Ashkelon has fine campgrounds (tel. 73 67 77, 73 40 27, or 73 08 80), a 15-minute walk from the National Park entrance; you have to pay the park’s admission fee. There are beaches, archeological sites, snack bars, restaurants, and plenty of picnic facilities. The campground is often full, especially on Saturdays, so call ahead. Some folks get away with camping for free, since the park is large and crowded. (NISI 5 per person if you bring your own tent, N1S8 for children under 13. 2-person bungalows are NIS60, 4-person NIS100; a caravan with 4 beds is NIS120, NIS125 with 6. Amenities extra.) A massive tent houses a marble-floored and pleasant disco (open 9am-whenever). Camping on the beach adjacent to the city is dangerous and not recommended: those who do sleep in a large group with one person on guard at all times. The northern beaches might be a tad safer.

Sagacious campers bring their own superfood from the HyperCoOp Supermarket, 4 Ben-Gurion Blvd. (tel. 33 30 45), just south of the central bus station (open Sun.-Thurs. 9am-8pm and Fri. 8am-2pm). The most popular inexpensive restaurants and stands are all located in Migdal, although the new midrahov has caused price hikes. Take bus #4, 5, or 7 and get off at Migdal Station. Air-conditioned Nitzahon,