divsha, the "Hakol Dvash" apiary at Yesud HaMa'ala, The Dubrovin Farm Museum, Tel Hatzor National Park, Horshat Tal National Park, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Ayun Stream Nature Reserve, Snir Stream Nature Reserve, HaBanias Nature Reserve, Nimrod Fortress National Park.
Prices:
Accommodation only - NIS 75 per person.
Accommodation + all-inclusive ticket - NIS 160 per person.
Notes/restrictions: The camping complex is open all days of the week, but the adventure park is closed on Saturdays and holidays. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: by phone 04-8434444 or on the website.
Goren Park
Goren Park extends into the heart of the Western Galilee grove and above the Kziv River. The park, established and maintained by KKL-JNF, includes walking paths in various degrees of difficulty, and an ideal base for hiking near the Kziv River Nature Reserve and its surroundings. The park has 5 overnight campsites – HaEla, HaAlon, Klil HaHoresh, Ktalav and HaOren.
Region in Israel: The Western Galilee.
Accommodation options: outdoor accommodation in owned tents.
What's in the campsite: picnic tables, drinking water taps, regulated spots for lighting bonfires, portable toilets.
How to get there: Waze - Goren Park. The main entrance to the park is through North Road (Route 899), east of Shlomi.
Routes and sites in the area: Kziv River, Ein Tamir, Ein Ziv, Ein Hadralit, Monfort Fortress, the temple cave, a stone carving of a man ("the man on the wall"), Keren Bratot. More in the area: Keshet cave, Adamit Park, Ye'hiam Fortress, Achziv Beach, Rosh Hanikra.
Prices: free of charge.
Notes/restrictions: Light a fire only in authorized places, follow the sign. Groups of more than 50 people are required to coordinate the accommodation in advance and will be charged for mobile services.
Booking: Accommodation to be arranged in advance with KKL by phone 04-9950102 or by email: [email protected] (Irit Ezer).
Amud Stream Campsite
In Amud Stream Nature Reserve there is a combination of a unique form of nature and human heritage, including a perennial stream, rock pools, the lush vegetation characteristic of riverbanks, flour mills, and prehistoric caves.
The Nature Reserve is divided into two main areas: Upper Amud Stream - where the Sekhvi Stream and Amud Stream meet and create small and shallow pools of clear water, and where there is also a developed riverbank forest of Oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis) and brook willow (Salix acmophylla). Lower Amud Stream is also home to various historical findings, including the Amud Stream Cave. At the entrance to the nature reserve, the Nature and Parks Authority operates an organized campground.
Region in Israel: Upper Galilee, Mount Meron.
Accommodation options: camping in private tents or in rented tents including mattresses (minimum 4 per night in a rented tent).
What's in the campsite: restrooms (no showers), water taps, shaded areas, benches and picnic tables, electrical outlets, bonfire areas, barbecue units and a field kitchen that includes sinks for washing dishes, worktops, and refrigerators.
How to get there: Waze - Amud Stream Campsite
Routes and sites in the area: Routes of Amud Stream Nature Reserve, Meron Forest, Mount Meron Peak Trail, Birya Forest, Mount Adir observation point, Pa'ar Cave, Bar'am National Park, Tel Hazor National Park. Two of the most important trails in Israel pass through the reserve: the "Israel Trail" and the "Sea to Sea Trail".
Prices:
Accommodation in a private tent - NIS 40 for an adult (from age 18), NIS 30 for a child (from age 5).
Accommodation in a rented tent (including a mattress) - 65 NIS for an adult (from the age of 18), 55 NIS for a child (from the age of 5).
The cost includes a visit to the nature reserve the next day until closing time. Matmon subscribers are entitled to a 25% discount on campsite.
Notes/restrictions: Entry to campground from 15:00 to 19:00. Departure time: 11:00 on day of departure. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: by prior arrangement through the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Jordan River Park
The Jordan River Park (Park HaYarden) is located in Beit Tzeida (Beithsaida) valley, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, not far from where it flows into the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). It is a nature park that combines fascinating historical sites and springs that pass through the park on their way to the Sea of Galilee. It contains plentiful water and greenery. The Jordan Park offers facilities for overnight stays.
Region in Israel: North of Lake Kinneret.
Accommodation options: The park offers a campground for private tents in one of the beautiful spots along the Jordan River to your choice - on the banks of Ein Mashpa Spring or near the shallow water pools and the flour mills. In addition, accommodation is offered in a large Bedouin tent (minimum of 15 people) with mattresses, electricity and lighting. The park also has an option for caravan parking with water and electricity connections.
