Camping In Maharashtra: Explore And Reconnect With Nature

Escape the concrete jungle while camping in Maharashtra to its varied landscapes. From serene lakes to lush rolling hills in the western ghats and rugged mountain terrains to dense untouched forests, you can spend nights beneath the star-filled silent sky. Indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, kayaking, and rock climbing into the wilderness; camping in Maharashtra promises a vacation never to forget. Let yourself lose in the state’s nature and retreat from the daily grind to reconnect with nature.

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Top 10 Spots For Camping In Maharashtra

Each place has something different, ideal for family, friends, or lonely campers. Here are the 10 best sites for camping in Maharashtra for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

1. Pawna Lake

The picture of the shore of clear blue Pawna Lake surrounded by high-peak mountains.

Photo: Sharadsy / Wikimedia Commons

The most happening site for camping in Maharashtra and close to Mumbai-Pune is Pawna Lake. The serene lake with undulating hills from the Western Ghats gives this place a secluded retreat from busy town life. Pawna Lake is a hot spot for adventure lovers who make the most of kayaking, paddle boating, and swimming around this lake. Camping at Pawna comes alive during the night when campfires are lit up and you spend the night amidst twinkling stars listening to the soft sounds of the lake.

Best Time To Visit: October to April
Main Attractions: Beautiful view of the lake and hills, water sports like kayaking and paddle boating
Nearest Bus Stop: Kamshet Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Kamshet Railway Station

2. Bhandardara

Bhandardara camps with a pristine view of Arthur Lake and the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Photo: Sunitnishar19 / Wikimedia Commons

Bhandardara is one of the pristine destinations for camping in Maharashtra, in the Sahyadri mountain ranges located 170 km from Mumbai. Bhandardara surrounds Arthur Lake with its greenery and dramatic hills. The beauty of this place gets elevated further during the monsoons with the cascading waterfalls cascade from the cliffs transforming the hills into a green heaven. With hardly any pollution, one of the major attractions is stargazing as you can easily see constellations and shooting stars. Other attractions around Bhandardara include the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Temple, Randha Falls, and the Wilson Dam, which add beauty to this region.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Main Attractions: Stargazing, Randha Falls, Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Amruteshwar Temple
Nearest Bus Stand: Bhandardara Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station

3. Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort and the view of Sahyadri mountains from the top of the scenic valley.

Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons

Rajmachi Fort is a famous historic and scenic site for camping in Maharashtra, between Lonavala and Karjat. Known for its twin forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, Rajmachi provides the perfect blend of adventure and history. The trek to the fort is moderately challenging, taking you through lush green forests, waterfalls, and rugged terrain making it a favourite for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. Once you reach the top, you are greeted by the panoramic view of the Sahyadri mountains. For camping, you can set up your tent in the base village of Udhewadi or on the fort itself.

Best Time To Visit: June to September (monsoon), November to February (winter)
Main Attractions: Trekking, view of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, valley views of sceneries
Nearest Bus Stand: Lonavala Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station

4. Kaas Plateau

Kaas plateau covered in the sea of Law's balsam, a purple flower in Satara district.

Photo: Pratishkhedekar / Wikimedia Commons

Kaas Plateau, also referred to as the Valley of Flowers, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites close to Satara. It is a botanical wonder, especially in the post-monsoon months when the entire plateau erupts into a riot of colours from the wildflowers. The region has more than 850 species of plants, some of them rare and endangered. Kaas camping provides a unique experience, where you wake up to a sea of flowers stretching before your eyes. It is a serene, unspoiled, and tranquil place for those who adore nature and photography. Kaas Lake nearby adds to its beauty and offers budget camping in Maharashtra.

Best Time To Visit: August to October
Main Attractions: Blooming wildflowers, biodiversity, Kaas Lake
Nearest Bus Stop: Satara Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Satara Railway Station

5. Harishchandragad

Konkankada, a curved cliff with an awe-inspiring view of the valley in Harishchandragad

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Harishchandragad is one of the most favourite trekking and adventure spots, for its challenging trails and rewarding views. The trek to Harishchandragad Fort encompasses history, spirituality, and beauty. It dates back to the 6th century and features many ancient caves, such as the celebrated Kedareshwar Cave. However, the most defining feature of Harishchandragad is Konkankada, a curved cliff with an awe-inspiring view of the valley spread below it. Camping near Konkan Kada is exhilarating when you watch the sunset on the horizon painting the sky with vibrant colours.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Main Attractions: Konkankada, ancient caves, Harishchandreshwar Temple
Nearest Bus Stop: Khireshwar Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station

6. Torna Fort

View of the valleys from the southernmost corner of the Torna fort in Maharashtra.

