The Best Leisure Camping Locations In India

Chandra Taal Lake, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh [Image source]

Camping is one of the best ways to experience nature at its finest. Imagine the open skies, glittering blanket of stars, fresh air, beautiful views, and the adventure of staying in tented lodgings; the feeling is unbeatable. Camping in India is a stress-busting way to escape the hustle-bustle of India’s cities and jump straight into nature’s lap. So, next time give the hotels a miss and check out the best camping places in India.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

​Camping in Jaisalmer brings you to the breathtaking surroundings of the golden sand dunes of Rajasthan. Experience the bliss and charms of the Thar Desert in luxury camps. The royal tented lodgings, the vibrant Rajasthani folk dances and music, the beautiful view at sunset, and even more amazing view of the sky at night, make this adventure to one of the must-see destinations in Rajasthan completely worth your time and money.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from November to February.

Jaisalmer Desert [Image source]

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

​Nestled in the stark bliss of the mountains of the Trans-Himalayan region, Spiti Valley is one of the best camping places in Himachal Pradesh. Camping in the Spiti Valley is for adventure enthusiasts. Take upon the challenge to explore the barren hills, beautiful lakes, monasteries, lush valleys, and stark beauty of nature in this part of the Himalayas.

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from May to July.

Spiti Valley [Image source]

Chandra taal Lake, Himachal Pradesh

The beautiful Chandra Taal Lake, also known as ‘the lake of the moon’ nestled in the lap of Himalayas of Himachal is one of the best options for camping in India. After a thrilling trek to the altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level, resting on the lake shores is a blissful experience. The camps offer a picturesque view of the lake, the mountains and the skies, and what can be best explained as a memory of a lifetime.

The best time to visit Chandra Taal is from April to June.

Chandra Taal Lake [Image source]

Solang Valley, Manali

​Combining adventure with the serenity of nature, camping in Solang Valley in Manali is also an experience you shouldn’t miss. Set amid lush greenery along a gurgling stream, the campsite offers a host of thrilling adventures such as rock climbing, mountain biking, rappelling, river crossing, paragliding, ATV Ride, zorbing, skiing, trekking, and more. Camping here is made all the more fun by the scenic views and bonfire evenings which also makes this place a popular tourist location in Himachal Pradesh.

The best time to visit Solang Valley is from April to June.

Mountain biking at Solang Valley [Image source]

Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Paradise Beach in Gokarna is one of the best places for camping in Karnataka. It is a popular place among hippies and frequented by foreigners. The constant melody of waves soothes your senses and the amazing view at sunrise and sunset will leave you spellbound. It is an amazing place to spend a night and enjoy stargazing. It is also among the best places to indulge in adventure activities in Gokarna such as beach trek, beach yoga, and water sports activities. Bask in your ultimate tropical getaway and explore the majestic beauty of this magnificent place.

The best time to visit Gokarna is from November to April.

Gokarna coastine [Image source]

Desert Camp, Pushkar

​Pushkar’s stretch of the Thar Desert is one of the best places for camping in India, especially during the colourful Pushkar Fair. The annual livestock fair of Pushkar is one of the spectacular events to grace the calendar. The fair brings visitors from far ends of the world including acrobats, folk dancers, singers, traders, and many others. Pushkar is one of the best places for a family holiday in India. This place offers a blissful experience of the desert along with a showcase of the charms of the culture of Rajasthan.

​The best time to visit Pushkar is from November to March.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

​Rishikesh nestled in the lap of nature is one of the ideal places for camping in Uttarakhand. Camping in Rishikesh is magical, as the camps are set on the banks of River Ganga (Ganges) surrounded by the Himalayas. The camps in Rishikesh offer the ideal escape from the cities and in fact, are one of the major weekend getaways near Delhi. Along with camping, indulge in river rafting, trekking, yoga, meditation, or sitting on the river banks and watch the world go by. The serene experience is unmatched!

The best time to visit Rishikesh is late February to mid May.

Riverbanks in Rishikesh [Image source]

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

The scenic hill station of Mussoorie is the perfect getaway to enjoy the bliss of nature. It is among the best places to visit near Delhi. Besides being one of the most popular travel destinations in India, it is also an amazing place for camping. Nestled amid lush hills with a view of snow-covered mountains in the panorama, Mussoorie is one of the best tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is also known for the many hiking trails and many thrilling sports. Escape the chaos of cities and rejuvenate in pristine nature.

The best time to visit Mussoorie is late April to June.

Mussoorie mountains [Image source]

Tso Moriri, Ladakh

Tso Moriri in Ladakh is counted among the highest lakes in the world and to camp on the lake shores is an experience of a lifetime. The ethereal blue waters, the backdrop of the mountains, and the freezing breeze is a delight that cannot be expressed in words. Ladakh is one of the best places for solo travellers in India.

​The best time for camping in Tso Moriri is between the months of May to September when the weather in Ladakh allows you to brave in the cold and have a great time. 

Tso Moriri Lake [Image source]

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

​The barren stretch of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is an ethereal beauty and even more magical is the camping in Rann. The salt-desert marsh is a pristine white that reflects the blue skies and dotted on this landscape are bursts of colour. The Rann Utsav is the magical season of camping in the Rann of Kutch. From October to almost February, during the festival, the Rann transforms into a city of tents. It is among the best destinations for winter holidays in India. Camping here is fun as there is not the luxury tented lodging but the showcase of Gujarat’s colourful culture and heritage.

The best time to visit Rann of Kutch is October to February.

Rann of Kutch salt desert [Image source]

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is one of the most nature-blessed locations in India. Nestled in the mist-covered Western Ghats, the hill town is a pictorial beauty that offers incredible camping experiences. It is one of the amazing places for city breaks & weekend getaways from the hustle-bustle of daily life. Bask in the bliss of nature; indulge in thrilling activities such as trekking, zip-lining, nature walks, and more. The best thing about camping in Coorg is the picturesque view. The lush spread of tea gardens, spice plantation, waterfalls, and many animals in their natural habits makes this an experience of a lifetime.

Due to mild temperatures, Coorg is a year-round destination, however, The peak season is from October to April.

Plantation in Coorg [Image source]

Camping in India ​FAQ'S

Which destinations are best for a night camping in India?
The best options for a night camping in India are Rishikesh, Manali, Ladakh, Goa, Western Ghats, Rann of Kutch, etc.
 
Which are the best places for camping near Delhi?
The best places for camping near Delhi are Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie, Himachal Pradesh, etc.
 
Is it safe to camp in India alone as a woman?
There is nothing unsafe in camping but for a woman or even a man, camping isolated and alone is not advised. If travelling solo, choose to pitch your tent on a recognized camping site and enjoy your experience.
 
What food should I bring for camping?
For camping, carry dry food packets or food that can be easily warmed by a bonfire. Carry fruits, granola bars, and healthy snacks.

AUTHOR BIO

​A soul bred in the mountains, Akansha Negi doles out travel inspiration from solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, tasting local cuisine, adventures, and experiences of her travels. As a travel enthusiast, she loves to travel in India as this country is a sumptuous amalgam of traditions, spiritual beliefs, and magnificent landscapes. She keeps penning down and capturing her travel experiences and loves to share them with all. She wishes to travel across the globe in the years to come.