Camping Under the Stars: Best Spots in Azerbaijan
Adventure

Camping Under the Stars: Best Spots in Azerbaijan

📅December 25, 2025

Camping Under the Stars: Best Spots in Azerbaijan

There's something magical about sleeping under the stars—no walls, no roof, just you and the cosmos.

Azerbaijan offers incredible camping opportunities, from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. And with minimal light pollution in rural areas, the night sky is a spectacle of stars, planets, and the Milky Way.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, here are the best spots to pitch your tent in Azerbaijan.

Wild Camping in Azerbaijan: The Rules

Is Wild Camping Legal?

  • Generally Yes: Wild camping is tolerated in most rural and mountain areas
  • Exceptions: National parks (permits required), private land, military zones

Best Practices:

  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash
  • Respect Nature: Don't damage vegetation
  • Ask Permission: If camping near villages, ask locals
  • Fire Safety: Be cautious with campfires (some areas prohibit them)

The Best Camping Spots

1. Shamakhi Astrophysics Observatory

Why Camp Here:

  • Stargazing: One of the best spots in Azerbaijan for astronomy
  • The Observatory: Visit during the day (tours available)
  • Altitude: 1,500 meters—clear, dark skies

Location:

  • Region: Shamakhi, 120 km west of Baku
  • Access: Paved road to the observatory, then dirt roads

Facilities:

  • None: Bring everything you need

Best Time:

  • Summer (June-August): Warm nights, clear skies
  • Autumn (September-October): Cooler, less crowded

What to Bring:

  • Telescope or binoculars (optional but recommended)
  • Warm sleeping bag (nights can be cold)

2. Lake Goygol Area

Why Camp Here:

  • Stunning Scenery: Mountains, forests, crystal-clear lake
  • Hiking: Multiple trails nearby
  • Wildlife: Deer, birds, possibly bears (rare)

Location:

  • Region: Goygol, 60 km from Ganja

Rules:

  • Permits Required: For camping inside Goygol National Park
  • Designated Areas: Camp only in permitted zones

Best Time:

  • Spring-Autumn: Summer is ideal

3. Khinalig Village Area

Why Camp Here:

  • High Altitude: 2,350 meters—above the clouds
  • Cultural Experience: Camp near one of Europe's highest villages
  • Hiking: Access to multi-day treks

Location:

  • Region: Guba, 230 km north of Baku

Facilities:

  • Guesthouses Available: If you prefer not to camp

Best Time:

  • Summer (June-August): Only time when weather is suitable

Challenges:

  • Cold Nights: Even in summer
  • Altitude: Can cause discomfort for some

4. Caspian Sea Coast (Nabran, Khachmaz)

Why Camp Here:

  • Beach Camping: Fall asleep to the sound of waves
  • Swimming: Warm Caspian waters
  • Accessible: Easy to reach from Baku

Location:

  • Region: Khachmaz, 220 km north of Baku

Facilities:

  • Some Beaches Have Facilities: Showers, toilets (paid)
  • Wild Spots: More secluded areas available

Best Time:

  • Summer (June-September): Warm water, pleasant nights

Note:

  • Mosquitoes: Bring repellent

5. Gabala Region (Near Nohur Lake)

Why Camp Here:

  • Forests and Lakes: Lush, green, peaceful
  • Activities: Hiking, fishing, birdwatching
  • Proximity to Attractions: Tufandag, Yeddi Gozel Waterfall

Location:

  • Region: Gabala, 220 km northwest of Baku

Facilities:

  • Campsites Available: Some organized campsites with facilities
  • Wild Camping: Also possible in surrounding forests

Best Time:

  • Spring-Autumn

6. Candy Cane Mountains (Khizi)

Why Camp Here:

  • Unique Landscape: Striped, Mars-like hills
  • Solitude: Rarely crowded
  • Photography: Sunrise and sunset are spectacular

Location:

  • Region: Khizi, 100 km north of Baku

Facilities:

  • None: Completely wild

Challenges:

  • No Water Sources: Bring all water
  • No Shade: Very hot in summer

Best Time:

  • Spring (April-May): Comfortable temperatures
  • Autumn (September-October)

7. Zagatala Forests

Why Camp Here:

  • Dense Forests: Cool, shaded, peaceful
  • Waterfalls: Multiple cascades nearby
  • Wildlife: Bears, deer, birds

Location:

  • Region: Zagatala, 380 km northwest of Baku

Rules:

  • Check with Locals: Some areas require permits

Best Time:

  • Summer (June-August)

Essential Camping Gear

Must-Haves:

  • Tent: 3-season minimum (4-season for high altitude)
  • Sleeping Bag: Rated for expected temperatures
  • Sleeping Pad: For insulation and comfort
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries
  • Water: At least 3 liters per person per day
  • Food: Non-perishable, easy to prepare
  • First Aid Kit
  • Map and Compass/GPS

Optional:

  • Portable Stove: For cooking (check fire regulations)
  • Tarp: For extra shelter
  • Binoculars: For stargazing and wildlife
  • Power Bank: To charge devices

Safety Tips

1. Check the Weather

Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts.

2. Tell Someone

Let someone know where you're camping and when you'll return.

3. Wildlife

  • Bears: Rare but present in some areas (Zagatala, Goygol). Store food properly.
  • Snakes: Watch where you step and sit.

4. Water

  • Bring Your Own: Or bring a filter/purification tablets
  • Don't Drink Untreated Water

5. Fire Safety

  • Check Regulations: Some areas prohibit fires
  • Use Existing Fire Rings: If fires are allowed
  • Fully Extinguish: Before leaving

Stargazing Tips

Best Conditions:

  • New Moon: Darkest skies
  • Clear Nights: Check weather forecasts
  • High Altitude: Less atmospheric interference

What You'll See:

  • Milky Way: Visible with the naked eye in dark areas
  • Planets: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn (depending on season)
  • Constellations: Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, etc.
  • Meteor Showers: Check annual schedules (Perseids in August, Geminids in December)

Apps to Use:

  • Star Walk 2
  • SkySafari
  • Stellarium

Conclusion

Camping in Azerbaijan is an invitation to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Whether you're watching the Milky Way from a mountain peak or falling asleep to the sound of Caspian waves, the experience is unforgettable.

So pack your tent, grab your sleeping bag, and discover the night sky like never before.

Next up in our series: The 7 Beauties Waterfall: Legend and Nature in Gabala