Amareen Campsite

An amazing, inexpensive place to base yourself for exploring Petra. Located about 10 kilometers from the main entrance gate to Petra, the Amareen Campsite is a chance to interact with Bedouins during your visit to Jordan. We enjoyed the warm hospitality of sitting around the camp fire each evening and sharing tea with good conversation. We camped out for three nights and except for a sand storm (a very rare occurrence) it was marvelous.

The camp is nestled amidst rocks that make you feel like you never left Petra, and though the goat-hair tents with simple mattresses upon a blanketed sand floor may seem primitive…I’ve camped in much worse. They have proper flushing toilets and showers with warm water (contingent upon how many others are present and when you decide to shower). Although you are about a twenty minute drive from main Petra, the campsite is right next door to Little Petra, which isn’t as well attended, but free of charge and very interesting.

The rates are inexpensive compared to what you will find in Wadi Musa, and don’t be abashed by what seems like a ridiculous surcharge for half-day board (you can also pay for full day board – but you will obviously be having lunch elsewhere, so opt for the breakfast + dinner option). It is only pricey in comparison to how little you are paying for lodging and relatively cheap versus what you would pay anyway around this major attraction.

A final tip if you stay here --- I got a laugh from my buddy who accompanied me on this sojourn when I would bid him adieu for the evening by exclaiming “good night, sleep tight, don’t let the Bedouins bite”. Somehow fitting since I am composing this review in pursuit of the Bedbug award here on TB!