Best Places to Visit in the UAE by Camper Van

Camper vans and recreational vehicles (RVs) are becoming popular in the United Arab Emirates thanks to good roads, compact distances between emirates, and developed infrastructure. Thanks to these qualities, people can travel between cities, mountains, and coastlines in 1-2 days and enjoy all the gems the UAE has to offer. 

Camper vans are perfect for romantic trips and fun outings with friends and family, and offer the opportunity to enjoy a nomadic lifestyle and the UAE’s landscapes. This article is a brief selection of convenient, accessible routes to the most spectacular places in UAE, suitable for camper vans and RVs.

QUICK GUIDE: Main Camper Van Routes in the UAE

The UAE is ideal for camper van and RV travel thanks to smooth roads, short distances, and developed infrastructure. Best routes for camper vans and RVs:

• Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah): Mountain road with smooth asphalt, panoramic views, and spacious parking areas.
• Fujairah Coastal Drive: Scenic coastal route with beaches, cafes, and a cooler climate.
• Al Ain & Jebel Hafeet: City-friendly drive with palm oases, wide roads, and iconic mountain scenery.
• Dubai to Hatta: Popular weekend route with wadis, desert landscapes, and cultural sites.
• Abu Dhabi Corniche: Urban coastal drive with sea views and full city infrastructure.
• Sharjah – Khor Fakkan Road: Asphalted route with tunnels, mountains, and ocean views.

Useful Information:

• Most routes are available without off-road driving. 
• Official camping sites provide parking, toilets, and overnight accommodation. 
• The best season for camper van trips is from October to April.

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Why the UAE Is Great for Camper Van and RV Travel

If you are an adventure seeker and regular trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no longer new to you, a camper van will open new horizons, allowing you to enjoy everything the UAE has to offer fully. Travel between any emirates is permitted and safe. That’s why the RV format is ideal for

• High-quality highways and serpentine roads: The UAE offers modern, smooth roads free of potholes and bumps, as well as well-maintained mountain roads for comfortable travel in camper vans.
• Short distances between locations: In 1-3 hours, you can radically change the atmosphere and location.
• Developed cities and coastal regions: Gas stations, 24-hour shops, cafes, toilets, and showers are readily available along the way. 
• Many locations are accessible without leaving the road։ Almost all highways are well-surfaced, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your car by driving off-road. 
• A pleasant climate for most of the year: From October to April, the weather is comfortable for this type of travel. In addition, camper vans are often equipped with good air conditioning and cooling systems.

Jebel Jais Road Trip (Ras Al Khaimah)

An asphalted mountain road with smooth serpentines and scenic views of the desert, especially at night. Perfect for camper vans and RVs without off-road preparation.

Why it works for camper vans: Spacious parking areas, easy access, and plenty of stops for enjoying the views, the route offers breathtaking views of the mountains of Musandam and Hajar Mountains, panoramic vistas of the desert, and a clear night sky for stargazing.

Fujairah Coastal Drive

A coastal road winding along the mountains and beaches, featuring a milder climate and greener landscapes. The trip’s pace is relaxed, ideal for scenic exploration.

Why it works for RV travel: Smooth roads, coastal stops, cafes, hotels, and parking along the way. Routes run along the coast, near the beach, with panoramic views and access to beach resort areas.

Al Ain City Scenic Drive

Experience a lush city landscape with palm forests and landmarks along the winding ascent of Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi’s tallest mountain. Known for its 60 hairpin bends and breathtaking scenery, it’s renowned as one of the world’s top driving roads, with a stop at Green Mubazzarah Park at the base.

Why it works for camper vans: Wide streets and straightforward navigation make it ideal for families. Highlights include oasis areas, acacia forest, and a neighborhood surrounded by nature. This makes it an excellent spot for short breaks or city camping.

Hatta Mountain Route (Dubai to Hatta)

A scenic mountain road featuring cultural sites and natural views. A popular weekend route, perfect for hiking and enjoying the surroundings.

Why it works for camper vans: The main road is accessible without off-road vehicles. Travelers can enjoy wadi landscapes, desert views, areas surrounded by dunes, and safe dune drives for light adventure.

Abu Dhabi Corniche and Coastal Drive

Excellent urban route with sea views, modern districts, and waterfront boardwalks. Ideal for camping trips and short RV trips without leaving city infrastructure.

Why it works: Well-suited for camper van travelers who want comfort. Opportunities to spend the night or camp overnight are available at designated sites with proper sanitation facilities.

Bateen Liwa

The Liwa Oasis is a major oasis in the Western Region of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.

Why it works: This route combines desert landscapes with accessible camping zones. If you love peace, meditative relaxation, and spending time alone with your thoughts, you won’t find a better place. 

Sharjah to Khor Fakkan Scenic Road

One of the most beautiful asphalted routes in the UAE, featuring tunnels, mountain passes, and ocean views.

Why it works for RV cars: Safe and relaxed driving on a good road surface, clear parking, and no special preparation needed. Access to Musandam and Umm Al Quwain along the way, with some of the best camping areas and one of the best camping spots for overnight stays.

Practical Tips for Camper Van Travel in the UAE

We have compiled tips and hacks to help make your trip comfortable and memorable, and to warn you about potential challenges you may encounter. 

• Plan your route: In the UAE, it is essential to know in advance where you are allowed to stop and stay overnight, especially if your route passes through desert or mountainous areas.
• Camping activities: Choose only licensed camping sites where you can legally set up your camp and, subject to the rules, have a bonfire in a designated area. When planning your route, consider which nearby locations in Dubai to visit, and check the infrastructure around the campsite in advance, including whether there is a firing range in the area, as such facilities may affect accessibility and visiting hours.
• Choosing the time of your trip: The best time for camper van travel is from October to April, when the climate is suitable for long journeys and outdoor recreation.
• Checking parking lots and permitted stops: Use only official camping sites and spots, because spontaneous stops and overnight stays are prohibited.
• Consider the dimensions of your camper van: Not all roads and parking lots are suitable for large vehicles, especially in cities and on mountain serpentines. Verify the van’s dimensions in the rental agreement. If the road is asphalted, has no restriction signs, and is used by public transport or trucks, then you can drive your camper van there.
• Basic rules for large vehicles: Observe speed limits, maintain a safe distance, and follow lane markings.
• Pack camping equipment: Make sure the camper is fully equipped with basic camping gear, can set up camp, and that campfires are permitted with a fire pit and firewood, as rules vary by location.

Choosing the Right Camper Van or RV for Your Trip

The size and type of vehicle directly affect comfort, access to locations, and the ability to visit several camping areas in one trip. And of course, check the capacity to ensure all passengers are comfortable.

• Camper van vs. RV: Camper vans are more compact and better suited to city and coastal routes. Full-size RVs are suitable for long trips and desert camping, but require more driving experience.
• Selecting a vehicle for your route: At Octane.Rent, you can choose a camper van or RV for your trip without having to purchase a car. 

Camper Van Travel in the UAE

The UAE is suitable for comfortable RV trips. Many destinations are accessible without off-roading, including Al Qudra Lakes, kayaking areas, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and coastal campsites.

A well-planned route and a suitable camper van, fully equipped with everything you’ll need, allow you to combine desert adventure, elements of Bedouin culture, camel rides, setting up campfires, and reconnecting with nature.

If this experience and lifestyle appeal to you, but you’re unsure where to get a camper van, Octane.Rent is here to help. You can rent a camper VAN or camper van for as little as AED 650 per day.

Driving in deserts, on sand, or off-road in a rental car is prohibited because damage that occurs in these circumstances is not covered by insurance.