16 Best Places for Camping in Uttarakhand

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its pristine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and meandering rivers, the state offers a plethora of camping opportunities that promise an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Camping in Uttarakhand is not just about being close to nature; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich local culture. Interact with the friendly locals, savor traditional Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine, and participate in cultural events, if any happen during your visit.

So, pack your bags, leave behind the stress, and let Uttarakhand’s mountains be your temporary home. Here, we have listed 16 best places for camping in Uttarakhand.

Here in this blog, we have listed the 16 best places for camping in Uttarakhand

• Shivpuri
• Nainital
• Corbett
• Kanatal
• Dhanaulti
• Auli
• Chopta
• Deoria Tal
• Binsar
• Bhimtal
• Dodital
• Pangot
• Chaukori
• Jharipani (Mussoorie)
• Sattal
• Dayara Bugyal

1. Shivpuri

Shivpuri, 16 km from Rishikesh, is a hub of campers and adventure-seekers. This location is considered one of the best destinations for camping in Uttarakhand. The camps are settled on the white-sand river beach, by the Ganges on one side and its tributary on the other. Jungle walks, kayaking, volleyball, river rafting, mountaineering, jungle trekking, bungee jumping, and other such adventures await you.  And when you simply want to unwind around the campfire, the soothing river gurgles and chirps of beautiful birds will keep you company. Whether you want a basic tent or a luxurious one, there are plenty of choices available. You will easily find accommodation and packages that will best suit you.

Best time to visit: December to February

2. Nainital

Nainital, a popular hill station in India, is famed for its glistening pear-shaped lake and scenic beauty. This place continues to attract a myriad of travelers. Accessible tented accommodation is available, letting you breathe fresh air. Other than boating and camping in Nainital, there are a mélange of activities for you to try, from trekking to rafting and paragliding to indulge. Adventure camps of Nainital provide guides and usually are under budget.

Best time to Visit: March to June

3 Days Tour to Nainital
2 Nights / 3 daysScenic Nainital Tour
3 Nights / 4 daysJim Corbett with Nainital Tour
5 Nights / 6 daysCorbett Nainital Tour
3 Nights / 4 days

3. Corbett

Acclaimed for the population of tigers in India, this is an ideal place for camping for lovers of wildlife and wilderness. The buffer zone of Corbett National Park is where you can find options for camps, from luxurious to primary. There are mainly two types of tented accommodations, namely permanent cottage camps and temporary camps. Near the Sitabani Forest area, you can find temporary ones. You can enjoy elephant rides, bird-watching, swimming, and more activities here.

Best time to Visit: mid-October to mid-June

Jim Corbett with Nainital Tour
5 Nights / 6 daysDelhi to Jim Corbett Tour Package (Luxury Tour)
2 Nights / 3 daysNainital Kausani Corbett Tour
10 Nights / 11 daysCorbett Wildlife Safari
4 Nights / 5 days

4. Kanatal

Nestled amidst the enchanting embrace of deodar, rhododendron, and oak-laden woods near Dhanaulti, Kanatal emerges as a tranquil haven. Seated at an elevation of 8500 feet, this is the coolest offbeat escape from Delhi. The chilliest offbeat destination near Delhi, Kanatal, is perched at 8500 feet. This place has everything from basic camps to bamboo huts and Swiss cottage tents. It’s more than just a destination; it’s a gathering spot for kindred spirits from across the globe, all drawn by the allure of nature. Besides this, hiking, bonfires, trekking, volleyball, and nature walks are just a few of the many activities you can indulge in while camping in Kanatal.

Best time to visit: May to July

5. Dhanaulti

Settled amid the alpine forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendrons, Dhanaulti is a camper’s paradise. Beyond the thrill of adventure camps, immerse yourself in experiences designed for corporate team building and the joy of kids. Feel the crisp mountain air as you try your hand at activities like rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, ziplining, and more – creating memories surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Best time to visit: throughout the year

6. Auli

One of India’s best skiing destinations, this town can be visited anytime during the year. The sight of oak-edged, heavy, dense coniferous woods and mist-laden valleys make it a delight and hot-spot camping destination in Uttarakhand. Live inside a tent beside a pristine water or in the woods. Other than skiing and camping, trekking is an everyday activity in Auli. If you love heights, you mustn’t miss the cable car ride that flaunts the picturesque panorama of Auli and around.

Best time to Visit: November to February

Auli Tour Package from Dehradun
3 Nights / 4 daysAuli Tour Package from Delhi
5 Nights / 6 daysAuli Skiing Tour
7 Nights / 8 daysRishikesh With Auli Tour
5 Nights / 6 days

7. Chopta

Chopta is instead a paradise untouched by humans. If you plan to camp in Chopta, you only have to search a little to find comfortable facilities without compromising your conversation with nature. From the Chopta camps, you can take famous trekking routes like Tungnath, Chandrashilla, and Deoria Tal. If that’s not enough, head to higher altitudes and relax by the glacial lake.

You can find a variety of tent accommodations, which also include dome tents or family tents. Most tents have dry pit western-style toilets and provide fresh and filtered drinking water. Do not also worry about delicious food.

