×

Israel🇮🇱 | national parksEshkol National ParkDesert springs, picnic lawns, palm groves | things to do and best time to go

Explore Yarkon National ParkExplore Ashkelon National Park

Backpacking in Eshkol
👀 For curious travelersnational park ranked #17
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated September 23, 2026

Most summaries skip the key thing about Eshkol National Park: it’s less a “desert hike park” and more an irrigated oasis and picnic zone in the western Negev, near Netivot and the Gaza border, with short walking options rather than big treks. For backpackers, it’s cheap, flat, and easy to reach by bus or hitching, with lawns, shade, and basic camping that’s far calmer midweek than on noisy Israeli holiday weekends. Don’t expect the drama of Ein Avdat or Makhtesh Ramon; expect birds, families, barbecues, and a mellow, slightly utilitarian vibe that’s better as a recovery stop than a headline destination.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Israel Travel Guide.
Safety warning

The current risk level for Israel is high. Check the advice before going.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #17 national park in Israel
Reasons people choose to explore here

Eshkol National Park attracts backpackers for its independent exploration opportunities. You can roam the trails at your own pace, soaking in the diverse landscapes without the constraints of a tour group. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the camping options and nearby hostels, making it easy to stretch your funds. The park offers a variety of trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, catering to different skill levels. This flexibility makes it ideal for self-guided travelers who want to tailor their experience. Just be aware of the seasonal heat; plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  • Sunset Lookout (personal favorite) — A simple spot that rewards the short climb with wide, open views across the plain; colors at dusk are pure, and it’s one of the best places in the park to watch the light change and see local wildlife come out to graze.
  • Ridge and Valley Hiking Trails — A network of easy-to-moderate trails that follow ridgelines and drop into shallow valleys; great for a half-day walk, varied terrain, and a steady chance of spotting reptiles and small mammals along the way.
  • Spring Wildflower Meadows — If you hit it in late winter-spring the meadows light up with native wildflowers and low scrub; fantastic for macro photography and low-effort strolls where you can smell the season and find pollinators buzzing around.
  • Birdwatching Spots — The park sits on a migration
… read more 👉
  • Sunset Lookout (personal favorite) — A simple spot that rewards the short climb with wide, open views across the plain; colors at dusk are pure, and it’s one of the best places in the park to watch the light change and see local wildlife come out to graze.
  • Ridge and Valley Hiking Trails — A network of easy-to-moderate trails that follow ridgelines and drop into shallow valleys; great for a half-day walk, varied terrain, and a steady chance of spotting reptiles and small mammals along the way.
  • Spring Wildflower Meadows — If you hit it in late winter-spring the meadows light up with native wildflowers and low scrub; fantastic for macro photography and low-effort strolls where you can smell the season and find pollinators buzzing around.
  • Birdwatching Spots — The park sits on a migration corridor, so spring and autumn bring flocks passing through and resident raptors cruising the thermals. Bring binoculars; even casual birders usually pick up half a dozen species in an hour.
  • Rocky Outcrops and Geological Features — Erosion-carved rocks and small cliffs make for interesting short scrambles and angles of view you won’t find on flat plains—good for geology fans or anyone who likes a varied landscape to explore.
  • Shaded Picnic Groves and Wildlife Viewing — Scattered shady spots under trees are ideal for a lazy lunch and low-impact wildlife watching; you’ll often see hares, lizards, and the occasional fox or mongoose early morning or late afternoon.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Eshkol National Park

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Weather: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild, dry conditions. Summers soar above 35°C (95°F), making hiking exhausting and risky without ample water.
  • Temperature: Winter nights can dip to 5°C (41°F), while days stay comfortable around 18°C (64°F). Spring and autumn days hover between 20-28°C (68-82°F), ideal for long treks.
  • Daylight Hours: Longer days in spring and autumn provide 11-13 hours of light, enough to cover more ground without rushing.
  • Crowds: Peak season in spring attracts local hikers and tourists, so expect busier trails. Winter and late autumn see fewer visitors, offering solitude.
  • Seasonal Activities: Spring blooms bring wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities; autumn is better for cooler, extended hikes.
  • Price Fluctuations: Nearby accommodations
… read more 👉
  • Weather: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild, dry conditions. Summers soar above 35°C (95°F), making hiking exhausting and risky without ample water.
  • Temperature: Winter nights can dip to 5°C (41°F), while days stay comfortable around 18°C (64°F). Spring and autumn days hover between 20-28°C (68-82°F), ideal for long treks.
  • Daylight Hours: Longer days in spring and autumn provide 11-13 hours of light, enough to cover more ground without rushing.
  • Crowds: Peak season in spring attracts local hikers and tourists, so expect busier trails. Winter and late autumn see fewer visitors, offering solitude.
  • Seasonal Activities: Spring blooms bring wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities; autumn is better for cooler, extended hikes.
  • Price Fluctuations: Nearby accommodations and transport costs rise in spring and autumn due to demand; winter offers better deals but less predictable weather.
Pro-tip: Aim for late autumn to dodge crowds and heat, locking in cooler days and better prices without sacrificing daylight.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: good for travelingFEBFebruary: good for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutIsrael Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Israel
The digital guide (287 pages) contains:
✅ 77 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

For backpackers heading to ’Eshkol National Park, your best bet is to stay in nearby towns like Sderot or Netivot. These towns offer budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, making them ideal bases for your adventures.