Photo: VK1307 / Wikimedia Commons

Torna Fort, also known as the legendary Prachandagad, was the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj way back in the year 1646. Strategically placed at an altitude of over 4,600 feet, it is the highest hill fort in Pune. Although the trek is moderately challenging, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range and the imposing structure of the fort. Once you reach the top, you can pitch your camp amidst the ruins of the fort and enjoy the panoramic views of lush valleys and the neighbouring forts.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Main Attractions: Historic significance, Panoramic mountain views, trekking
Nearest Bus Station: Velhe Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station

7. Matheran

A scenic view of a waterfall flowing from rocks perched in a lush green forest in Matheran.

Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons

Matheran, a charming hill station located near Mumbai, is the only automobile-free hill station in Asia and the best camp in Maharashtra. The town is covered with such lush greenery, and there are excellent viewpoints of the hills and the valleys. The monsoon has refreshing and misty climatic conditions. It features colonial architecture, a toy train that goes through the forest, and several trekking trails to panoramic viewpoints like Panorama Point and Louisa Point. It suits all families and nature enthusiasts who want to explore nature in its pure form.

Best Time To Visit: October to May
Main Attractions: Toy train, green landscapes, viewpoints like Panorama Point
Nearest Bus Stop: Neral Bus Stop
Nearest Railway Station: Neral Railway Station

8. Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Scenic view of the lush green valleys from the top of the peak in Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Photo: 9vineetp / Wikimedia Commons

Spanning over 12 square kilometres, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel is one of the perfect getaways for nature lovers and keen birdwatchers. There are over 200 species of birds here, many being migratory ones. The sanctuary houses the Karnala Fort, situated atop a hill, from where one can view the scenic surroundings. A short trek to the fort is perfect for adventure lovers, and a camping spot within the sanctuary allows you to be one with nature. The peaceful environment, chirping birds, and crunching leaves under one’s feet make camping here serene and enriching.

Best Time To Visit: October to April
Main Attractions: Bird watching, trekking to Karnala Fort
Nearest Bus Stop: Panvel Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Panvel Railway Station

9. Tapola Lake

Mesmerising view of pick sky during sunset and backwaters of Koyna Dam Reservoir in Satara.

Photo: IlonaBurschl / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Commonly termed the ‘Mini Kashmir of Maharashtra’, Tapola is one of the most beautiful villages near Mahabaleshwar set against the Shivsagar Lake. The lake is an extension of the backwaters of the Koyna Dam and has calm, extensive waters, perfect for water sports like kayaking, boating, and swimming. An idyllic site for camping in Maharashtra, with rolling hills of lush greenery, surrounded by cool breeze, nature, and silence, Tapola is a quirky destination for nature lovers wanting a secluded getaway.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Main Attractions: Watersports, serenely beautiful view of the lake, offbeat destination
Nearest Bus Stand: Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Satara Railway Station

10. Lonavala

The view of the sky and valleys during the daytime, perfect for camping in Maharashtra.

Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons

Lonavala is the most popular hill station for camping in Maharashtra, as it is very close to Mumbai and Pune. The campsite here is surrounded by green hills, lakes, waterfalls, and caves, making it an ideal place for an instant weekend break. Lonavala provides a fine blend of natural beauty and adventure through trekking, hiking, zip-lining, and other adventure sports. The cool weather along with misty mornings and pretty pleasing sunsets make it a romantic spot for couples and a fun destination for families. The place offers a perfect experience of luxury camping in Maharashtra.

Best Time To Visit: October to May
Main Attractions: Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, hill view, Rajmachi Fort
Nearest Bus Stop: Lonavala Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station

Whether you are looking for a place of silence and serenity in dense forests or scenic valleys or something that is going to pump up your adrenaline levels, camping in Maharashtra has something for everyone. Pack up those bags, pitch that tent, and experience nature’s beauty like never before. Start planning your next adventure with TripXL to make unforgettable memories.

Cover Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best months for camping in Maharashtra?

The best time to camp in Maharashtra is between October and March as the weather is cool as well as pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

What to pack for a camping adventure?

Carry warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Make sure to pack a first aid kit, and personal hygiene kit along with sunscreen, bug spray, torch, portable charger, waterproof shoes, etc.

Are the campsites in Maharashtra photogenic?

Maharashtra is a photographer's paradise with a scenic topography. With serene lakes, mountainous rugged landscapes, dense forests, and ancient forts, the state has so much to offer.

What kind of cuisine is available at camping sites?

In most organised campsites in Maharashtra, the food includes vegetarian curries, chapatis, and rice. One could have local delicacies like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Pithla Bhakri. For solo campers or if you are camping deep into the woods, carry instant noodles, canned food, or pre-packed snacks.

Are there any famous eateries or local food options near the campsites?

Near Lonavala, try the famous Maganlal Chikki, a sweet jaggery and peanut snack. In Bhandardara, authentic Maharashtrian thalis are available at local dhabas. The Matheran market is famous for chikki and fudge of different flavours. Near Mahabaleshwar lies Tapola, rich in farm-fresh strawberry desserts.

Camping In Maharashtra: The Ultimate Guide To Popular Campsites