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Pawna Lake is an artificial lake located close to Lonavala, surrounded by a picturesque green landscape at the foot of the mountains. Experience the best camping in Pawna Lake as well as other adventure activities. Tucked away in the Sahyadri ranges, it is the perfect weekend retreat for nature enthusiasts, adventure junkies and photography enthusiasts alike. Its the tranquillity, the sunsets, and outdoor activities like kayaking, bonfires, and stargazing contribute to its popularity as a camping destination. From budget camps to upscale glamping glamour stays, Pawna Lake has something for every backpacker.
How To Reach Pawna Lake
Photo: Sachin Mohol / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Pune International Airport (65 km). Taxis or booked cabs are also available.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Lonavala (25 km) and Kamshet (17 km), serviced by locals and express trains from Mumbai and Pune. Private cabs or auto rickshaws can be hired from the stations.
By Road: Pawna Lake has a good road connection. Drive for 45 minutes on the NH48 from Lonavala to reach the lake. Travellers from Mumbai can take the Mumbai-bound Pune Expressway and get off at Lonavala.
Top 8 Sites For Best Camping In Pawna Lake
Following are some of the best places and campsites for experiencing the best camping in Pawna Lake.
1. Thakursai Camping Area
Photo: Dave Hoefler / Unsplash/ Image For Representation Only
Thakursai, among the best-known spots for camping near Pawna Lake, grants extraordinary landscapes of the lake shore with the Sahyadri hills in the background. You can experience bonfires, dinners at a barbecue and sessions with live music in the evening. The sunrise from here is mesmerising, with soft golden shades reflected on the tranquil Pawna Lake waters. With many high trekking trails nearby, such as Tung Fort, it is an ideal location for an adventure enthusiast.
Cost: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person (including meals and activities)
Distance From Lake: 100 to 200 meters
2. Shinde Wadi Hills Camping
Photo: Ditsakul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For camping on an altitude and ground, Shinde Wadi Hills is ideal with open and vast views. Nestled above Pawna Lake, this camping site offers breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains around. Being at a higher elevation, you get strong breezes and a much cooler climate at night. If stargazing is on the agenda, this is an ideal spot given that there is less light pollution than in public campsites closer to the water. As this site is less travelled, it’s a very good place for those who want to be alone or to escape to nature.
Cost: ₹1,800 to ₹3,500 per person
Distance From Lake: Around 500 meters (elevated)
3. Phagane Camping Area
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Phagane is a lesser-known but enormously scenic camping area close to Pawna Lake. Found on the south side, this place is ideal for tourists looking for a more relaxed, less commercial environment. The campsite is nestled amidst tropical vegetation, offering a more rustic and immersive nature experience. Sunsets here are especially lovely, with golden reflections on the lake. Activities include kayaking, fishing and short nature walks.
Cost: ₹1,200 to ₹2,800 per person
Distance From Lake: 50 to 150 meters
4. Hadshi Lakeside Camping
Photo: Uriel Mont / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nearby Pawna Lake, Hadshi is a calm, beautiful area for camping next to the water. It is the ideal spot for those seeking a more relaxed vibe away from the crowded camping areas. The area consists of grassland, making it an excellent place to pitch tents. Hadshi Temple and the Gardens adjacent are a must-visit also. Thanks to the clear night skies in Hadshi, stargazing is fantastic, and on especially clear nights you can even see shooting stars.
Cost: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person
Distance From Lake: 50 meters
5. Tikona Base Camping
Photo: Syed Qaarif Andrabi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
An ideal camping spot and one of the best camping in Pawna Lake for adventure lovers is located at the foothills of a historical fort, Tikona. Tikona base camping is special because one side of the campsite is a lake, while the other is the trekking route leading to the Tikona Fort. Campers here can keep their movie experience paired with an early morning hike to this fort and witness mesmerising views of Pawna Lake from the top.
Cost: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per person
Distance From Lake: 300 to 400 meters
6. Kale Col Camping
Photo: Xue Guangjian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Here is one of the most beautiful and remote camping sites on Pawna Lake, which is Kale Col. Hidden from the typical camping pack, it is a clean and white environment with limited human intervention. This spot is one of the best places to shoot the wilderness at Pawna Lake if you are a photographer or a nature lover. With a refreshing breeze, open landscapes and a peaceful setting, Kale Col is the destination for those in search of solitude.
Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person
Distance From Lake: 100 meters
7. Dudhiware Village Camping
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Dudhiware, near Pawna Lake, is a rural backwoods area giving countryside experiences and nature camping. This is different from other places, which are designed for tourists in mind, so camping here gives you an opportunity to meet local villagers and get a feel of rural Maharashtra. Located nearby are the gorgeous Dudhiware Waterfall, which can be visited here during the monsoon as it becomes active then. At night, the waterfall noise and the lake view make it a special atmosphere.
Cost: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per person
Distance From Lake: 150 meters
8. Tung Fort Base Camping
Photo: tee Lau/ Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tung Fort Base is another wonderful place for trekking and adventurous campers for the best camping in Pawna Lake. The campsite is located near the base of Tung Fort, which is one of the toughest treks in the region. As it is a bit elevated, the view of Pawna Lake from here is amazing. The great thing about camping here is starting your trek very early and reaching the fort to witness an amazing sunrise over the lake.
Cost: ₹1,200 to ₹2,800 per person
Distance From Lake: 250 meters
Best Time To Visit
Photo: chulmin1700 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The weather is cool from October to February, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and therefore the ideal time for the best camping in Pawna Lake. Nights can be cold during the winter, so you should keep warm clothes with you. Post-monsoon (September to October) is another excellent period when the lake is full and the nearby hills are lush green. It can be warm during the day in summer (March to May), but the nights are pleasant.
Pawna Lake camping is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, away from city life. For the best camping in Pawna Lake, lakeside relaxation, fort treks, and adventure sports are things that come with it. Due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, it still holds as one of Maharashtra’s much-loved camping spots. Plan your getaway with TripXL, pack your essentials, and set off for a memorable stay by the lake.
Cover Photo: Sharadsy / Wikimedia Commons
