The camel sex position is a kneeling, chest-to-back position where both partners stay upright instead of one partner leaning forward on all fours. The receiving partner kneels and leans back against the giving partner's chest, arching their spine into a gentle backbend, while the giving partner kneels close behind and enters from that angle. It rewards trust and a bit of flexibility, and couples who enjoy close body contact, upright positions, and a change from lying-down sex tend to like it most. It is not the fastest position to get into, but the payoff is a slow, connected rhythm with plenty of skin contact.
How to Do the Camel Sex Position: Step by Step
Warm up first. Spend some time on foreplay so you are both relaxed before moving into an upright position.
Get into position. The receiving partner kneels upright on a bed or cushioned surface. The giving partner kneels close behind them, chest to back.
Lean back and arch. The receiving partner leans their back against the giving partner's chest and arches their spine slightly, only as far as feels comfortable.
Line up slowly. The giving partner can hold the receiving partner's hips or waist for support while lining up and entering slowly.
Find your rhythm. Because you are both kneeling upright, movement tends to be smaller and slower than in other positions. Small rocking motions usually work better than big thrusts.
Check in and adjust. Tilt the pelvis, change how far back you lean, or add a pillow under the knees if anything feels strained.
3 Camel Sex Position Variations to Try
Supported camel. The receiving partner keeps the arch shallow and rests their hands on a stack of pillows or the headboard in front of them instead of leaning fully onto the giving partner's chest. This takes pressure off both partners' lower backs and is a good starting point if the standard version feels too intense on the spine.
Side-braced camel. Both partners kneel at a slight angle instead of straight on, with the receiving partner's shoulder braced against the giving partner's side. It is easier to keep balance this way, which helps if steadiness is the tricky part for either of you.
Edge-of-bed camel. The giving partner stands on the floor while the receiving partner kneels upright at the edge of the bed or a cushioned bench, which lines up the hips more easily for partners of different heights.
Who the Camel Sex Position Suits and Who Should Be Careful
The camel sex position tends to suit people who enjoy upright, chest-to-back intimacy, want a slower and more controlled pace, or like being able to reach around each other easily during sex. Because so much of the body is in contact, it also works well when partners want a strong sense of closeness rather than pure speed.
A few situations call for extra care. Kneeling for a stretch of time can be tough on the knees, so a folded blanket or knee pillow under both partners helps a lot. The receiving partner's lower back does real work holding the arch, so anyone with existing back pain should keep the arch shallow or try the supported camel variation instead. Balance can also be trickier than in positions where someone is braced against a surface, so go slowly at first and stop if either partner feels unsteady. If anything pinches, aches, or just feels wrong, that is your cue to adjust or pause, not push through it.
Camel Position Comfort and Safety Tips
A water-based lubricant makes this position more comfortable for most people. Reapply as needed rather than waiting until things feel dry.
Start slow and build up gradually. Because balance takes a moment to settle into, rushing the first few minutes is where most discomfort comes from. If you want to add a prop such as a blindfold, introduce it only once you are both steady and comfortable in the base position, and skip anything that ties or restrains the arms, since you both need them for balance here.
This position itself does not lower the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, so barrier protection such as condoms still matters exactly as it would in any other position. If you are switching between anal and vaginal contact, use a fresh condom or barrier and wash up in between, since that switch is what raises infection risk, not the position itself.
Talking About It and Consent
A quick check-in before and during sex makes this position, or any position, better for everyone involved. A few phrases that work well:
"Want to try this position?"
"Is this arch comfortable, or should I ease off?"
"Can we go slower, or adjust the angle a bit?"
"This feels really good, keep going."
Check in more than once, since comfort in the lower back and knees can shift partway through. Agree on a simple word or tap beforehand that means "pause," something easy to say or do without breaking the mood, so either partner can stop things at any point without it feeling like a big production.
Camel Sex Position FAQ
What exactly is the camel sex position?
Think of it as an upright cousin of doggy style: in doggy style the receiving partner is down on all fours, while in camel both partners kneel upright, chest to back.
Is the camel sex position hard on your knees?
It can be if you kneel for a long stretch without padding. A folded blanket, yoga mat, or knee pillow under both partners makes a real difference and lets you stay comfortable in this pose for longer.
Do you need to be flexible to try the camel position?
A little flexibility helps with the back arch, but you do not need to be especially bendy. Starting with a shallow arch, or trying the supported camel variation with pillows, makes it accessible for most people.
Can beginners try the camel sex position?
Yes. It does help to have tried simpler kneeling positions first so you both know how your bodies balance together, but there is no special skill required. Going slowly and communicating about pace and pressure is enough to get started.
Is the camel sex position good for deeper intimacy?
Many couples find the close chest-to-back contact and slower pace make it feel more intimate than faster positions. Because you are both upright and close together, it is also easy to talk, kiss the neck and shoulders, or touch throughout, which some partners enjoy more than eye-contact-heavy positions.
