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. Featured in Lonely Planet.
Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Bar
Shared Kitchen
WIFI
PARKING
Air conditioning
Accommodation
Accommodation types and capacities change. Confirm the current unit type, occupancy, facilities, and bedding directly with Shkedi’s Camplodge before booking.
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. Confirm current transport options directly with the property. |
| 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 | Current unit inventory and capacity are not stated here. Confirm the available accommodation type and occupancy directly with Shkedi's Camplodge. |
| Check current rates and terms with the property. | Check current rates and terms with the property. |
| Check-in / check-out | contact property directly at +972-52-231-7371 or shkedi.camplodge@gmail.com |
| 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 private vehicle is recommended. We did not confirm a current regular public-transport connection, so ask the property before planning travel without a car.
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.