If there's something that Israelis love is grilling. Ynet has compiled a list for you to choose the best site for your next cookout.
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But first, we must remember that we must protect nature – both for those visiting after us and for the wild animals that call it home. After cooking, make sure not to leave any burning coals and dispose of them in the instructed area or to dig a hole and bury them. Remember to also throw away the trash responsibly.
Northern Israel
Hurshat Tal
The Hurshat Tal Nature Reserve is a 700-acre site that includes sprawling meadows, a large lake fed by cool water channels originating from the Dan River, and an oak forest that boasts ancient and stunning oak trees, as well as a variety of picnic spots scattered throughout.
At the end of winter, the meadows are covered in a stunning bloom of anemones, and in the adjacent nature reserve, rare orchids bloom in the spring. The site also features an organized overnight parking lot operated by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Lohamim Campground – Shifon Forest
Located in the Golan Heights, the Lohamim Campground is home to about ten picnic tables shaded by oak trees. The campground also holds a memorial commemorating the 74 soldiers who fought in the area during the Yom Kippur War.
Hamama Ruins Campground
Hamama Ruins Campground is situated on Mount Meron, en route to the highest peak in the Galilee. Dozens of picnic tables are scattered in the shade of the oak and terebinth trees, and nearby ruins of ancient Ottoman-era buildings can be seen.
In addition, the location is certified as an overnight camping zone and serves Israeli hikers on camping trips.
Ma'ayan Harod
Ma'ayan Harod National Park is a nature reserve located at the foot of Mount Gilboa. In the park, the stream of Gideon’s Spring flows from a cave and feeds a large and stunning pool, perfect for families, in addition to various other streams throughout the national park where visitors can also swim.
On the hill above the spring, visitors can see the Hankin Farm and the home of Yehoshua and Olga Hankin, which serves as a museum and tells the story of the lives of the prominent Hankin family, responsible for land purchases from Ottoman authorities.
The park has dozens of picnic tables and benches, as well as an organized overnight parking lot run by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Nabi Hazuri Campground
The campground is situated at the entrance to the Hazuri Stream, located at the foot of Mount Hermon, with large oak trees and picnic tables. Children can wander around and search for animal tracks and wildlife, and visitors can enjoy the view of the Hermon Mountains and continue on trails to the Hazuri Stream.
Curious visitors can also explore the nearby Nimrod Fortress, and pass through secret passages, guard halls, and impressive gates, as recommended by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Beit She'arim
Beit She'arim, located in the Lower Galilee, was an important Jewish settlement in the days of the Second Temple and into the Middle Ages. Its heyday was between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE when it housed the Sanhedrin led by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi - the religious, spiritual, and political leader of the Jewish people during that period, who compiled the Mishnah.
The site is located in a small valley surrounded by rounded hills, from which visitors can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery. From the south, you can see Mount Carmel, and from the north, you can see the Jezreel Valley.
Beit She'arim is home to a series of catacombs, underground chambers that served as burial sites, and are decorated with unique and ancient Jewish art. The site is now a national park and is open to visitors year-round.
Harish Cookout Park
Two years ago, the Harish municipality of established a special cookout park in the heart of the natural forest that surrounds the city. It includes five equipped barbecue corners, ten locations to cook with your own equipment, and even pita-baking facilities for children.
The park also offers tables, chairs, and benches. The picnic areas are separated from each other and located in “pockets” surrounded by low stone walls. Facilities were also installed for the safe disposal of coals at a safe distance from the trees. The park also has faucets and trash cans, and is accessible to handicapped people.
Ein Roim Campground
The Ein Roim Campground is located next to a small spring whose waters flow into a small pool that was used mainly in growing cattle in the past. In the 1990s, the water was piped into the pool, but its level is still dependent on the amount of rainfall. Near the pool, shaded picnic tables are located.
Odem Forest
In the Golan Heights lies the Odem Forest - a vast and impressive oak forest, which includes a nature reserve that protects rare plant species and many wild animals that call the forest their home. In forest, there are many picnic areas with tables and trash cans, hiking trails, and quiet corners to enjoy the scenery.
Amnon Beach - Sea of Galilee
Amnon Beach is the only beach in the Sea of Galilee that is defined as a Blue Flag beach - an international standard in the field of environmental education, water quality, safety, cleanliness, services, and environmental management.
It’s a beautiful beach with an impressive bay that is highly sought after by many families from all parts of the country. In the area you can find toilets, showers, barbecue pits, and tables.
Gofra Beach - Sea of Galilee
The name of Gofra Beach is derived from the natural mineral spring located there, which is unique to the Sea of Galilee, and its beach strip that’s about 900 meters long.
