Camping in Nainital is so much fun because it is never a solo activity. It is mostly teamed with adventure activities like rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, night hiking, jumaring, jungle tours, caving, mountain biking, bird watching, and yoga etc. Nainital camping packages make sure that at least one of the adventure or recreational sports are included in them. Think of a night in the cocoon silent valley where the mountains echo with the tunes of your guitar and melodies. In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, there are three major lakes surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. Nainital Lake is one of the three lakes which is a mango-shaped lake sprawled on the foothills of outer Himalayas and a town is inhabited surrounding the lake which is known as Nainital. Nainital is a very popular hill station and a frequented weekend getaway for people living in the nearby metropolitan cities like Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Delhi. It is situated at an elevation of 6,837 ft above sea level and is a subtropical highland climate where winters are snowy and summers are breezy, the monsoon showers will drench you in and out and the spring is beautiful by the lake.
Boating in the Lake is a common activity and is a cliched desire of everyone who visits Nainital. People often search for hotels with the view of the lake and the mall road flutters with tourists every evening. In the outskirts of the town lie many campsites which promise to bestow a fine experience of camping in Nainital. Naini Lake is shrouded in the stories of Sati and is believed to be the place where the eyes of Parvati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of Goddess Parvati. Naini Mata temple depicts the significance of the locals who worship the Goddess in the temple established on the northern banks of the lake. This magnanimous lake is divided into two parts, the southern tip is known as Tallital and the northern upper side of the lake is called Mallital.
Nainital is a popular honeymoon destination and is a paradise for couples. The town is dipped in romance and love. Camping in Nainital promises personal space to the couple in a peaceful setting, away from the chaos of the world, two people in immense love make the best tent sharing partners. Jungle safari on the back of a horse is another delighting activity that is offered by many campsite operators. The tall alpine cobbled slopes of the jungle can bring your heart into your mouth while you hop on the back of a muscular Horse. Generally, Nainital is a weekend escape for most of the crowd but if you are keen on spending some time in the serene setting of the Himalayan foothills then a couple of days in serenic camps in Pangot, a picturesque hamlet which is located 15 KM from Nainital. The dense forest covering of oak, pine and rhododendron hide more than 200 bird species which is a treat to the eyes. The add-on activities such as Tarzan swing, rappelling, Burma bridge, and jungle hiking can be your bonus treats.
There are camps which are located in and around the Jim Corbett National Park belt, think about the thrill to be camping in the middle of the man-eaters abode. The camps also provide cottages with basic amenities if they are set amid the jungle and along with this, you can tread on a wild safari in the chilly mornings of the hill station. At certain camps, you will be surrounded by the wilderness of the jungle whereas some will lure you into the sweet-scented orchards of Peach and Apple. The camps also try their way out to offer you an authentic touch of the place in everything they provide, right from the fresh pot cooked meals to the succulent garden Apples and Peach. From traversing around the rustic villages to hiking the ridges and walking through the meadows and rivulets of the hills; there is no other way to describe your stay in a better way.
Camping in Nainital is the best way to experience the charm of this hill station away from the mall road and the lakeside chaos. You can definitely pay a visit to the lake and boat around for a couple of hours, trek down to the base of the town and enjoy the sunset by the lake, indulge in some food tasting activity where you can try gulab jamuns, roasted corns and peanuts etc. to munch while you see the orange streaks painting the sky as the sun slides down. You can stay comfortably in camps amid the Oak and Pine laden forests, bath in the Subhash Dhara Waterfall and enjoy a ride on the descending narrow misty turns of the valley. While camping in Nainital, you can also start on a trek to glaciers like Kafni and Pindari where Pindari wedged between Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks, Kafni is found beneath the Nandakot peak next to Pindar valley in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand.
Nainital has many unspoiled lands that you can explore and camp at. If you are planning to pitch your own, you must know that the jungle is dangerous and you should be aware of your surrounding before clamping the hooks of your tent. But if done right, you will have the best travel stories to share. A night spike with a little wine under a sky full of stars and a small tent to keep you covered in the wilderness of the jungle and the mightiness of the mountains; with no second thoughts given, it would be few of the most beautiful nights to cherish in your life.
Nainital Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Nainital
It is a famous lake located in the town of Bhimtal. The reason why it is so famous is because of the masonry dam built in the year 1883 which enabled a good storage facility. It has a catchment area of around 17.12 sq km which is quite large. Location: The lake is located in Bhimtal, which is a famous town in Nainital. It is more than 22 km away from Nainital. If you want to reach a railway station from here, the nearest one is Kathgodam which is at a distance of 20 km from the lake. Highlights: The Bhimtal lake is the largest lake in the region of Kumaon, which is popularly known as the lake district of India owing to the density of lakes present here. This lake helps in providing drinking water as well as makes sure that the different species of fishes are habitable here.

