Camping In Panshet: A Detailed Travel Guide On All You Need To Know

Several tents of blue and orange colour are placed next to each other on a hill

Camping in Panshet, Pune is a wonderful way to connect with nature while enjoying stunning views of the backwaters from Panshet Dam.
Located just 40–45 kilometres from Pune city, this destination is famous for being a weekend getaway. Campsites in Panshet offer a range of activities, including kayaking, trekking, and boating, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure. With various campsites providing amenities like tents and meals, campers can enjoy the serene surroundings. Whether with friends or family, camping in Panshet will create a memorable experience.

Factors Affecting Camping In Panshet

A back view of two tents that are placed on an elevated level of ground amidst forest.

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Numerous factors can affect your camping experience in Panshet. Some of them are stated below:

  • Water Levels of the lake and the dam
  • Weather Conditions
  • Peak season
  • Wildlife encounter and
  • Camping gears

Types Of Camping In Panshet

Camping in Panshet can be done at various locations, depending on what you prefer. A few types of camping that you can experience in Panshet are listed below:

1. Forest Camping

A white dome-shaped tent is placed under the starry sky located between the forest

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Forest camping offers an immersive experience in nature. You will stay in tents amidst the forest, surrounded by greenery. The tents will be placed on the ground, and bonfires ignited at night. People usually eat barbecued food and do recreational activities while spending time in nature. At night, you can watch fireflies or stargaze. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then you might spot wildlife in the surrounding region and can access the hiking trails. Many people, while hiking, choose to camp in forests, which provides them with an opportunity to connect with Mother Nature.

2. Lakeside Camping

A green-coloured tent is placed on the ground near the bank of a lake while the sun is rising

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In lakeside camping, you will be provided with or have pre-installed tents near the lake. You can enjoy the lake’s view and do various activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating, stargazing, etc. During the daytime, you can explore nearby regions and experience a few activities, and at night, you can enjoy a small music party along with a bonfire. Lakeside camping is an ideal activity for water enthusiasts and adventure seekers. You can observe the tranquil environment near the lake and perform various recreational activities with family or friends.

3. Mountain Camping

A distant view of two people sitting on a mountain peak near which tents are placed

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In mountain camping, the tents are placed at high altitudes and sometimes on the edge of the hill. Usually, at camping sites, the tents are pre-installed, but sometimes if the campers are visiting an off-beat place, they bring their tents and assemble them. Hiking would be required to reach the destination. In the morning, you will witness a mesmerising sunrise, and after the sunset, you can admire the starry sky. In mountain camping, hiking on an uneven plain might get challenging, but the view from the mountaintop will be unforgettable.

Popular Sites For Camping In And Around Panshet

Here is a list of five famous sites for you to explore when you go camping in Panshet:

1. Panshet Backwaters

Several vibrant coloured boats are present in the backwaters of the Panshet dam.

Photo: Pradyumna Gayake / Unsplash

The Panshet backwaters are formed due to the construction of the Panshet Dam on the Ambi River. These backwaters attract nature enthusiasts who want to reconnect with nature and experience various activities. The facilities provided at camps include food, dining areas, restrooms, charging points, fans, parking areas, etc. Numerous camps are located at the backwaters of the Panshet Dam, which offer breakfast, dinner, snacks, and welcome drinks. If you are an adventure seeker, you can enjoy activities like hiking in the nearby region, kayaking in the backwaters, and playing some outdoor games along with other campers. You can also opt for stargazing and enjoy barbeque near the lakeside.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Duration: 1 – 2 days

2. Nisargshala Campground

Three tents are placed side by side to each other on an elevated level amidst the forest

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Nisargshala is a campground near the Panshet that focuses on taking an eco-friendly approach at the campsite. It is situated in the heart of serene Shyadri hills. You can choose to do various activities, such as cooking food (barbeque), playing outdoor games, stargazing, meditating, going on a night trek, and rappelling. There is something for people of all ages to do at this site. At the campsite, people are encouraged to connect with nature and protect it. This site is ideal for families as well as corporate groups or individuals looking to spend some time in a tranquil environment.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 days

3. Panshet Dam

A distant view of the Panshet Dam is showcased with a motorboat carrying people in it.

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Panshet Dam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Panshet town. It is built on a tributary of the Mutha River, the Ambi River. The dam is also known as Tanajisagar Dam. Numerous campsites are built around the dam and its backwater. Surrounded by scenic hills, campsites near the Panshet dam offer an excellent opportunity for campers to try various water-based and ground activities. Some popular activities the campers enjoy are swimming, boating, kayaking, trekking, barbequing, and stargazing. The campsites near the Panshet dam offer various facilities, such as meals, parking spaces, charging points, and restrooms.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Duration: 2 – 3 days

4. Torna Fort

Numerous people are present on the trail to Torna Fort while the weather is cloudy.

Photo: Pushpak14795 / Wikimedia Commons

Torna Fort, known to be the highest hill fort in the Pune district, is famous among trekkers and campers. The fort has historical significance and is surrounded by a few campsites that educate people about this historic destination and offer them a memorable camping experience. During the daytime, you will experience trekking to the fort, and at night, the tents will be placed near the fort’s permissible area for camping. Blankets, tents, a bonfire, and light sources, such as lamps, will be provided for you. At some campsites, people are encouraged to bring power banks as they run on solar/green energy. .

Best Time To Visit: August to March
Duration: 1 day

5. Varasgaon Dam

Camping area near the shore of a water body around which there are several trees.

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Varasgaon Dam was built on the Mosi River and is near the Panshet Dam. This dam is a popular tourist spot and is also known as Veer Baaji Pasalkar Dam. Various campsites and resorts are situated near the Varasgaon Dam. You can enjoy numerous water-based activities, such as boating, kayaking, etc. While camping, you will be offered barbequed dinner, DJ night, bonfires, tents with bedding inside, and facilities such as restrooms. At some camps, morning breakfast, evening snacks, and battery charging points are available, too.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Duration: 1 day

Cost For Tent Camping In Panshet

A blue tent is placed among the woods, and nearby it, there is a wooden picnic table.

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The cost of tent camping in Panshet varies from campsite to campsite. As the activities offered and amenities provided at the site vary, the prices differ too. If you are on a budget, the prices could go from ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per day per person. However, if you want to experience various adventure activities, the price for it can range from ₹1,799 to ₹2,499 per person. It will include meals and other basic facilities.

Camping in Panshet offers a refreshing escape into nature, combining scenic views of the dam backwaters with the surrounding Sahyadri Hills. It is a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure, with options for kayaking, trekking, and camping. It is located near Pune City and is an ideal destination for camping with family, friends, and corporate groups. To experience an unforgettable weekend getaway, book your trip with TripXL and make memories that last.

Cover Photo: Fabricio_Macedo_Photo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Panshet stays lively all year round due to its scenic beauty and its close proximity to the main cities. However, the peak season starts in October and lasts up to February.
There are various basic amenities such as insect and mosquito repellent first-aid kit, power bank and trekking shoes that you should carry with you to the campsites in Panshet.
The distance between the Sinhagad Fort and Panshet is 30 kilometres. The Sinhagad Fort trails are famous among hikers and campers.
You can visit various attractions while camping in Panshet. Some of them are Varasgaon Dam, Pabe Ghat, Sinhagad Fort, Varasgaon Waterfalls and Neelkantheshwar Temple.

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