With its lush green nature and mountainous landscape, Georgia is an excellent country for camping lovers. The possibilities here are endless, as the state is very flexible for those who’d love to camp with their tent. And if you haven’t even considered Georgia as your camping destination, read along to discover why it should be on your radar.
Is Georgia safe?
Georgia is considered to be a relatively safe country for any traveler, be it a solo female, a backpacker, or a family. Georgians are a hospitable nation; they believe that a guest is a gift from God. Therefore, any visitor here is welcomed with open arms, smile, and a desire to help out when needed.
General tips to know before camping in Georgia
Photo Source: Tbilisi Free Walking Tours
What makes the country somewhat a paradise for campers, is that you can put up a tent pretty much anywhere you desire. There are no designated and organized camping areas for vans similar to the ones you can see in the USA or Europe, for instance. It’s much easier to stop at a natural site, like lakes and forests. And if you are driving towards remote villages, it should be helpful to ask locals or farmers for permission to camp within their courtyard or a land.
Putting up a tent in Georgia is much more comfortable with almost no restrictions at the natural sites. The same rule applies here – it all depends on the location. For instance, if you’re hiking to the colorful lakes of Abudelauri in Khevsureti region, you can only set up the tent at the Green Lake. Natural Reserves and National Parks have designated tent and fireplace spots. Outside those parks, you can put up your tent anywhere; however, the fireplace should not cause any damage to the surrounding area.
When traveling to the mountainous regions of Georgia, primarily in Khevsureti and Tusheti, do note that they still have pagan-like worshipping places which sometimes are hard to identify. Therefore, it’s always advisable to ask locals where it’s okay to put the tent or park the van.
What to pack?
As mentioned above, Georgia isn’t spoiled with organized campsites. So, besides hiking clothes and camping gear, you’ll need to have a gas canister and stove, utensils, pocket knife, water bottles or Camelbak, hygiene items, raincoat, and food for as many days as you are planning on camping.
You’ll need to carry all of those items in your backpack when hiking across the country. You can also hire a horse with a guide in the village or at national parks if you’d like to walk without your backpack on. Filling up water bottles shouldn’t be a problem, as there are many spring sources along the hiking trails. However, this also depends on the location you are traveling to. For instance, Javakheti and Black Rock Lake trail in Lagodekhi lakes spring spots. We would advise asking the administration at national parks. Trecking around the settlements also makes it easier to carry less food and buy groceries from the locals whenever you pass by a village.
Best areas for camping
Stepantsminda
Photo Source: National Parks
Located in the Kazbegi Municipality and overlooked by massive mountains, Stepantsminda is one of the beautiful spots to camp with a tent and to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kazbegi rising 5,047 m above the sea level.
From the town, you can either drive up towards Gergeti Trinity Church or do a short hike. The church lays right under the foot of the Mount Kazbegi, at 2,170 meters above the sea level, making it one of the most stunning landscapes of the country.
Gomis Mta
Photo Source: JAM News
Translated as Gomi Mountain, the area has become a favorite spot for campers during the summer months. Located in Ozurgeti Municipality of Guria, in the western part of the country, Gomis Mta rises 2,100-2,755 meters above sea level. Mornings here are breathtaking, where clouds and fog nests below the mountain, making you feel as if you are standing above the clouds.
The western region of Georgia, Guria is home to beautiful landscapes and high mountain resorts. One of them is Gomismta, a summer resort of Ozurgeti Municipality. Known for mineral springs and softwood forest, Gomismta is characterized by its jaw-dropping panoramic views of mountains covered with pine forests, where summer cottages are scattered across the area. Moreover, you’ll get to witness one of the most stunning sunrises you have ever seen.
Zeta Camp
Photo Source: Georgia Travel
Situated in the village of Juta in Kazbegi Municipality, Zeta Camp is an ideal place for a weekend getaway from Tbilisi. It’s only 200 km from the capital, and unlike any other camping areas, this is one of the most comfortable ones in Georgia. The venue has a small cottage with hot water, electricity, a restaurant, and an assigned area for tents if you wish not to stay at the cabin. And if you want to go without any equipment, the camp provides tents for an additional cost. If that’s the case, contact them in advance and book the spot and the supplies. Sometimes they are fully booked. To get to Zeta Camp, you need to take a minibus to Juta and then hike around 900 meters to the site.
Tusheti
Photo Source: Georgia Travel
Considered as one of the most beautiful regions of the country, Tusheti is home to remarkable, still untouched natural landscapes and medieval defense towers. With its attractive villages of Dartlo, Shenako, and some of the abandoned ones, Tusheti is an ideal destination for those who are looking for breathtaking views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and experiencing a bit of the wilderness.
Svaneti
Photo Source: Georgia Travel
The most remote mountainous area of Georgia is a perfect place for camping lovers. This historical province is situated on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains and is home to four highest peaks of the mountain range.
There are several camping places in Svaneti. Mazeri village, overlooking the third highest peak in the area, Ushba, is one of the best camping spots in the region. The second one is at Mestia-Zhabeshi trek. The two of the most dominating mountains of Svaneti: Shkhara and Tetnuldi are best visible from here. And lastly, Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nested under the Shkara mountain. With its striking view of the snow-covered highest peak of Georgia and medieval defense towers, Ushguli has become a favorite spot for many backpackers.
