Not 5 stars, but not a Scouts tent either: The new glamping site in the North

At the time, we saw the tents being erected scattered in the pine grove and the central kitchen under construction. Today, everything is fully operational, standing in place, and serving families who came to spend a relatively inexpensive night and enjoy what the Golan has to offer in the summer. More on that later.

30 tents in a well-shaded glamping site in the grove, between which comfortable paved concrete walking paths were laid – carrying carts at the entrance to the complex for the benefit of guests arriving with suitcases and bags. I must say these are not the most luxurious glamping tents we have seen or slept in, and their khaki color gives a feeling of military tents in Camp Tzrifin or elsewhere. However, inside, these are relatively large and pleasant spaces, but also quite ascetic – meaning: There is not too much furniture, but you come to sleep well, shower, and not stay in the tent too much. Frankly speaking – that is also the goal: Go hike in the Golan.

In every tent there is a parquet floor, which is a surprising and very fun touch in glamping tents, two nightstands next to the large double bed, two additional twin beds for children – so up to six people can be hosted in one tent. In addition, you will find towels, a clothes rack (in Ofek tents), and air conditioning (which is a must), so even on hot summer nights you can sleep comfortably. But you will not be hot at night in Ortal, as the kibbutz is located at an altitude of 915 meters above sea level, and for us it was even chilly.

The double bed, as mentioned, is wide enough, the bed sheets are pleasant, and in some tents (Ofek) there is also a private bathroom with toilet and shower (which you pay more for). In the shower, there is a quality shower head with strong pressure and small soaps in tubes – those light blue (body wash) and purple (shampoo) ones you know from every average rural accommodation. Perhaps it is time to transition to permanent, more environmentally friendly dispensers, as in other lodging sites in Israel and worldwide.

Outside the tents, a pleasant seating area awaits guests, with benches for lounging, and there are also KKL picnic tables scattered around the complex. The khaki complex lacks a bit of color, but you get that at the edges of the site with spice plants that were planted and some patches of lawn, mainly in the area overlooking Tel Shifon.

A central kitchen is at the guests' disposal, where each tent has its own refrigerator, several cooking stations, a sink with soap and a new scouring pad, and a barbecue area. You will of course need to bring the food (and dishes) yourself, naturally. Guests who wish to eat breakfast in the kibbutz dining room can do so for an additional fee.

Even those who do not stay in a tent with a private toilet and shower are not left without a solution: Shared toilets and showers exist in the complex, where each tent is allocated its own private bathroom according to a number that can be locked and used personally.

In addition, there is a campfire station and a poike area – for those who want to bring the pot from home and prepare a field meal. You will also need to organize firewood for the campfire yourselves at the moment. The glamping reception desk will provide you with the key to the private bathroom, as well as an instruction sheet.

Another place to snack, and especially drink, is located about a five-minute drive from the glamping site. A new beer garden opened at neighboring Kibbutz Ein Zivan, established by Arik Salpak, a kibbutz resident. The venue opened in April 2025 and brings an atmosphere of German beer gardens to the Golan – inspired in part by Arik's wife, who comes from Germany.

The beer (a third – NIS 28, a half – NIS 34) at the site is local Bazelet made from spring water, served alongside German-style snacks such as pretzels, alongside sourdough bread with garlic confit and jalapeno, or a cheese platter (NIS 95). "The food here is intended to accompany the beer, not replace a restaurant," explains Arik, who also emphasizes that on Fridays a regular "parliament" of Ein Zivan locals takes place at the venue.

Glamping guests are entitled to a dip in the swimming pool at neighboring Ein Zivan, as well as lantern tours and other activities for kids at no extra charge. But for hiking enthusiasts, one of the best (and closest) trails to Ortal is Nahal Jilaboun, located just a 15-minute drive from the complex – offering a circular water trail and a dip in two strong waterfalls with cold pools. Keep in mind that there is an uphill walk of about 15 minutes back to the car.

Want to take a dip with hardly any walking? A 10-minute drive in the other direction, meaning east, brings you to Ein Mokesh – perhaps the most well-known spring in the northern Golan, offering a large, round well-pool with cool water, and a 300-meter walk from the car. Keep in mind there is no shade, but the pool does not disappoint.

Let us return to the glamping and the most interesting thing about it – how much it costs. Back in January, when I walked around with the site manager at the time, he said the price for a tent for all its occupants would cost about NIS 500. We checked the prices today, and they are more expensive, of course. True, the standard of living here in the country has become more expensive, but prices have risen by tens of percent. Still, relative to glamping, they are reasonable. Take, for example, for a night in July for a couple + 2, you will pay NIS 760–808 in a Yaar unit (midweek–weekend, respectively). An Adama unit is cheaper – NIS 665.

Throughout the month of August, you will have to book a minimum of two nights. An Adama unit for up to four people will cost between NIS 1,600 and NIS 2,100. Yaar NIS 1,853. In the larger, more pampering Ofek unit, there is already no space. Thinking about the holidays? In Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, we found great prices ranging between NIS 1,200 and NIS 2,300 for two nights for the entire tent.

Let us summarize. Accommodation at Ortal Glamping does not pretend to be too fancy. It is simple, pleasant, and delivers the goods for good lodging in the Golan that has the basics and more, as long as you know where you are coming to and what you are getting. Meaning: You do not want to be too pampered and are willing to prepare or take care of your own food. On the other hand, the bed is comfortable, the shower and toilet in the room are even more convenient, the parquet upgrades the space, the air conditioner is strong, and the location is convenient near a water trail, attractions in Ein Zivan, and as a star-trip base in the northern Golan and across the Heights in general. Add to that the fairly reasonable price for a whole family (NIS 200–300 per person per night) and you get a fine product, especially in busy July–August heading into the holidays.