Camping in Uttarakhand

Camping is one of the most flexible ways to experience Uttarakhand's landscape, ranging from riverside tented camps just outside Rishikesh to high-altitude campsites along Himalayan trekking routes.

Riverside Camping Near Rishikesh

The stretch of Ganga riverbank between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala hosts dozens of semi-permanent camps offering tents, bonfires, and often bundled rafting or bungee packages — the easiest option if you want an adventure-camp experience without organising your own gear.

High-Altitude Trek Camping

For a genuinely different experience, camping along routes like Kedarkantha, Chopta, or Dayara Bugyal puts you in alpine meadows and forest clearings well above the tree line, usually as part of a guided multi-day trek rather than a standalone booking.

What to Pack and Expect

Riverside camps typically provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals as part of the package — check specifically what's included before booking. Trek camping requires more self-sufficiency: proper cold-weather sleeping gear, layered clothing, and a guide familiar with the route, since temperatures drop sharply after dark even in warmer months.

Best Time to Camp

March to June and September to November suit both riverside and high-altitude camping. Winter camping (December-February) is possible at lower altitudes but requires serious cold-weather preparation at higher elevations, where snowfall is common.