Sleep Under Stars, Wake Up in the Himalayas: The Ultimate Camping Guide to Uttarakhand 2026 You haven’t truly slept until you’ve spent a night inside a tent at 10,000 feet — Milky Way overhead, river roaring below, and nothing between you and the Himalayas but a thin layer of canvas. Uttarakhand isn’t just India’s spiritual heart. It is also its greatest campsite. Whether you are planning a weekend trip from Delhi or a two-week Himalayan adventure, camping in Uttarakhand gives you something no hotel ever can — raw, real, unforgettable mountain life. In this guide, I am going to share the 10 best campsites, honest cost breakdowns, a complete packing list, and tips that only someone who has spent years on these mountains can tell you. Let’s go. Why Uttarakhand is India’s #1 Camping Destination (And Why 2026 is the Best Year to Go) From Riverbanks to Glaciers — Uttarakhand Has a Campsite for Every Kind of Traveller Most people think camping means roughing it in a jungle. Uttarakhand changes that idea completely. Here, you can camp beside the Ganga in Rishikesh (just 250 km from Delhi), sleep in a snow-covered meadow in Auli, or wake up at the base of a glacier in Munsiyari. The range is unlike anywhere else in India. You have rivers, forests, meadows, mountain peaks, and wildlife — all in one state. Whether you are a first-time camper or a seasoned trekker, there is a campsite in Uttarakhand made for you. Camping Tourism in Uttarakhand Grew 60% in 2025 — Here’s Why It’s Booming After 2020, people started looking for open spaces, fresh air, and experiences away from crowds. Uttarakhand became the answer. Camping tourism in the state grew by nearly 60% between 2023 and 2025. New campsites opened in Kanatal, Chopta, and Devprayag. The state government improved road access to many remote areas. And with Delhi to Rishikesh distance now just about 5–6 hours by road, a weekend camping trip has never been easier to plan. 2026 is special because many new camp operators have set up proper facilities — attached washrooms, bonfire setups, and guided trek options — making it perfect even for first-timers. The Big 3 Camping Types in Uttarakhand — Which One Are You? Before I tell you which campsite to book, you need to know what kind of camper you are. This matters more than you think. The Adventure Camper — Trek All Day, Sleep Under Stars at Night You are happy with a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a trail ahead of you. You want altitude, isolation, and that feeling of earning your campsite. Best picks for you: Kedarkantha Base Camp, Munsiyari, and Valley of Flowers Base Camp. The Glamper — Bonfire, Buffet Breakfast & a Bed Inside the Tent You love nature but you also love comfort. You want a proper mattress, hot food, and maybe a bonfire with music. You are not roughing it — you are glamping. Best picks: Rishikesh River Camps, Kanatal Forest Camp, and Nainital Lakeview Camp. The Family Camper — Safe, Scenic & No Altitude Anxiety You have kids or elderly parents along and safety is your top priority. You want a campsite that is scenic but not extreme — good food, clean toilets, and not too far from a town. Best picks: Nainital, Rishikesh, and Jim Corbett Jungle Camp. 10 Best Campsites in Uttarakhand That Will Make You Cancel Your Hotel Booking 1. Rishikesh River Camps — Where the Ganga Sings You to Sleep Location: Shivpuri, 16 km from Rishikesh town Best for: First-timers, couples, groups, adventure lovers Cost: ₹1,500–₹4,000 per person per night (meals included in most packages) This is the most popular camping destination in Uttarakhand — and for good reason. Rishikesh river camps sit right on the banks of the Ganga, surrounded by sal forests and mountains. During the day, you can do river rafting, cliff jumping, and bungee jumping in Rishikesh (the platform stands at 83 metres — one of the highest in Asia). At night, you gather around a bonfire while the Ganga rushes past a few metres away. For those coming from Delhi, the Delhi to Rishikesh distance is about 250 km — roughly a 5–6 hour drive or an overnight train to Haridwar followed by a taxi. Many Rishikesh resorts near the river also offer camping add-ons. If you are looking for the best campsite in Rishikesh, Shivpuri and Marine Drive stretch are your two go-to zones. Tip: Book camps that include meals. Food options near Shivpuri are limited. Also, check if the camp has an attached washroom before you book — not all of them do. 2. Chopta Meadow Camp — The Meadow That Turns Pink Every Spring Location: Chopta, Rudraprayag district — 100 km from Rishikesh Best for: Trekkers, spiritual travellers, nature photographers Cost: ₹1,200–₹3,000 per person per night Chopta is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” At 2,680 metres, it sits above the treeline with wide-open meadows and jaw-dropping views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Kedar Peak. The famous Chopta Tungnath trek starts right here — a 3.5 km uphill trail to the world’s highest Shiva temple. Most camp operators in Chopta offer a Chopta tour package that includes the Tungnath temple visit as part of the itinerary. The Chopta Tungnath trek distance is about 3.5 km one way and is manageable for most fit adults. 3. Auli Snow Camps — Wake Up to a White Himalayan Morning Location: Auli, Chamoli district Best for: Winter campers, skiing lovers, couples Cost: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per person per night Auli is India’s premier skiing destination and one of the most beautiful places to camp in winter. The Dehradun to Auli distance is approximately 282 km, making it a comfortable day’s drive. From Delhi, the Auli distance from Delhi is around 500 km — best covered overnight. The best season to visit Auli for camping is November to February for snow, and May to June for green meadows. Waking up to a snow-white valley surrounded