What's in the campsite: Restrooms, showers with hot water, picnic tables and floodlights at night throughout the park. In the Bedouin tent, there is access to bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and a room with refrigerators. You can light a cooking grill and a campfire throughout the park; just make sure you are far away from any trees. The park has plenty of attractions for visitors such as sailing and rafting in the Jordan River, guided tours including night audio-visual tours and lantern tours, fishing channels, hiking trails and bicycle trails.
How to get there: Waze – Jordan River Park.
Routes and sites in the area: Jordan River Park sites, Daliyot River Estuary (The Majrase), Bethsaida Nature Reserve, the Zaki, Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve, and the Meshushim Stream Nature Reserve, Gamla Nature Reserve, Korazim National Park.
Prices:
Entrance to a private vehicle and overnight stay in a private tent - NIS 100 per night per family.
Accommodation in a Bedouin tent for a group - NIS 80 per night per person.
Caravan connection - NIS 260 per night.
Notes/restrictions: entrance to the park from 8:00, departure the next day until 4:00 pm. The use of amplification systems is prohibited. Dogs are allowed, but they must be leashed during the stay.
Booking: By phone 04-6923422 or on the website.
The Indian village
The Indian Village is located behind Moshav Avnei Eitan, in the south of the Golan Heights, on the cliff of Nahal El-Al, right above the Black Waterfall - and is a convenient starting point for all the activities the Golan has to offer. Over the years, visitors were accommodated in special "Tipi" tents that gave the site its name, but recently the campsite underwent an extensive renovation and the traditional Indian tents were replaced by Yurts - air-conditioned and heated Mongolian tents that allow accommodation even in winter.
Region in Israel: Golan Heights.
Accommodation options: air-conditioned yurts equipped with lighting, power outlets, mattresses and parquet flooring. Every tent has its own bathroom (minimum 4 persons), or furnished and equipped wooden cabin yurts with bedrooms, living room, TV, toilet and shower inside the tent and a kitchenette.
What's at the campsite: grills, picnic tables and a public kitchen with refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwave, and hot and cold water. Breakfast can be added at a separate cost.
How to get there: Waze - the Indian village, Avnei Eitan
Routes and sites in the area: El Al Nature Reserve - the Black Waterfall and the White Waterfall, El Al Stream's Promenade, Nov Meadow Nature Reserve, Ein Orcha Springs, Ein Kanaf Spring.
Prices:
Accommodation in an air-conditioned yurt - NIS 135 per person per night.
Accommodation in a couple's yurt-zimmer (breakfast included) - NIS 650 per couple per night during the week, NIS 750 on weekends and holidays.
Accommodation in a family yurt-zimmer (breakfast included) - NIS 800 per couple per night during the week, NIS 900 on weekends and holidays. NIS 135 extra for a child.
Booking: by phone 04-6762151 or on the website.
Lower Jordan River Park
The most familiar part of the Jordan River is the mountainous Jordan located north to the Sea of Galilee. On the South of the Kinneret, the flow of the river continues for 2 km, up to the Alumot Dam which completely blocks the natural flow of water coming from the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
This section which extends between the Degania Dam and the Alumot Dam, is officially called the Lower Jordan River, but many mistakenly call it "Yardenit" – named after the Christian baptism site, located at the river's outlet from the Sea of Galilee. In recent years, the Jordan Valley Regional Council has been cultivating the southern section of the Jordan River – allowing visitors to enjoy nature and relax.
Region in Israel: South Sea of Galilee / Jordan Valley.
Accommodation options: outdoor accommodation in private tents.
What's at the campsite: there are no camping facilities, so you should bring all necessary equipment. At the nearby sailing site, there are toilets, showers and seating areas.
How to get there: Waze – Rob Roy. There you can park the car and continue on foot south along the river and choose a spot.
Routes and sites in the area: the "Rob Roy" kayak site, the "Yardanit" baptism site, the Degania Dam, the Kinneret Group cemetery, the motor house and the eucalyptus grove named after Naomi Shemer (a leading Israeli musician and songwriter), a historic building for the preservation of the Emek railway station in Zemach, a rope park at the entrance to the Jordan beach - Kinneret, climbing wall in Kibbutz Afikim. The campsite is on the "Israel Trail" route.
Prices: free of charge.
Notes/Restrictions: bathing in the river can be dangerous and is at the visitor's own risk. The accommodation area must be cleaned upon departure.
