Top 10 Best Camping Places in India
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie yearning for trekking thrills or someone seeking a serene lakeside getaway, India delivers. In this guide, discover the top 10 best camping places in India.
Top 10 Best Camping Places in India
Camping Places in India
1. Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
-
Highlights: High‑altitude camping, stargazing, Buddhist monasteries, barren Himalayas
-
Best time: June to September TravelerWiz
-
Stay cost: ₹1,500–2,500/day for standard tent; ₹4,000–6,000 for guided packages
2. Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh)
-
Highlights: Lakeside camping under moonlit Himalayan sky “Lake of the Moon” https://moonlakecamps.in/
-
Best time: June through September
-
Stay cost: ₹1,500–2,500/night via trekking camps
3. Tso Moriri (Ladakh)
-
Highlights: Remote high‑altitude lake, wildlife spotting, starry nights Travel With Dost
-
Best time: May to September
-
Stay cost: ₹4,500+/person including meals & guides
4. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
-
Highlights: Riverside Ganges camping, bonfire nights, yoga & rafting base Travel With Dost
-
Best time: October to March Tourism of India
-
Stay cost: ₹1,200–2,000 basic; ₹3,000–5,000 for glamping
5. Jaisalmer & Sam Sand Dunes (Rajasthan)
-
Highlights: Desert camping, camel rides, cultural performances, starry skies
-
Best time: October to March
-
Stay cost: ₹1,200–2,500 basic; ₹3,000–6,000 luxury per person/night
6. Coorg (Karnataka)
-
Highlights: Forest and plantation camping, waterfalls, wildlife walks
-
Best time: October to March
-
Stay cost: ₹1,600–1,800/person/night
7. Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand)
-
Highlights: Himalayan wildflower meadows, UNESCO site, riverside camping, trekking & yoga
-
Best time: July & August
-
Stay cost: Varies by trek and campsite; usually ₹1,200–2,000/day with guide
8. Triund (near McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh)
-
Highlights: Pine‑forest ridge camping, panoramic Himalayan views, ideal for beginners
-
Best time: Spring (March‑May) or autumn
-
Stay cost: ₹800–1,200 for simple campsites
9. Chopta / Tungnath region (Uttarakhand)
-
Highlights: Meadows and deodar forest camping at 2,600 m, treks to Tungnath Temple / Chandrashila summit
-
Best time: April to November (clear skies); winter snow till March Wikipedia
-
Stay cost: ₹800–1,500/night for eco‑camp sites
10. Pawna Lake (Maharashtra)
-
Highlights: Lakeside camps near Lonavala, BBQ and bonfire nights, Lohagad & Visapur treks
-
Best time: October to February; monsoon makes it dramatic but leechy
-
Stay cost: ₹1,000–2,000/night per tent, meals included in many packages
How to Book Your Stay in Advance
-
Research reliable camping operators: Thrillophilia, Backpackers Unite, local homestays, and eco‑camp providers. For Spiti, Pawna, Chopta, Jaisalmer—book 2–3 months before peak season.
-
Secure permits & registration: For Ladakh (Tso Moriri, Spiti) you must arrange an Inner Line Permit (ILP) via Leh DC office or Ladakh tourism websites.
- For forest or wildlife camps near Corbett or national parks, prefer forest‑department‑approved sites. Unauthorized wild camping is illegal in national parks/reserveshttps://www.reddit.com/r/india/comments/sxgm9t/is_it_true_india_doesnt_allow_camping_in_forest/
-
Always check cancellation policies, what meals/equipment are included, and bonded operator reputation via reviews.
-
Use booking platforms like Thrillophilia, TravelTriangle, local resort websites, or direct camp sites for better early‑bird offers.
Top 10 Best Camping Places in India
Pack – Camping Essentials & Travel Kit
Camping essentials
-
Tent (weather‑rated), sleeping bag rated for local night temps, inflatable mat
-
Headlamp/flashlight, portable charger/battery pack, multitool / swiss knife
-
First‑aid kit: antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister patches, painkillers
-
Water purifier or tablets, reusable water bottle, dry bags / zip‑locks
Clothing layers & gear
-
Quick‑dry base layers, fleece/insulating mid‑layer, waterproof outer shell, wool socks
-
Hiking boots/shoes, trekking pole, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Convenience & personal items
-
Toiletries (biodegradable soap, sanitizer, towel), flip‑flops for river camps
-
Solar charger or power bank, camera/binoculars, maps or offline GPS
-
Snacks (nuts, energy bars), zip‑locks for waste, trash bags to leave no trace
COVID‑era / Hygiene extras
-
Mask, hand‑sanitizer, personal water filter, small towel
Is camping legal everywhere in India?
No—protected areas, national parks, tiger reserves prohibit ad‑hoc camping. Use designated camping zones permitted by forest departments or private campsites
Best time for desert camping vs. mountain camping?
Desert camping (Jaisalmer, Pushkar): Oct–Mar; mountain camping (Spiti, Chopta, Valley of Flowers): May–Sep in high altitudes; Oct–Dec for lower elevations.
Useful Booking Links & Resources
-
Thrillophilia: adventure‑camp packages across Spiti, Pawna, Chopta
-
TravelTriangle / TravelTriangle.com: curated camping deals in Rishikesh, Jaisalmer, Coorg
-
Ladakh Tourism: ILP permits for Spiti, Tso Moriri & more
-
Forest Dept Sites: booking info for national-park‑linked camping zones (e.g., Jim Corbett, Singalila Ridge trails)
Ultimate Pre‑Trip Checklist
Category | Details |
---|---|
Camping destination | Confirm best season & operator availability |
Permits/ILP | Needed for Ladakh, Spiti regions |
Advance booking | Recommended 2–4 months before desired dates |
Inclusions confirmation | Meals, mattress, bonfire, toilets, guides |
Packing list ready | Check all essential gear & personal items |
Local travel & transport | Plan route via train/bus to nearest base camps |
Safety permissions | Ensure legal campsites only; avoid off‑forest camping |
Top 10 Best Camping Places in India
From the serenity of Pawna Lake’s lakeside camping to the stark grandeur of Spiti and Tso Moriri, and the spiritual riverside vibe of Rishikesh, India’s camping spectrum suits all traveler types. Whether it’s the sweeping desert dunes of Jaisalmer, cloud‑kissed peaks at Triund, or flower‑carpeted alpine valleys, the experience is unforgettable.