Introduction to Camping in India
India's camping options run from 4,000m cold deserts to beach camps you reach by boat. This guide picks the spots worth your limited leave days, starting with Chopta Meadows Camp and Dubare Forest Camp.
Best Season for Camping in India
Season depends on region. Himalayas: March to October. Western Ghats: November to February. Check the forecast before you go - in either range that part is not optional.
Camping Spots in the Himalayas
In the Himalayas, start with Tungnath Chandrashila Trek and Kedarkantha Summit Trek. Both are proper Himalayan treks you can do without expedition experience, and both end at summit panoramas that explain why people keep going back.
How to Get There
Fly into Dehradun or Chandigarh, then bus or taxi onward. Dehradun to Chopta is about 220km - budget 6-7 hours by road and around ₹4,000 for a taxi.
Camping Spots in the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats are the other half of the story, from Goa's beaches to Karnataka's forests. Two good starting points: Dubare Forest Camp and Rajmachi Fort Camp. Trekking, birding, wildlife, and none of the altitude logistics.
What to Bring
Bring a good quality tent and a portable stove. Warm layers even outside winter - Himalayan nights drop fast. A broken-in pair of trekking shoes matters more than most of the rest of the kit.
Safety Tips
Keep a first aid kit in the pack, know where you are relative to the nearest road, and carry a headlamp or torch. Respect campsite rules and the wildlife - both exist for reasons.