Where you can sleep
In nature reserves there is one simple, important rule: you sleep only inside a designated night campsite.
In nature reserves: campsites only
Inside nature reserves you may sleep only inside a designated night campsite. Sleeping outside the campsite area is strictly forbidden, because it disturbs the wildlife.
Where are the campsites?
The site's night campsite map shows every campsite in the country, free and paid.
Private and agricultural land
On private or agricultural land, ask the owner for permission before staying the night.
Free vs. paid campsites
There are two main kinds of Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) night campsites, plus KKL sites in the forests.
Free INPA campsites ("sign campsites")
Open to everyone, with no advance booking: first come, first served. There is no infrastructure, so bring your own water.
Paid INPA campsites
Advance booking only, through the online booking system on the INPA website. Usually with toilets, and sometimes showers.
KKL forest campsites
KKL runs picnic and overnight sites in many forests. Rules, facilities and availability differ from site to site, and some forests may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. Always check the KKL website before you go.
Fires and cooking
A campfire is part of the experience, but only in the right place and with care.
Only in the marked spot
At free INPA campsites, fires are allowed only in the designated spots. Bring your own firewood: don't collect wood or branches in the reserve.
Gas stoves
Gas stoves for cooking are allowed.
Fire bans
In hot, dry periods fire bans may be declared. Check the INPA and KKL websites before you go.
Put it out completely
Put the fire out completely with water before you sleep and before you leave.
Firing zones (IDF training areas)
Many open areas, especially in the south, are IDF training areas. Some routes on this site pass through them.
Always coordinate in advance
Entering a firing zone always requires coordination and approval in advance from the IDF coordination center of the relevant command.
The status changes
The status changes according to the security situation: some areas can be closed even on weekends and holidays. Never assume an area is open. Check and coordinate before every trip.
Coordination for the south
Call one of the numbers, or send an SMS only to the mobile number.
Other areas
For other areas, and for which areas are currently open: check the latest IDF Spokesperson announcement. Before holidays it publishes which firing zones are open and the coordination numbers. If you can't confirm an area is open, don't enter it.
Unexploded ordnance
If you see unexploded ordnance or a suspicious object: don't touch it, move away and report it immediately.
Leave no trace
To keep campsites and trails open and clean, everyone leaves the place as they found it, or better.
Trash
Take all your trash with you, including food scraps.
Nature
Don't pick plants or damage nature.
Toilet
Far from water sources and trails, and bury or pack out.
Quiet at night
Keep quiet at night: others are sleeping too, and so is the wildlife.
Short checklist before you go
Five questions to answer before every trip. Your ticks are saved in the browser.
Ready to pick a campsite?
Every night campsite on one map, and the emergency numbers to save in your phone.
