If you're wondering how to choose a Wadi Rum desert camp and which camp is best for families, this guide is for you.

Quick answer: Where Should Families Stay in the Wadi Rum desert?

The best Wadi Rum desert camp for families isn't necessarily the most expensive one. What matters most is choosing a camp with the right balance of location, facilities, comfort and included activities. For families, I'd prioritise a private bathroom, air conditioning, meals included, good reviews and a jeep tour you trust over Instagram-worthy bubble tents.

When we researched where to stay in Wadi Rum with kids, we quickly discovered that camps vary hugely. Some are little more than basic tents, while others feel more like remote desert resorts. The photos can also be misleading, which makes reading recent reviews particularly important.

This guide explains exactly what to look for in a Wadi Rum desert camp, whether bubble camps are worth it, what's usually included, and the mistakes we'd avoid if booking again.

Just a quick note: some links in this guide are affiliate links. This doesn't affect the price you pay, and we only recommend camps and booking tools we'd happily use ourselves.

How to Choose a Wadi Rum Desert Camp

Most families start by looking at the photos. I'd actually start with what's included. When you're staying in the middle of the desert, practical things matter far more than they do in a normal hotel.

Before booking, check:

• Is transport included from Wadi Rum Visitor Centre?

• Are breakfast and dinner included? there are no local restaurants in the desert!

• Does the room have a private bathroom?

• Is there air conditioning or heating?

• Is Wi-Fi available?

• Is a jeep tour included? do you even need or want a jeep tour? we booked ours independently of our accommodation

• Are family rooms available? Where will the keeps actually be sleeping?

• What do other families say about their stay - watch out for little to no reviews, camps can change there may to 'reset' their reviews if they aren't favourable

The best family camps answer these questions clearly before you book.

Should You Choose a Bubble Camp or a Traditional Tent?

This is usually the biggest decision.

Bubble Camps

Bubble camps look incredible in photographs and are often the camps that appear all over social media.

Pros:

• panoramic desert views

• unique experience

• excellent stargazing

• memorable for kids

Cons:

• often more expensive

• privacy can vary

• some become very warm in direct sun

• not all bubbles are fully transparent despite the marketing

For one night, many families love the novelty.

Glass Bubble or White Plastic Bubble?

This is something many first-time visitors don't realise: not all "bubble camps" are the same.

The premium camps tend to use large glass or clear panoramic dome designs, which give uninterrupted desert views during the day and allow you to stargaze from your bed at night. That's the big selling point — you're paying for the experience of waking up surrounded by the landscape rather than simply sleeping in the desert.

Cheaper camps often use plastic or partially transparent domes. These can still be comfortable and enjoyable, but the views are usually more limited than the marketing photos suggest. That's why I'd always recommend checking recent guest photos rather than relying on the professional images.

The price difference can be significant. The more premium glass bubble camps were often 50–100% more expensive than standard dome or tent accommodation, especially during peak travel periods.

We actually stayed in a plastic bubble, and honestly, it worked perfectly well for our family. It felt much larger inside than it looked online, had its own private bathroom and shower, and comfortably accommodated an extra bed for Joshua.

Because we visited in April, air conditioning was more important to us than heating. Our room technically had air conditioning, although it wasn't particularly effective, but temperatures were mild enough that it didn't become a problem.

Looking back, the biggest lesson is this: Don't book a camp purely because it looks amazing in photos. Prioritise reviews, private bathrooms, family room setup and what's included. The desert views are incredible wherever you stay.

Family-Friendly Camp Recommendations

Premium Glass Dome Experience

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

• Famous for its panoramic domes

• Excellent desert views

• Private bathrooms

• Popular with families wanting a special experience

If waking up to panoramic Wadi Rum views is high on your bucket list, check current prices for Memories Aicha Luxury Camp.

Best Mid-Range Family Option

Hasan Zawaideh Camp

• Comfortable family accommodation

• Private bathrooms

• Good balance of comfort and value

• Often includes meal packages and tours

• Strong reputation and reviews

Want a balance between comfort, price and family-friendly facilities? Take a look at Hasan Zawaideh Camp.

