White high-roof campervan parked in front of Lebanese mountains

Destinations · 29 October 2026 · 6 min read

Akkar and the Cedars: A North Lebanon Road Trip and Camping Guide

Plan a campervan or caravan road trip through north Lebanon, from the forests and plateaus of Akkar to Ehden, the Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of Bsharri, with advice on roads, seasons, camping and permissions.

North Lebanon holds some of the country's most striking landscapes: the wooded hills and high plateaus of Akkar, the cool summer town of Ehden, the deep Qadisha Valley, and the ancient cedar grove above Bsharri. Linking them makes a rewarding road trip by campervan, pickup camper or small caravan, with plenty of chances to camp somewhere quiet and green.

This guide outlines the main areas, how to travel between them, and how to camp responsibly. Roads, access and local conditions change, so always confirm the latest information before setting off.

Overview of the Route

A typical north Lebanon loop might cover:

  1. Akkar: the far north, with forests, farmland, villages and high plateaus such as the Qammouaa area.
  2. Ehden and the Horsh Ehden area: a popular mountain town in Zgharta district with a nature reserve nearby.
  3. The Qadisha Valley: a deep, dramatic valley with monasteries and hermitages, listed by UNESCO together with the Cedars.
  4. The Cedars (Arz) above Bsharri: the famous grove of old cedar trees, often called the Cedars of God.

You could drive the core of this in two or three days, but a slower pace of four to six days lets you camp, hike and enjoy the villages.

Akkar: Forests and High Plateaus

Akkar is less visited than other parts of Lebanon, which is part of its appeal. The lower areas are agricultural, with olive groves and farmland. Inland and higher up, the landscape becomes forested and mountainous, with pine, oak, juniper and fir in places, and open plateaus used for summer grazing.

The Qammouaa plateau and the surrounding forests are among the best-known natural areas in Akkar. In summer, local families come for picnics and cool air, and it is a natural place to look for a camping spot with permission.

Tips for Akkar:

  • Roads vary. Main roads are paved, but some forest and plateau roads are narrow, steep or rough. Check before taking a caravan up.
  • Supplies: stock up in larger towns before heading into the forests. Village shops are useful but small.
  • Ask permission: much of the land is municipal, communal or private. Ask in the nearest village or at the municipality where camping is acceptable.
  • Fire risk: forests here are precious and vulnerable. Avoid open fires in dry months.

Ehden and the Horsh Ehden Area

Ehden, in the mountains above Zgharta, is a lively summer destination with cafés, restaurants and a historic centre. Nearby, the Horsh Ehden nature reserve protects a mixed forest with a rich variety of plants and trees.

For campers:

  • The town gets busy in summer, especially at weekends, so parking a large van in the centre can be difficult.
  • Protected areas have rules. If you want to visit or stay near the reserve, contact its management for current visiting hours, trail information and camping rules.
  • Guesthouses in the area sometimes allow vans or tents with permission.

The Qadisha Valley

The Qadisha Valley is one of the most remarkable places in Lebanon: a steep-sided gorge with monasteries, chapels and hermit caves built into the cliffs over many centuries. It is a place of religious and cultural significance, so treat it with respect.

Practical notes:

  • Roads into the valley are steep and narrow. Many visitors leave larger vehicles above and walk or use a smaller car.
  • Not suitable for caravans in most places. Park a caravan at a base and explore by car or on foot.
  • Dress and behave respectfully at monasteries and religious sites.
  • Walking trails connect several sites; local guides can help you plan.

The Cedars of Bsharri

Above the town of Bsharri, the road climbs to the Cedars, where a protected grove of cedar trees has survived for a very long time. The trees are a national symbol and appear on the Lebanese flag. The grove is fenced and managed, so follow the posted rules and stay on paths.

Around the Cedars:

  • Altitude matters. The area is high, cool in summer and snowy in winter, when it becomes a ski area.
  • Roads can close in winter, especially higher routes over the mountains. Check conditions in advance.
  • Bsharri has shops, restaurants and fuel, and is a good place to restock.

Getting Between the Areas

The main roads linking Akkar, Zgharta, Ehden, Bsharri and the Cedars run through mountain country, so expect climbs, descents and many bends. Journeys take longer than the distance suggests.

Advice for drivers:

  • Drive in daylight where possible, especially on unfamiliar mountain roads.
  • Use engine braking on long descents. Our towing a caravan beginner's guide explains why.
  • Plan fuel stops in larger towns.
  • Expect local traffic including trucks, tractors and fast cars on narrow roads; pull over where safe to let people pass.

Our guide to the best mountain roads in Lebanon for vans and caravans covers driving technique and route choice in more detail.

Seasons

  • Spring: green and fresh, with flowers and full streams. High roads may still have snow early in the season.
  • Summer: the main camping season, with cool mountain air compared to the coast. Weekends can be busy in Ehden and at the Cedars.
  • Autumn: quieter, with stable weather and changing colours. Nights become cold.
  • Winter: snow at altitude. Only for well-prepared travellers who have checked road status. See winter camping tips.

Where to Camp

As elsewhere in Lebanon, formal campsites are limited. Common options are:

  • Private land with the owner's permission.
  • Guesthouses and eco-lodges that allow vans or tents.
  • Spots suggested by the municipality or local residents.
  • Protected areas only according to their own rules.

Wherever you stay, keep a low profile, leave the place cleaner than you found it, and avoid camping in stream beds or low valley floors, which can flood after storms.

Water, Power and Waste

  • Water: carry enough drinking water and treat spring water before drinking. See our campervan water system guide.
  • Power: solar works well in clear weather, but forest shade reduces output. Plan parking for sun if you rely on panels.
  • Waste: take rubbish to proper bins in towns. Never empty toilet waste into nature. Our campervan toilets compared explains options.

Safety and Local Conditions

Before travelling north, check:

  • Official travel and security advice, which can change and may vary by area.
  • Weather and road status, particularly in spring, late autumn and winter.
  • Permissions for camping near protected areas, religious sites or private land.

Carry a first aid kit, warm layers, a tow strap and enough water for unexpected delays. More advice is in our campervan safety and security tips.

A Sample Five-Day Itinerary

  1. Day one: drive north and climb into Akkar. Stock up and find a camping spot with permission near forest or farmland.
  2. Day two: explore the plateaus and forests of Akkar, with a short hike and a quiet evening.
  3. Day three: drive towards Zgharta and Ehden. Visit the town and, if open, the nature reserve.
  4. Day four: continue to Bsharri, visit the Cedars and look down into the Qadisha Valley. Camp at a base with permission.
  5. Day five: explore part of the Qadisha Valley on foot, then descend towards the coast or continue into Dinnieh and the slopes of Qornet es Saouda.

Final Thoughts

Akkar and the Cedars show a side of Lebanon many visitors miss: forests, high pastures, deep valleys and ancient trees, all within a few hours' drive. Travel slowly, check roads and permissions, respect sacred and protected places, and leave no trace. For more ideas across the country, see our Lebanon camping and road trip guide.

Gear we recommend

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.