Nainital Lake is one of the best natural freshwater bodies in the state of Uttarakhand. Being a lake in midst of a bustling township, it receives huge tourist attraction. It is a crescent shaped lake with Naina Devi Temple at one end. Location: It is located in the city of Nainital which lies in Uttarakhand. The Sukhatal and Tallital bustands are nearby and thus you can choose to opt for roadways while travelling to the place in public transport. Highlights: There is a famous Nainital Boat Club which offers yachting facilities at the lake. You can enjoy boating through the lake with the calm and serene atmosphere. Price: The Nainital Boat club charges Rs. 350 for boating you around the lake. If you want to pedal the boat yourselves, you will get them for Rs. 150 per hour. Other boatmens will boat you for Rs. 210 in the Nainital Lake.

The High Altitude zoo is a place every animal lover must visit. It has some of the most endangered as well as reserved animals which you can't see elsewhere. It was opened in the year 1995 and receives around 125,000 annual visitors. Location: It is located at a distance of just 2 KM from the Tallital bus stand but many visitors chose to climb up the hill without any transportation. Highlights: You will see there are many endangered animals from the Himalayas. Some of the famous animals include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Tibetan wolf, sambar, leopard cat and Himalayan bear. It was also home to India's only Siberian tiger but he died in the year 2011. Best time to visit: The zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday and the timings are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Plan your trip accordingly so that you can visit the place while it stays open.
Popular Camping Destinations











People Also Ask About Camping in Nainital
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Which are the best campsites in Nainital?
1. Matiyal Camp:
Located a short drive away from Nainital, this picturesque campsite is nestled amongst plum, citrus and tea plantations. This camp in Nainital is popular among bird lovers, for a number of exotic bird habitats can be spotted around this area.
Location: Matiyal, 28 kilometers outside Nainital.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1,950 per person.
Timing: Check-In: 11:00 AM.
Check-out: 10:00 AM.
2. Ayar Jungle Camp:
Offering a luxurious stay amidst wildlife, the Ayar Jungle Camp is one of the most popular adventure campsites in Nainital. The camping estate is located amidst vast acres of deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. This camp allows you to participate in a number of different adventure sports, such as caving, rock climbing or night trek.
Location: Barapathar-Sherwood College Road, Ayarpatta Hill, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002.
Price: Starting from Rs.3,360 per person.
3. Naina Devi Jungle Camp:
Located inside the Naina Devi Wildlife Reserve, this campsite offers a tranquil refuge in the heart of nature. The Jungle Camp is known for its population of bird species. Campers here can indulge in a number of different activities such as paragliding, flying fox, rock climbing, rappelling and more.
Location: Inside Naina Devi Wildlife Reserve, Dhunikhal, Bhowali Gaon, Nainital.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1,150 per adult.
Timing: Check-In on Day 1: 12:00 am.
Check-out on Day 2: 10:00 am.
4. Hidden Valley Camp:
Commanding an excellent view of the surrounding valleys, Hidden Valley Camp in Nainital is known for its sunrise and sunset views. A number of fun filled activities can also be enjoyed here, such as zipline, rappelling, waterfall trekking, tyre bridge, and more.
Location: Bagar Talla, Pangot, Uttarakhand 263001.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1,500 per adult.
Timing: Check-in Time: 12:00 pm.
Check-out Time: 11:00 am.
5. Camp Twilight:
A Swiss Camp Stay in the heart of nature, Camp Twilight offers the best of outdoor camping in Nainital. Tents are offered on a sharing basis. A number of different activities can be enjoyed in the camp, such as Burma bridge and double rope.
Location: Bajoon, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1,500 per adult.
Timing: Check-In Day 1: 12:00 PM.
Check-Out Day 2: 11:00 AM.
6. Aspen Adventures Camp:
A perfect refuge for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, Aspen Adventure camps offers the best of adventure camping in Nainital. The camp provides 17 spacious cottages for stay, each fitted with the best modern amenities.
As made evident by its name, the camp offers a number of different adventure sport opportunities, such as paragliding, Burma Bridge, rappelling, waterfall treks, flying fox.
Location: Camp Nature's Encounter, Village- Ghattu Ghat, Pauri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201.
Price: Starting from Rs. 3,500 per adult.
Timings: Check in time: 12:00PMCheck out time: 12:00PM.
7. Camp Purple, Mukteshwar:
Surrounded by peach and apple orchards, this camp in Nainital is known for its splendid natural beauty. The camp conducts a number of different forest-bade workshops and day picnics in open meadows and orchards. A number of adventure activities are also conducted here, such as rappelling and rock climbing.
Location: Sargakhet, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263137.
Price: Starting from Rs. 2,640 per adult.