The beach is characterized by the abundance of eucalyptus trees that create a pastoral atmosphere. The beach has a slope that is suitable for launching boats, jet skis, and boats, as well as a well-equipped camping site available for rent.
Central Israel
Yarkon National Park - Yarkon Springs
The Yarkon National Park complex offers a beautiful sight of the clean and abundant Yarkon river, its yellow water lilies, waterfowl, diverse flora, and spacious and pleasant picnic areas.
Additionally, the site features the Al-Mir Mill - an old flour mill from the Ottoman period, and "The Concrete House" - the first building in Israel built of concrete. The structure was built in 1912 and served as a water pumping station that supplied water to the orchards of Petah Tikva.
Nearby is the site of Beit Leah, where visitors can swim in the river. The national park has dozens of picnic tables and a well-organized overnight parking lot operated by the Nature and Parks Authority.
Burma Road Campground
Burma Road is a traffic route that was breached during Israel’s Independence War in 1948, in the battles for Jerusalem.
KKL-JNF has invested enormous efforts in depicting the atmosphere that prevailed on Burma Road, which was a lifeline for Jerusalem under siege. Along the road are several campgrounds and facilities for barbecuing.
Ein Hemed National Park
Ein Hemed National Park is located in Nahal Ksalon, along Jerusalem’s mountains. The site sits on the ancient Roman road that once led to Jerusalem, and during the Middle Ages, a fortress was built there to control freedom of movement to the holy city and allow safe passage for Christian pilgrims on their way to it.
Next to the springs that flow in the area, agricultural farms were established that utilized the water for irrigation. The Crusaders called the site "Aqua Bella" - "beautiful water" - and its Arabic name, "Iqbalah," is a corruption of the Latin name.
Today, the site is a national park mainly intended for recreation and tourism, and it includes a large area with shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
Southern Israel
Tel Ashkelon National Park
Tel Ashkelon National Park combines an intriguing archaeological site, a nature-filled park, and a wonderful beach.
A city from the Middle Canaanite period was excavated in the park, surrounded by a massive rampart with the world's oldest arched gate. The southern part of the national park preserves the flora and fauna of the coastal plain dunes.
The organized overnight camping in the park offers a beach, spacious areas with trees and shade, and a pleasant view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Old Be'eri Nakhbir Campground
The lands in Nakhbir were acquired by KKL-JF in the 1930s, and Kibbutz Be'eri was established on October 6, 1946. The campground at the site is equipped with picnic tables, water fountains, and barbecue stands - and visitors are also invited to visit the old Be'eri site, a defensive edifice that stood during Israel’s Independence War.
Eshkol Park
HaBsor National Park (Eshkol Park) is a pastoral corner on the banks of Nahal Basor, in the heart of the Negev. It’s a wonderful place for picnics and walks in nature, and an excellent base for trips to the Bsor region.
The park has thousands of palm trees, flowing water, unique hidden spots, and also features the Ein HaBsor springs that feed a system of picturesque pools. The park also has an organized night campground with showers, restrooms, cooking facilities, and outdoor lighting.
Carmel Grove
On the southern slopes of the Judean Mountains, connecting with the Negev Desert, lies a small grove with a beautiful picnic spot for families.
Colorful Sand Park – Mitzpe Ramon
The Colorful Sand Park is located in the Yeruham Crater and is very suitable for picnics and rest after a trip in the area. Visitors can start from the scenic road that leads from Yeruham and arrive at the Mount Avnon lookout before descending to the crater.
From there, after a few minutes drive down, to the campgrounds with eucalyptus trees and colorful sand. There are shaded areas, tables, and benches in the area, fit for a break or for eating. Near the crater’s exit, there is a small spring called Ein Yorkeam in which visitors can dip.
Sapir Park
Sapir Park located in the Arava is a green and magical oasis in the heart of the desert, stretching over about 150 acres and located in the Lost Valley near the Arava Highway. The park features a large natural lake and a waterfall surrounded by greenery, palm trees and local flora and fauna.
The park has spacious lawns, quiet corners for picnicking by the water, and even a caravan parking lot. The park is accessible and adapted for handicapped people.
Mount Yehoram Campground
On Mount Yehoram, located about 12 km north of Eilat, is the recommended overnight campground, used most by Israeli hikers along the Israel National Trail.
This is an open overnight parking lot operated by the Nature and Parks Authority, which has undergone significant renovations in recent years to make the area's hiking trails more friendly and accessible.
The campground offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Eilat and the surrounding area, and features water faucets, toilets, and firepits for lighting bonfires.