Inside the park, accommodations are limited. There are camping options, but be prepared for basic facilities. Bring your own gear and check local regulations for camping spots.

Keep an eye on seasonal events; they can affect availability and prices. Avoid peak times like holidays to sidestep inflated costs. This way, you’ll save your energy and budget for the experiences that … read more 👉
For backpackers heading to ’Eshkol National Park, your best bet is to stay in nearby towns like Sderot or Netivot. These towns offer budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, making them ideal bases for your adventures.

Inside the park, accommodations are limited. There are camping options, but be prepared for basic facilities. Bring your own gear and check local regulations for camping spots.

Keep an eye on seasonal events; they can affect availability and prices. Avoid peak times like holidays to sidestep inflated costs. This way, you’ll save your energy and budget for the experiences that truly matter—like exploring the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

👛 Costs (as of 23 September 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Eshkol National Park in Israel offers a range of experiences, but understanding the costs is crucial to avoid surprises.

Entry fees typically hover around $5 to $10 USD per person. If you’re planning to bring a vehicle, parking fees can add another $3 to $5 USD. Guided tours, which can enhance your visit, usually range from $30 to $60 USD per person, depending on the length and inclusivity of the tour.

Food options inside the park are limited. Expect to pay around $10 to $15 USD for a basic meal. Bringing your own snacks and water can save you money and keep you energized for exploring.

If you’re considering camping, check for specific fees, as they can vary. Generally, expect to pay around $15 to $25 USD per night for a campsite.

Plan ahead to avoid unexpected costs. Knowing these details … read more 👉
Eshkol National Park in Israel offers a range of experiences, but understanding the costs is crucial to avoid surprises.

Entry fees typically hover around $5 to $10 USD per person. If you’re planning to bring a vehicle, parking fees can add another $3 to $5 USD. Guided tours, which can enhance your visit, usually range from $30 to $60 USD per person, depending on the length and inclusivity of the tour.

Food options inside the park are limited. Expect to pay around $10 to $15 USD for a basic meal. Bringing your own snacks and water can save you money and keep you energized for exploring.

If you’re considering camping, check for specific fees, as they can vary. Generally, expect to pay around $15 to $25 USD per night for a campsite.

Plan ahead to avoid unexpected costs. Knowing these details helps you focus on enjoying the park rather than worrying about your budget.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsBest hikes in Eshkol national park

Eshkol National Park is a hidden gem in Israel, perfect for those who love a mix of nature and a bit of history. The park is known for its lush landscapes, with trails that wind through beautiful fields and along the banks of the Jordan River. The terrain is mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers, but there are a few areas with gentle slopes that keep things interesting. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of birds and other critters that call this place home, especially during migration seasons.

One of the main trails you’ll want to check out is the Eshkol River Trail. … read more 👉
Eshkol National Park is a hidden gem in Israel, perfect for those who love a mix of nature and a bit of history. The park is known for its lush landscapes, with trails that wind through beautiful fields and along the banks of the Jordan River. The terrain is mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers, but there are a few areas with gentle slopes that keep things interesting. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of birds and other critters that call this place home, especially during migration seasons.

One of the main trails you’ll want to check out is the Eshkol River Trail. Here are the details:
  • Length: 5 km
  • Estimated Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Key Features: Scenic views of the river, diverse flora and fauna
  • Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle inclines

Getting to Eshkol National Park is pretty straightforward. You can catch a bus from nearby cities, and it’s a short walk from the bus stop to the park entrance. It can get a bit crowded on weekends, especially when families come out for picnics, but you’ll still find plenty of quiet spots if you wander off the main paths. As for the entrance fee, there’s usually a small charge, but it’s worth it for a day of exploring this beautiful area. Just pack some water and snacks, and you’re good to go!
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Eshkol

Eshkol National Park is generally straightforward for backpackers, but a few practical considerations can enhance your experience. The weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall, so pack layers and a reliable rain jacket. Trails are well-marked, but some sections can be steep or rocky, so good footwear is essential for stability.

Wildlife is present, including snakes; keep a respectful distance and don’t provoke them. Hydration is key, especially in warmer months—carry enough water and know where to refill. Timing your hikes for early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the heat and crowds. Stay aware, and you’ll enjoy the park’s beauty without unnecessary stress.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

1 to 2 days are sufficient to explore Eshkol National Park thoroughly. This allows time to visit key sites like the archaeological ruins and enjoy some hiking trails. Most visitors find a full day enough unless combining with nearby attractions.
Yes, you can visit Eshkol National Park without a car. Public transportation options include buses from nearby towns, but schedules may be limited, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, taxis or organized tours can provide access.
No entrance fee or special permit is required to enter Eshkol National Park. It is open to the public year-round, making it accessible for spontaneous visits. However, some guided tours or special events might have separate charges.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Israeli national parks near Eshkol

Explore more nearby:

  • Ashkelon National Park—Coastal dunes, ancient ramparts, Roman basilica| 40 km away
  • Beit Guvrin—Bell caves, ancient dwellings, subterranean networks| 51 km away
  • Masada—Desert plateau, fortress walls, sunrise vistas| 82 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Israel including Eshkol and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Israel has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Country photo of Israel

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Eshkol National Park offers a unique blend of history and nature, with ancient ruins nestled among lush landscapes. But be prepared: the heat can be intense, especially in summer. Hydration is key, and timing your hikes for early morning or late afternoon can save your energy for the best moments.

✈️ When did I visit Israel?
In October 2013 I visited Israel and the West Bank.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Israel, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.