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Camping in Kerala is an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. With its lush green hills, flowing rivers, stunning waterfalls, and dense forests, camping in Kerala offers unforgettable experiences for every nature lover. The pleasant climate throughout the year makes it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts. Imagine sleeping under starry skies, waking up to the sounds of birds, and embracing the tranquility of your surroundings. Camping in Kerala provides a perfect escape from the hustle of daily life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and enjoy simple, peaceful moments.
10 Best Places For Camping In Kerala
Discover the best camping in Kerala with spots from Munnar Hills to Athirappilly Waterfalls offering diverse terrains, scenic views, peaceful nature, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
1. Munnar Hills
Photo: Gigin Krishnan / Unsplash
Munnar is Kerala’s most loved hill station and is a renowned budget camping option. The cool climate, rolling hills, and tea plantations make it an ideal place for outdoor stays. Camps here are usually set on hilltops or meadows, giving you wide views of valleys below. Moreover, the air feels fresh and pure, which makes mornings in Munnar very pleasant. During the day, you can walk through tea gardens or climb nearby peaks. Additionally, the nights are calm, and the sky is often clear for stargazing. Bonfires are also common at these camps, creating cosy evenings.
Location: Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Tea plantations, Top Station viewpoint, stargazing, hill trekking, bonfires.
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Munnar For An Unforgettable Experience
2. Wayanad Forests
Photo: Anil Jose Xavier / Unsplash
Wayanad is known for its scenic spots for luxury camping in Kerala. Its thick forests, waterfalls, and wildlife make it a dream location for camping. The atmosphere is peaceful yet adventurous. Campsites are usually set up near streams or inside forest clearings. The nights are also filled with the sounds of insects and running water. You can hike through the hills, check out spice plantations or see local waterfalls during the day. Wayanad also has tribal communities, and some eco-camps let you meet them. This adds cultural depth to your trip. Wildlife lovers also enjoy spotting elephants, deer, and colourful birds here.
Location: Wayanad District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Waterfalls, spice plantations, tribal villages, wildlife spotting (elephants, deer, birds), forest treks.
3. Vagamon Meadows
Vagamon is a quiet hill station filled with wide meadows, pine forests, and valleys. It is a perfect place for camping in Kerala for a family. It feels calm and refreshing because the area is not very crowded. Moreover, the constant cool breeze adds comfort to your stay. Campsites are usually set up on grassy fields where you can enjoy long views of rolling hills. During the day, you can walk through pine forests or trek to small peaks. Additionally, Vagamon is well known for adventure sports like paragliding, which you can try along with camping.
Location: Vagamon, Idukki District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Pine forests, grassy meadows, trekking, paragliding, peaceful family camping.
Suggested Read: Tent Camping In Vagamon
4. Gavi Eco-Tourism Spot
Photo: Samson Joseph / Wikimedia Commons
Gavi is located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is one of the best eco-tourism camping spots in Kerala. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and hills, it gives you a complete outdoor experience. Moreover, eco-friendly rules ensure that the natural balance is maintained. Camps here are usually near the lake or in forest clearings. Guided treks, boat rides, and wildlife spotting are common activities during your stay. Additionally, Gavi is home to elephants, gaurs, and many bird species, which makes it exciting for nature lovers. The nights are peaceful, with only the sounds of the forest around you.
Location: Gavi, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Lake boating, wildlife spotting (elephants, gaurs, birds), guided forest treks, eco-friendly camping.
5. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: Jimmy Kamballur / Shutterstock
Silent Valley is India’s only untouched tropical forest and is best suited for those travellers looking for a raw camping experience. It contains tall evergreen forests and exotic flora to bring out a magical feel. It also contains rare flora and fauna species, hence being a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The camps are usually organised by the authorities of eco-tourism, hence ensuring safety and respect for nature. You can go on guided walks during the day to explore waterfalls and forest trails. Since the Silent Valley is generally less crowded, you can enjoy its tranquillity. Nights inside the park are filled with natural jungle sounds, which create a thrilling camping experience.