Booking: no prior arrangement is necessary.
Maayan Harod National Park
Maayan Harod National Park is a refreshing recreational park at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where the Harod spring rises in a cave and flows into a stream. The waters flow along a clear brook into a large paddling pool and into other streams flowing throughout the national park. On the slope above the spring overlooking the valley is the home and family grave of Yehoshua and Olga Hankin - which serve as a museum and tell the stories of Hankin's life, one of the prominent Zionists in Israel and the redeemer of the lands of the valley. In the park, there is an overnight campsite operated by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Region in Israel: Emek Harod / Jezreel Valley.
Accommodation options: The overnight campsite offers visitors outdoor accommodation with private tents (you can rent a mattress - depending on availability), as well as a campsite for caravans with water and electricity outlets.
What's in the campsite: benches and picnic tables, toilets and showers with hot water, lampposts, bonfire areas, faucets and sinks for washing dishes, mobile phone charging units and a field kitchen with refrigerators. In addition, the National Park has a service and sales center for food products, snacks and related equipment.
How to get there: Waze - Harod Spring National Park
Routes and sites in the area: Harod Spring, HaGilboa Nature Reserve, Gan Hashlosha National Park (Sahne), HaKibbutzim spring, HaMa'ayanot Park, Beit She'an National Park, Kokhav HaYarden National Park, Tabor Stream (Nahal Tavor).
Prices:
Accommodation in a private tent - 65 NIS for an adult (from the age of 18), 50 NIS for a child (from the age of 5). Mattress rental - NIS 10.
Caravan connection - NIS 80 + payment for camping according to number of people.
The cost includes a visit to the National Park the next day until 12:00. Matmon subscribers are entitled to a 25% discount on camping.
Notes/restrictions: Entry to overnight campground is from 3 PM to 10 PM. Tents and equipment must be removed from the site by noon on departure day. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: coordinate in advance through the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Gan HaShlosha (Sahne) Campsite
Park HaShlosha National Park, also known as "Ha'Sahne", is famous for its warm water springs and natural swimming pools, surrounded by trees and spacious lawns. The park has also a Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology as well as a reconstruction of Tower and Stockade site, which tells the story of the setting up of the Tower and Stockade settlements in the 1930s. On the hill next to the museum, the Nature and Parks Authority operates an overnight campsite.
Region in Israel: Ha'Ma'ayanot Valley
Accommodation options: accommodation with private tents (you can rent a mattress - depending on availability), as well as a campsite for Caravans with water and electricity hook-ups.
What's in the campsite: toilets and showers with hot water, drinking water taps, benches and picnic tables and charging units for mobile phones.
How to get there: Waze - Gan HaShlosha (Sahne) National Park
Routes and sites in the area: Harod Spring, the Gilboa Nature Reserve, the Australian park "Gan Guru", HaKibbutzim Spring and HaMa'ayanot Spring, Nahal HaAssi, Beit She'an National Park, Kokhav HaYarden National Park.
Prices:
Overnight stay is possible for groups only by prior arrangement.
Notes/restrictions: Entry hours: from 18:00 to 20:00. Departure time: until 12:00 on the day of departure. Bonfires are prohibited. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: coordinate in advance through the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Yarkon Campsite
The Yarkon National Park - Yarkon Sources Area, offers a beautiful and tranquil clean Yarkon Stream with abundant water lilies, a wading pool, water birds, diverse vegetation and spacious and pleasant picnic areas.
In addition, on the site, you can see the Al-Mir Flour Mill – an old flour mill that was in operation during the Ottoman period, and The Concrete House – the first structure in Israel made of concrete. It was built by the “Palestine Company” in 1912 and was used as a pumping station that delivered water to the orange groves of Petah Tikva. Nearby is the Beit Leah site, where you can bathe in the stream. The National Park has an overnight campsite operated by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Region in Israel: The Dan Region
Accommodation options: The National Park offers the option of camping in a private family tent (mattress can be rented - depending on availability), or in a rented tent including mattresses (minimum 4 people). There is also an option for caravan parking.
What's at the campsite: toilets and showers, benches and picnic tables, a field kitchen with a gas stove and sinks, water taps, mobile phone charging units and more. The site operates a visitor service center with food, snacks, drinks and related equipment.
How to get there: Waze - Yarkon campsite
Routes and sites in the area: The Romantic Path – a beautiful path leading to the “concrete house”. Beit Leah, The Water Lilies pool, the Tel Afek area and the Antipatris fortress, the wading pools, the Tzedek Tower National Park. The campsite is on the "Israel Trail" route.