Best time to visit: March to May

8. Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal, overlooking the mighty Himalayas, is a gem along one of Uttarakhand’s cherished trekking routes, leading adventurers to the awe-inspiring Tungnath, the highest shrine of Lord Shiva. This enchanted lake emerges as the region’s heart, casting a spell of pure serenity on all who visit. Consider immersing yourself in this tranquil haven by renting a cozy tent and snug sleeping bag at Deoria Tal – a simple way to embrace nature’s embrace.

Best time to visit: throughout the year

9. Binsar

Binsar, the Crown Jewel of Kumaon Hills, is close to the ancient Silk Route and is surrounded by lush jungles of rhododendrons and oak, home to expansive biodiversity. Binsar is also known for its Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the cluster of 124 temples nearby. Adventure camps here are readily available and provide a wide range of facilities. Riverside trek, jungle camping, bird watching, rappelling, valley crossing, rock climbing, and bonfires are just a few activities you could try while camping in Binsar.

Best time to visit: December to February

10. Bhimtal

Camping in Bhimtal is an everyday affair, but the town stays unspoiled and tranquil. It is further connected to Kathgodam and other Kumaon regions, even Nepal and Tibet. Camping accommodation is available in abundance, and you can choose the kind that suits you best. Other than trekking and camping, activities in Bhimtal consist of mountain biking, hang-gliding, paragliding, bonfires, village visits, horse-riding, and boating, among others.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.

[ Check out Bhimtal tour packages here. ]

11. Dodital

Dodital, much like the enchanting Sattal and Bhimtal, beckons not only our fellow countrymen but also travelers from distant lands. It’s a haven where one can truly unwind, surrounded by the comforting embrace of nature. Imagine being cocooned in the lap of tranquility, with gentle breezes whispering away the weariness of everyday life. Who could resist such a charm? Other than relaxing amid the pristine beauty of nature, these campers engage in several activities, such as trekking and boating.

Dodital, with its magnetic allure, is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to embrace the raw beauty of the Earth and forge connections with fellow wanderers in this natural paradise.

Best time to visit: All the year-round

12. Pangot

Pangot is a little island where the coos and chirps are heard in abundance. Just a few kilometers away from Nainital, Pangot is an apt spot for someone longing for peace. Not just basic tented accommodation, you may also opt for Swiss tent accommodations with an independent toilet, hot shower, and many other amenities.

During March to July, the rhododendrons add a red tinge to the valley, which is the best time to visit Pangot. Bird watching, wildlife safaris, rock climbing, rafting, nature walks, and bonfires are some activities that visitors indulge in.

Best time to visit: March to July.

13. Chaukori

Chaukori is a quaint little hamlet celebrated for its tea gardens, a legacy left by the British. Sitting gracefully at an elevation of 2010 meters, it’s embraced by lush meadows and dense woods that showcase serenity. This hidden gem in Uttarakhand slowly reveals its charm as a camping retreat, inviting those seeking a touch of nature’s embrace. It’s not just a place; it’s a story waiting to unfold and getting into the limelight as a camping destination of Uttarakhand.

Best time to visit: October to February

14. Jharipani 

Jharipani offers the best view of Doon Valley and is an ideal location for nature lovers and offbeat travelers. Stargazing as the fireflies chitter pours peace into the heart, and that’s what this location is all about. From waterproof Swiss tents to basic ones, camping accommodation is readily available. Many tents provide attached toilets, hot running, cold water, sit-outs, and a garden. Other activities to try in and around Jharipani Falls are paragliding, rafting, horse safari, trekking, etc.

Best time to visit: November to March

3 Days Mussoorie Tour From Delhi
2 Nights / 3 daysMussoorie Honeymoon Tour
3 Nights / 4 daysMesmerizing Mussoorie with Dhanaulti
3 Nights / 4 days5 Days Trip to Uttarakhand
4 Nights / 5 days

15. Sattal

Sattal is derived from two words, Sat (seven) and Tal (lakes), owing to its interconnected group of seven lakes. Nestled in one of the four enchanting corners of Kumaon, it unveils a story etched by the British rulers. As you meander through the woods, you will stumble upon a refreshing locale dotted with tents and where people indulge in different activities. In the heart of Sattal, the camps offer more than just a stay—they extend an invitation to dive into a world of experiences. Feel the thrill as you try your hand at angling, conquer the heights with rappelling, paddle through the pristine waters with kayaking, and traverse the untamed beauty through trekking.

Best time to visit: November to March

16. Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are among the most extensive meadows in the Garhwal Mountains region. As the winter knocks in, the town gets converted into a ski destination. Many popular trekking destinations of Uttarakhand are near this town, like Morsuna and Gidara Bugyal, and thus, this happens to be a popular base camp area among trekkers. So, you can find camping accommodation easily and within budget. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice explorer, this town promises unforgettable journeys.

Best time to visit: November to March

[Also check out Uttarakhand Tour Packages here.]

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Bhavna Bura

Bhavna is a travel writer and travel photographer obsessed with different places around the world; a rather slow traveler who prefers to be solivagant to maintain inner peace. She loves to read travel articles which flows with beautiful rhythms and still well defines author’s experiences and the essence of the places.