Location: Palakkad District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Tropical evergreen forests, rare flora and fauna, bird watching, waterfall visits, jungle night sounds.
Suggested Read: Eravikulam National Park
6. Thenmala Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Rajesh.Rajendran / Shutterstock
Thenmala, known as India’s first planned eco-tourism spot, is another great place for camping in Kerala. The sanctuary is rich with greenery and wildlife, and the organised camps here give you both comfort and adventure. Additionally, camping often involves activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. There are numerous birds and animals in the woodlands, so you might see them while you’re there. The area is also very quiet, especially at night when the only sounds come from the forest. Camps here are managed with proper facilities, making them suitable for beginners.
Location: Thenmala, Kollam District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wildlife spotting, eco-tourism activities.
7. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Photo: kv naushad / Shutterstock
Known for its wildlife-rich forests, Parambikulam is spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Camping here is adventurous because you get to stay close to animal habitats. Moreover, the eco-tourism program allows you to camp in tents, bamboo huts, or even treehouses. Each option gives you a unique view of the forest. Camping packages usually include guided safaris and bamboo rafting, which make the trip more fun. The reserve also has a lot of tigers and elephants, so you can see a lot of wildlife there. The tribal communities in the area also add cultural value to your stay.
Location: Palakkad District, Kerala / Tamil Nadu border
Top Highlights: Wildlife safaris, bamboo rafting, treehouse stays, tribal culture, tiger and elephant sightings.
Suggested Read: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: PREJU SURESH / Shutterstock
Athirappilly is Kerala’s largest waterfall and an exciting place for camping. At night, the sound of water pouring down makes the place feel beautiful. There are campsites near riversides that let you see both the falls and the woodlands. It is refreshing when you wake up to see a misty surrounding. You can also trek around the region during the day or visit nearby smaller waterfalls. Additionally, Athirappilly is surrounded by rich greenery that adds to its charm. The place has also been featured in many films because of its beauty.
Location: Athirappilly, Thrissur District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Kerala’s largest waterfall, riverside camping, trekking, misty mornings, scenic forest surroundings.
9. Agasthyakoodam Hills
Photo: VIJAYABHARATHI K / Shutterstock
Agasthyakoodam is one of Kerala’s tallest peaks and a challenging camping spot. The hills are part of the Western Ghats and are rich in medicinal plants. Additionally, it is considered to be a holy mountain by locals, giving cultural value to your vacation. Only in certain months, with prior approval, are treks to Agasthyakoodam allowed. The path takes you through forests, grasslands, and streams, giving it an adventurous feel. What you get from the campsite is wonderful scenery with hills that roll below you for miles. It is not simple to camp here, but it pays you with beauty that cannot be matched.
Location: Agasthyakoodam Peak, Western Ghats, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
Top Highlights: Medicinal plants, sacred mountain, challenging treks, forest streams, panoramic hill views.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kerala
10. Poovar Backwaters
It is known for its backwaters, golden sand beaches, and peaceful settings. Poovar is a village close to Thiruvananthapuram. You can camp here instead of in the hills and woods of Kerala because you can see rivers, lagoons, and the sea all at the same time. Moreover, the camps are usually set up near the backwaters, where you can watch fishermen at work and hear the gentle splash of water all around. During the day, you can take boat rides through coconut groves and explore sandbanks that separate the river from the sea.
Location: Poovar, Near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Top Highlights: Backwaters, golden sand beaches, boat rides, lagoons, peaceful coastal camping.
Camping in Kerala offers one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences. From misty Munnar hills to Wayanad’s quiet forests, each location has a unique charm. Eco-tourism ensures safety and nature protection. Choose family-friendly sites or adventurous treks like Agasthyakoodam and Meesapulimala. With diverse landscapes, every traveler finds their perfect spot. Enjoy starry nights, peaceful mornings, and days full of exploration. Camping in Kerala is a chance to reconnect with nature simply and deeply. Plan your unforgettable trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