Timings: Check in: 10.00AM
Check out: 12.00PM. -
Which are the famous places for camping in Nainital in winter?
1. Camp Walnut:
This camp in Nainital offers an authentic cabin-stay experience in the lap of nature. The rooms offered are spacious and well-equipped, and the camp allows pets as well. This cottage stay experience, with bonfire nights and outdoor activities, is best enjoyed during the winter season.
Location: 43, Bara Bazar Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001.
2. Camp Dhanuli:
Offering a retreat in the high mountains of the city, Camp Dhanuli is one of the most popular winter camps in Nainital. This adventure camp offers a number of different sport opportunities such as rock climbing or rappelling. The camp experience is best enjoyed during winters, when the snow-covered mountains appear even more beautiful than usual.
Location: Village Mangoli, Kala Dunghi Highway, Nainital 263001.
3. Jungle Adventure Camp:
As made evident by its name, this camp in Nainital allows its campers to live in the heart of the jungle and embark on a number of different adventures. The luxury tents, pitched in the middle of thick forests, carry a charm and thrill of their own. The camp conducts a number of fun adventure activities such as jungle trekking, rock climbing, night safaris and more.
Location: Near Templeton Academy, Naukuchiatal.
4. Camp Milieu:
One of the most popular luxury camps in Nainital, Camp Milieu allows you to connect with the folk Kumaoni culture of Nainital. Engage in a number of different cultural activities such as music and dance as you unwind underneath the open sky, and experience the best that the mountains have to offer.
Location: Village Ghatgarh, Nainital 263001 -
What is the best time to go camping in Nainital?
Although the hill station remains tranquil throughout the year, travelers generally prefer to visit Nainital between the months of March and June, during peak summertime. During this time, the weather remains fairly cool and pleasant, but does not have any of the harshness of mountain winters. However, camping in Nainital can also be done during the winter season, between the months of October and February, when the hills are beautifully clad in white. -
What kind of clothes and equipment should I carry for camping in Nainital?
-The temperature in Nainital remains towards the lower side throughout the year. Ideally, it recommendable that one wears multiple layers of clothing to guard themselves from the cold rather than a single thick layer. This makes it easier to shed the outermost layers in case a hike or a walk warms you up.
-It is advisable to wear long sleeved tops and full trousers or pants, to protect one’s skin from insect bite, as well as the wind.
-It is also advisable to wear sneakers, hiking or running shoes while camping, rather than open sandals or heels.
-Woolen camps, mufflers and earmuffs can also be worn during extreme cold conditions.
-If required, you can choose to bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads or inflatable pillows along with you.
-Headlamps, flashlights, water heaters and lanterns may also be carried as per requirement. -
Do we have to take a permit to do camping in Nainital?
No, any sort of permit is not required for Camping in Nainital all you need is a perfect location along the fresh environs and tent gear. Camping can be well-enjoyed when witnessed with your bunch of folks, as a solo trip can get a little boring. Talking about Nainital camps, here one can make the best of memories with them, as the town is brimming with multiple spots, which are a perfect pick for setting up a tent.
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What are the essentials items to carry for camping in Nainital?
Essential things to carry on a camping trip includes a pocket knife, flashlights, basic medical kit, swimming costumes, duffel bags, sunglasses, binoculars, sanitizers, and mosquito repellants. If you are on medication, it is absolutely essential to carry sufficient doses along with you.
For camping in Nainital, it would also be advisable to carry sunscreen, caps, umbrellas and raincoats. If you are camping during the colder months, make sure you carry enough woollen garments, including gloves, socks, earmuffs and woollen caps. -
Is it safe to do camping in Nainital?
Speaking about the safety of Nainital Camps, the answer is absolute Yes, without giving a second thought. This quaint town has a very low crime rate and easy access to hospitals and control rooms. Though, it is advised not to tour the Jungles without appropriate knowledge of them, as they can have the wilds. Apart from this dimension, the upland is safe for all types of trips be it a solo trip or a group one.
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What is the average cost of a camping tour in Nainital?
The average cost of camping in Nainital is between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000. The total cost, however, depends on the season of booking and the number of days opted for. The price may rise during peak camping seasons. -
Is it worth visiting Nainital for camping?
Yes, Nainital is one of the best places in India for camping. The scenic locale, the magnificent mountain ranges and lush, green forests offer ideal camping spots. The hill station also offers a number of fun adventure sport activities, such as paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing and much more. Nainital also offers several unique, picturesque orchards situated in the heart of apple and peach orchards, which adds to the beauty of the place. -
Is it safe for a solo female to go camping in Nainital?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo female travelers to go camping in Nainital. The camps are generally conducted in groups and take the matter of campers’ safety extremely seriously. -
What kind of medical arrangements will be there during camping?
Most camps are equipped with first aid kits to provide the campers with immediate medical aid in case of injuries.