I've only included a small number of camp recommendations because the quality and facilities can vary enormously between Wadi Rum camps. This is less about safety concerns and more about making sure you actually get the experience you're paying for — things like private bathrooms, air conditioning, included meals, reliable transport and comfortable family accommodation aren't always as they appear in promotional photos.

Traditional Desert Tents

Traditional tents vary enormously in quality. Some are very basic.

Others feel closer to hotel rooms with:

• beds

• en-suite bathrooms

• air conditioning

• proper heating

Pros:

• often better value

• more authentic atmosphere

• usually larger family options

Cons:

• less dramatic views from inside the room

• easier for camps to hide poor quality behind clever photography

Best Value Traditional Desert Tent: Hasan Zawaideh Camp

If you'd prefer a traditional desert tent experience rather than a bubble dome, Hasan Zawaideh Camp is one of the strongest family-friendly options in Wadi Rum. It offers private bathrooms, comfortable family accommodation, good food and a range of jeep tour options, while still maintaining the feel of a traditional desert camp.

What we like:

• Private bathroom options

• Family rooms available

• Good balance of comfort and value

• Dinner and breakfast packages available

• Jeep tours and desert experiences easy to arrange

• Strong reputation and reviews

Looking for a comfortable, family-friendly desert camp without paying luxury bubble-camp prices? Check availability at Hasan Zawaideh Camp — it's a great option for families wanting an authentic Wadi Rum experience with the comforts that matter most.

What's Usually Included in a Wadi Rum Desert Camp?

This varies more than most people expect.

Some camps include:

• transport from the visitor centre

• breakfast

• dinner

• tea and coffee

• jeep tours (optional)

Others charge separately for almost everything.

Before booking, make sure you understand:

• what meals are included

• whether the jeep tour is included

• whether transport is included

• if there are extra local taxes or charges

A camp can look cheap initially and end up costing more once all the extras are added.

For more practical family tips on visiting Wadi Rum, see: Wadi Rum With Kids: A Practical Guide

Should You Book Your Jeep Tour Through Your Camp?

It depends. Many camps either run their own jeep tours or organise them through trusted local operators.

This can make logistics much easier. However, it's worth knowing you don't always have to book directly through the camp.

We actually cancelled one of our original bookings because we felt pressured into purchasing additional tours we didn't want. It didn't feel right, so we moved on and booked elsewhere. This camp was Adel Rum Camp.

Our advice:

• understand exactly what's included

• read reviews

• don't feel pressured into upgrades

Read Wadi Rum Jeep Tour With Kids: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Review for our experience of the tour itself.

Final Verdict: How to Choose a Wadi Rum Desert Camp

For families, the best Wadi Rum desert camp is the one that makes the logistics easy and the experience comfortable. Don't get too distracted by dramatic photos.

Prioritise:

• recent reviews

• private bathrooms

• family rooms

• what's included

Get those right and you'll have an amazing Wadi Rum experience regardless of whether you're sleeping in a bubble dome or a traditional desert tent.

FAQs: Choosing a Desert Camp in Wadi Rum for Families

What is the best Wadi Rum desert camp for families?

The best camp is one with strong reviews, family rooms, private bathrooms and clear information about what's included. For most families, a good mid-range camp offers the best balance of comfort and value.

Is a bubble camp worth it in Wadi Rum?

Yes, if the experience is important to you. Bubble camps offer fantastic views and stargazing, but they are usually more expensive than traditional camps.

Do Wadi Rum camps include meals?

Most camps include dinner and breakfast, but always check before booking as inclusions vary.

Do you need a private bathroom in Wadi Rum?

For most families, yes. After a day of jeep tours and desert activities, having your own bathroom is well worth the extra cost.

To read more about our experience on a Wadi Rum Jeep tour, see: Wadi Rum Jeep Tour With Kids: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Review

Is one night enough in Wadi Rum?

For most families, one night is enough to enjoy a jeep tour, sunset, dinner and stargazing.

Read Wadi Rum With Kids: A Practical Guide for a full family overview.

Should you stay in Wadi Rum or visit as a day trip?

We'd strongly recommend staying overnight. Watching sunset and sunrise in the desert is a big part of the experience and something you'd miss on a day trip.

If you are unsure how to fit Wadi Rum into your Jordan Itinerary, see: 9-Day Jordan Family Itinerary: Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum & Aqaba Road Trip

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About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.