Map Legend
The attached map shows campsites and overnight camping locations all around the shores of the Sea of Galilee, as well as in its surroundings. Camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee are a preferred option for many Israelis looking for a place to stay in nature or at a reasonable price near the Kinneret.
The camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee shown on the map are divided into 3 options:
- Free Camping at the Sea of Galilee – Camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee where you can pitch a tent and park your vehicle for free. These beaches are marked with a tent icon.
- Paid Parking, Free Camping – Camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee where you can pitch a tent for free but parking is paid (For pricing on camping at the Sea of Galilee at Kinneret Regional Council sites, click here). Free pedestrian entry. These sites are marked with a P icon.
- Paid Camping at the Sea of Galilee – Camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee where you can book various accommodation options: air-conditioned tents in the Kinneret / glamping in the Sea of Galilee, RV camping at the Sea of Galilee, family camping at Lake Tiberias. These sites are marked with a $ icon.
Clicking on each icon will open a window with details about the location and a link to an article with all the information, photos and directions for that particular campsite.
Table of Contents
About the Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, is a famous freshwater lake situated in northern Israel.
It holds the distinction of being the lowest freshwater lake on Earth at over 200 meters below sea level. With a circumference of around 53 km, the Sea of Galilee is roughly 21 km long and 13 km wide at its maximum, covering an area of nearly 167 square km.
Fed in part by underground springs, the lake’s primary source is the Jordan River which flows through it from north to south. Surrounding the Sea of Galilee are scenic landscapes and historic sites that attract many visitors to this unique region of Israel.
Camping at the Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is one of the most beautiful and beloved nature and recreation sites in Israel. Every summer, thousands of families, couples and groups come to camp at the Sea of Galilee to disconnect from routine and enjoy an unforgettable tent trip on the shores of the Kinneret.
It’s a unique experience that allows you to:
- Enjoy the scenic views of the Sea of Galilee
- Experience a natural and peaceful atmosphere away from the city
- Spend quality time with family or friends
- Sleep under the starry skies and wake up to the sounds of nature
- Disconnect from everyday life and get out into nature
Unlike a regular beach at the Sea of Galilee where you go for daylight hours, camping at the Kinneret also involves an overnight stay and a more extended visit.
Camping at the Sea of Galilee also requires bringing additional gear like tents, sleeping bags, clothing and food that allow for independent stay and accommodation in the field conditions.
Where can you camp at the Sea of Galilee?
Camping at the Sea of Galilee is currently possible at dozens of beaches and overnight campsites along the lake:
- Public beaches of the Kinneret Regional Council – Free entry, pay only for parking.
- Paid private campsites like Yarden Kinneret, Restel Beach, HaOn beach and more.
- Natural free beaches but without facilities.
- Youth hostels that also offer tent accommodations.
There are many types of camping at the Sea of Galilee and in the following paragraphs we’ll review all the options:
Free Camping at the Sea of Galilee
Free camping at the Sea of Galilee is divided into two – free camping + free parking, and free camping + paid parking.
Free Camping and Free Parking
There are several camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee where you can pitch a tent for free and parking is also free. These include:
- Rotem Shizaf camping
- Shittim Beach Campground
- HaShitim Beach Campground
- Sappirit Beach/Hursah Beach Campground
- Kfar Nahum Beach/Gino Beach Campground
However, it’s important to note that in most of these campsites there are no facilities at all, such as toilets, water, and showers, and entry into the water is prohibited. Additionally, there are some free northern campsites relatively close to the Sea of Galilee, such as:
- Switzerland Forest Campground
- Mevo Khama Campsite/Ein Tawfiq Campground
- Amfi Golan Campground
- Horshat Giv’at grove Campground
- Ma’ale Hashahar lake/River Daliot Estuary Lake Campground
Free Camping and Paid Parking
There are camping beaches at the Sea of Galilee, mainly by the Kinneret Regional Council, where camping is free and pedestrian entry to the beaches is also free, but vehicle parking is paid. At these beaches, there are usually various facilities such as:
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Changing rooms and showers
- Phone charging stations
- Electricity hookups
- Kiosks
- Security
- Lifeguards
A few years ago, the parking fees were unified across all the beaches under the Kinneret Regional Council, and today the cost is affordable (For the current camping pricing at Kinneret Regional Council campsites, please click here).
Sea of Galilee camping beaches with free entry and paid parking include:
- Susita Beach Camping
- Gofra Beach Camping
- Kursi Beach Camping
- Lavnun Beach Camping
- Halukim Beach Camping
- Golan Beach Camping
- Dougit Beach Camping
- Duga Beach Camping
- Kinar Beach Camping
- Amnon Beach Camping
- Hukuk Beach Camping