Prices:
Accommodation in a private tent - 55 NIS for an adult (from the age of 18), 40 NIS for a child (from the age of 5). Mattress rental - NIS 10.
Accommodation in a rented family tent (including a mattress) - NIS 80 for an adult (from age 18), NIS 65 for a child (from age 5)
Caravan Connection - NIS 60 + payment for overnight accommodation according to the number of people.
The cost includes a visit to the National Park the next day until closing time. Matmon subscribers are entitled to a 25% discount on camping accommodation.
Notes/restrictions: Entry hours: from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Departure time: until 11:00 on the day of departure. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: coordinate in advance through the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Ein Kobi Campsite
Begin Park, established in the south-western entrances of Jerusalem in honor of the sixth Prime Minister of the State of Israel Menachem Begin and his wife Aliza, is characterized by high hills decorated with Mediterranean grove trees and pine trees planted by KKL.
On the territory of the park is the Ein Kobi spring - one of the most beautiful springs in the Jerusalem mountains, and next to it are restored terraces with orchard trees. You can dip in the spring's outdoor pool as well as go down to the underground pool to a "wet crawling track". Next to the spring is an open night campsite operated by KKL.
Region in Israel: Jerusalem Mountains.
Accommodation options: outdoor accommodation in private tents
What's at the campsite: picnic tables and drinking water tap.
How to get there: Waze - Mevo Beitar. At the entrance to the Moshav continue driving on road 375. After about 700 meters enter the Begin Park. Drive about 1.5 km on the park road and reach the spring.
Routes and sites in the area: Hanut Ruins with mosaic and remains of a Byzantine church, the Caesar Trail, Ktalav spring, Begin Park path (intended for off-road vehicles), Re'faim spring. The campsite is on the "Israel Trail" route.
Prices: free of charge.
Notes/restrictions: do not light a fire except in authorized places as indicated on the signs. Groups of more than 50 people are required to coordinate accommodation in advance.
Booking: no need to coordinate in advance, except for groups (phone: Eli Yaakov, 050-7240773).
Eshkol Park
HaBesor National Park (Eshkol Park) is a green area on the banks of the Besor Stream. In the heart of the loess plains of the Western Negev rises a luxuriant spring surrounded by expansive grasslands and thousands of shade trees. Wading pools that are also suitable for toddlers have been prepared there. The National Park is a wonderful place for spending time in nature and an excellent starting point for trips to the Besor region; the Nature and Parks Authority operates an equipped overnight campsite there.
Region in Israel: Northern Negev.
Accommodation options: The National Park offers outdoor accommodation in private family tents (mattresses can be rented - depending on availability), or in rented tents including mattresses (minimum 4 people), or in a large permanent camp (minimum 20 people). In addition, there is a caravan parking on site.
What's at the campsite: picnic benches and tables, showers and restrooms, light poles, shade canopies, a fully equipped field kitchen with gas stoves, sinks and refrigerators, drinking water taps, mobile phone charging units, and bonfire areas. Shabbat keepers can also pre-order Shabbat blech and samovar. There is also a service and sales center with food, drinks and related equipment.
How to get there: Waze - Eshkol (HaBesor) Campsite
Routes and sites in the area: HaBesor View Road and HaBesor Spring Nature Reserve routes, the Suspension Bridge, Tel Gama, Ze'ela Dairy, Miriam Labyrinth, "The Salad Trail", Hemdat Sadot Medical Plant Farm in Moshav Pri Gan, Moreshet Barzel (Iron Heritage) Museum. The campsite is close to the centers of the "Darom Adom" (Red South) festival and the blooming of anemones in February.
Prices:
Accommodation in private tents - 55 NIS for an adult (from the age of 18), 40 NIS for a child (from the age of 5). Mattress rental - NIS 10.
Accommodation in a rented camp/tent (including a mattress) - NIS 80 for an adult (from age 18), NIS 65 for a child (from age 5).
Caravan Connection - NIS 80 + payment for overnight accommodation according to the number of people.
The cost includes a visit to the National Park the next day until closing time. Matmon subscribers are entitled to a 25% discount on campsite accommodation.
Entry hours: from 15:00 to 21:00. Departure time: until 10:00 on the day of departure. Pets are not allowed. Operation of amplification systems is prohibited.
Booking: coordinate in advance through the Nature and Parks Authority website.