Mumbai is a fast-paced, bustling city that often makes one yearn to get away from the noise and pollution to the peace and quiet of nature. Luckily, there are plenty of options for camping adventures and places to pitch your tent near Mumbai for a weekend getaway. From hills and lakes to forts and farms, scenic locales are a short drive away from the city which is perfect for camping.
Pawna Lake Camping
Pawna Lake, located around 120 km from Mumbai near Lonavala, is a popular camping spot for adventure and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by lush green hills and a serene lake, Pawna Lake campsites take glamping to a whole new level with luxurious tents equipped with comfortable beds, fans, lights, and even WiFi in some cases! Most campsites also have BBQ facilities for a fun evening around a bonfire under the starlit sky. Activities like kayaking, sightseeing tours to nearby forts, and hiking make it for an enjoyable weekend. Popular campsites like Camping Jungle Livinn, The Camping Co, and Pawna Lake Camp run extremely affordable and convenient camping packages including transportation to make your experience hassle-free.
Kundalika Rafting Camp
Situated at Kolad, the stunning stretch along the Kundalika River is perfect for adventure junkies who wish to combine rafting with camping. White water rafting against grade 2 and 3 rapids in the day and resting in tents at night after a delicious BBQ makes for a power-packed weekend. With options for more sedate activities like zip lining as well, these rafting camps near Mumbai at Kolad have it all covered. The lush greenery dotted with colorful tents, their proximity to the roaring rapids of the Kundalika River, and the good food make these riverside campsites along Kolad and Kundalika extremely inviting for those looking to rejuvenate a few hours away from the city.
Lonavala Camping
For stunning panoramic views of the plains and surrounding hills, Lonavala tops the list of places for camping near Mumbai. Its pleasant weather, misty green valleys, and gorgeous twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala attract locals and tourists alike throughout the year. From budget adventure camping to luxury glamping resorts, Lonavala has no dearth of campsites for the perfect outdoor weekend. Activities like trekking to various points like Tiger Leap and Duke’s Nose, sightseeing historical forts, and simply relaxing in a tent make it an ideal quick 2-day trip from Mumbai. Especially enchanting in the monsoons with gushing waterfalls everywhere, do try the bed tea and delicious BBQ at a campsite in Lonavala on your next weekend’s gateway.
Farms Near Mumbai for Camping
For Mumbaikars who may have had their fill of the hills, farms close to the city offer a refreshing break. Pitch your tent amidst lush green swaying coconut, areca nut, and mango orchards for an invigorating getaway at organic farms like A2 Farm, Purple Tree Farm, or Icy Blu Farm. Get back to nature with sunrise yoga sessions, plantation tours, birdwatching trails, wholesome organic meals from produce grown on the farms along personalized hospitality. For kids, there are plenty of fun activities too like fishing, feeding farm animals, treasure hunts, swimming in ponds, and more to keep them busy as the adults unwind with a book in a hammock under the trees.
Bhandardara Camping
Often overshadowed by its more popular counterparts like Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, etc., the unspoiled natural beauty and few tourists at Bhandardara make it worth a visit. Set along the banks of the Pravara River amidst towering mountains, this quaint little hill station features gushing waterfalls, lush meadows, the placid Arthur Lake, historic forts, and ancient temples. Its natural scenic beauty, combined with exciting outdoor activities, good resorts, and laidback vibes attracted Bollywood too, with several movies shot here. Riverside camping by the Pravara, where it exits the Wilson dam, is an enthralling experience, especially in the monsoons when the water levels are higher.
Lake Camping Near Mumbai
With its beautiful lakes set against verdant surroundings, the areas around Mumbai are a camper’s delight. For an enchanting experience, pitch a tent near any lake and wake up to breathtaking views of sunrise reflections in the waters, birdsong, and unpolluted air.
Kamshet offers splendid tent stays right by the serene Vadivale and Uksan Lakes, where adventure junkies can also enjoy exciting activities like paragliding over the lakes and hills. The backwaters of the Tansa River make for pretty lake camping too at MTDC’s eco-friendly cottages and Swiss tents along the shores.
Beach Camping Near Mumbai
What better than drifting off listening to the soothing waves gently lapping the shores under star-speckled skies on a balmy evening? Beach camping spells sheer bliss and rejuvenation. Light a small bonfire and barbecue some juicy kebabs as you breathe in the salty sea breeze for the quintessential camping experience.
For offbeat Sea Fort camping surrounded by beaches on all sides, head out to Murud-Janjira, situated about 165 km from Mumbai. Relive history walking the ramparts of the ancient fort during the day and spend nights stargazing by the Arabian Sea in Swiss safari tents on the beach. Located further south around 200 km from Mumbai near Alibaug, Korlai Beach also attracts campers with its unique seaside fort adjacent to the golden sands and groves of casuarina trees.
Serene, pollution-free micro pockets so close to the commercial capital allow you to conveniently escape the hubbub and reconnect with nature. With abundant scenic spots boasting lush greenery or pristine beaches to pitch a tent, camping opportunities abound near Mumbai for memorable weekends or even quick overnight trips. So the next time you need a break from busy Mumbai, grab your backpack and tent to rejuvenate amidst hills, lakes, or forts a few hours away. Don’t forget to capture vistas of sunrise and sunset from your camp for timeless memories.
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This article is written by:
Nihal Cameron
Cameron is an avid traveler and passionate blogger who explores the world one adventure at a time. With a love for discovering new cultures, tasting local cuisines, and uncovering hidden gems, he shares captivating travel stories and insightful tips as a guest writer.
