Shkedi’s Camplodge
About This Place
Shkedi’s Camplodge sits in Moshav Neot HaKikar, a small agricultural community at the southern end of the Dead Sea, set between the sea and the northern Arava Valley. Owner Gil Shkedi left his life in central Israel roughly twenty years ago to live in the desert, spent years leading jeep tours through the surrounding wadis, and eventually built the camplodge with his own hands to host the hikers and travelers he kept meeting on the trails.
The result is a place that feels genuinely lived in. Guests choose from wooden cabins, large group bungalows, tents, or two converted bus suites named Suite Bus and Dream Bus. A hammock dome, central bonfire, shared kitchen, and a bar stocked with beer, pizza, and local dates hold the community together in the evenings. Tripadvisor ranks it #1 of 7 specialty lodging properties in Neot HaKikar, with a score of 4.8 out of 5 from 92 reviews (as of 2025). Featured in Lonely Planet.
Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Bar
Shared Kitchen
WIFI
PARKING
Air conditioning
Accommodation
The two private wooden cabins are the most intimate option. The smaller cabin has two beds; the larger has four. Both are air-conditioned and include quality mattresses, bed linens, towels, and shower soap. These suit couples, pairs, and small families.
Suite Bus is a converted vehicle set apart from the main lodging complex, offering a private backyard with mountain views, an equipped grill, hammock, comfortable sofas, and a water fan for hot days. Inside: air-conditioned bedroom with double bed, living room with sleeping corner, fully equipped kitchen (sink, mini-fridge, espresso machine, cutlery), and private bathroom. For couples only.
Dream Bus mirrors the Suite Bus concept in colourful decor and full privacy. Private backyard with grill, mountain views, and seating. Air-conditioned bedroom and living room with two sofa-beds. Ideal for a couple; sleeps up to four.
The four group cabins (two sleeping 15, two sleeping 20) each have two air conditioners and quality mattresses, and suit school groups, army teams, or large friend groups. The two large tents (capacity 14 and 15) use evaporative desert coolers and quality mattresses on mats — genuine back-to-basics desert sleeping.
Note: linen is provided in private cabins and bus suites. Group bungalows and tents provide sleeping bags; guests may bring their own linen if preferred.
Who This Property Suits Best
Shkedi’s is a strong fit for backpackers, solo travelers, and couples who want a genuine desert experience rather than a spa hotel. The social atmosphere — bonfire, hammocks, bar, shared kitchen — is the draw. If you want quiet and privacy, book the Suite Bus or Dream Bus.
The property also works well for groups: school programs, scout trips, friend reunions, and small corporate retreats have all used the group cabins. Proximity to Masada, Mount Sodom, Wadi Perazim, and HaMakhtesh HaKatan (the Small Crater) makes it a natural trailhead accommodation.
This is a rustic property. The tents and group bungalows are clean but basic. Guests who need hotel-level comfort or a Dead Sea beach within walking distance should book elsewhere. You will need a car or must coordinate transport — the moshav has a small grocery and a restaurant within easy walking distance of the lodge.
Key Facts
| Location | Moshav Neot HaKikar, 86905. Approximately 30 minutes by car south of Ein Bokek beach, between the Dead Sea and the Arava region. |
| Getting there | Private vehicle recommended. Accessible by bus from Ein Bokek (approx. 30 min); confirm current bus schedule locally. Ben Gurion Airport is approximately 130 km (79 miles) away. |
| Accommodation type | Camplodge: wooden cabins (private), group bungalows (dorm and private), desert tents (large group), Suite Bus (couples), Dream Bus (couples/small family) |
| Units / rooms | 8 rooms total per Tripadvisor. Breakdown: 2 private wooden cabins (2-bed and 4-bed), 4 group cabins (2 x 15-person, 2 x 20-person), 2 tents (14- and 15-person), Suite Bus (couples only), Dream Bus (up to 4 guests) |
| Rates from | one aggregator cites approximately USD 49/night for dorm berths; private cabin rates higher. Verify at shkedig.com or booking platforms. |
| Check-in / check-out | contact property directly at +972-52-231-7371 or [email protected] |
| Best season | September to June. Property has historically closed or operated reduced services in the peak summer heat (July–August) — verify current status before booking. |
| Kosher / religious | no kosher certification mentioned on official site. Shared kitchen available for self-catering. Bar sells beer, soft drinks, and food. |
Outdoor Seating
Bar
Shared Kitchen
WIFI
PARKING
Air conditioning
Location and Surroundings
Neot HaKikar is a secular moshav (cooperative agricultural settlement) founded in 1970 at the southern tip of the Dead Sea, where Nahal Arava meets the Jordanian border. It is home to about 230 people and is known primarily for greenhouse agriculture — peppers, melons, and organic Medjool dates — and for the surrounding desert landscape.
The Camplodge is approximately 30 minutes by car south of Ein Bokek. Nearby hiking destinations include Wadi Perazim, Mount Sodom, HaMakhtesh HaKatan, Wadi Tamar, and the lower Wadi Peres riverbed. The Eco Desert Park visitor centre at the entrance to the moshavim organises family tours, bicycle trips, waterfall tours, and challenging hikes. Gil Shkedi also runs personal jeep tours into the desert on request.
FAQs
Do I need a car to stay at Shkedi's?
A car is strongly recommended. The moshav has no regular public transport link to main Dead Sea hotels. A bus from Ein Bokek takes approximately 30 minutes; verify the current schedule locally. The moshav has a small grocery store and a restaurant within walking distance.
Is Shkedi's suitable for families?
Yes, particularly for families comfortable with outdoor and rustic conditions. The wooden cabins and Dream Bus sleep small families. Children’s facilities are basic — this is a desert camp, not a resort.
When is the camplodge open?
Historically September through June. Summer operation during peak July–August heat should be confirmed directly with the property before booking.
Can I book a jeep tour through the camplodge?
Yes. Gil Shkedi leads inspirational adventure jeep tours through the surrounding wadis and desert. Book directly with the property.
What is the nearest Dead Sea beach?
Ein Bokek beach is approximately 30 minutes’ drive north. The camplodge itself is not on the Dead Sea shore.