Often referred to as lover’s paradise and being one of the highly visited hill stations and trekking destinations, Shimla has several camping sites. If you want to try something that makes your heart pumping, at one with nature and adventure you may choose camping in Shimla.
As Shimla is getting more popular as a nomad’s hideout, Mashobra, Narakonda, Jubbal are some of the best places to build your camp and enjoy some solidarity.
Himachal Pradesh is the go-to destination for mountain lovers, adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies with a heart full of love for mountains. You can engage in outdoor sports and sip your morning tea while enjoying the splendid views of the Dhauladhar range, and the Shivalik range of the Himalayan range with an altitude range of 5000 to 6500 meters above the sea levels.
Best time for camping in Shimla:
The best time to camp in Shimla is from November to February. As you move to the camping sites you will see the landscape changing and feel like freedom from the chaos of the city. Green meadows, valleys, sleepy mornings in the outdoors and experiences of cold nights and memories of a lifetime is what camping in Shimla will be all about.
Top Places to Camp in Shimla
Though you will find ample tour packages in and around Shimla some of the best camping grounds as suggested here, are the best in terms of the price range, hospitality, location, scenic view and overall cost-effect. Here are the top 6 locations to camp in Shimla:
1. Narkanda
Tucked in the sheets of cloud, Narkanda has breathtaking camping spots in and around the town. Narakanda offers a great view of the Himalayas and the peaks, making it a favourite of the backpackers. Camping organisations offer Narakanda campsites with excellent facilities, and in the winter, the vast and serene outdoors of Narakanda is a paradise for backpackers.
Some of the best camping spots in Narkanada are near Hatu Peak, Tanujjuber near Shimla, and Kandyali in Narkanda.
How to reach Narkanda
You can reach Narkona by local bus from Shimla, and the distance is 60 km by road from the city centre.
Activities you must experience:
Trekking to Hatu Peak with friends and family, exploring the woods and outdoors and visiting the local market, skiing in the winters and also, skiing, bike rides, star gazing, indoor games.
Wild Himalaya Glamping Camp (The best camping package in Narkanda)
One of the most comforting camps in Narkanda Wild Himalaya Glamping camps provide excellent facilities and is a spectacular location near Tani jubar lake in Narkanda. You will have a safe, hygienic room and camp under the stars watching the mountains. You can also experience watching the peaks, stars, hiking and mountain biking.
Activities: Hiking, skiing, bike rides, star gazing, indoor games
Price: INR 2215 for a basic package of one night and two days
Contact Number: +91-78079-53983
2. Chail
Chail near Shimla, nestled within the valleys, has camping grounds tailor-made for camping in Shimla and is one of the closest destinations with beautiful mountain views. If you want the best views of Himalayan mountains with thick snow, Chail is one of the best locations to experience it. Chail is the best place to visit for hikers and backpackers to make your adrenaline go high.
How to Reach:
Cab or taxi is the most convenient and available transport to reach Kufri, from the city centre
Activities to Enjoy: The activity that calls nature lovers and backpackers are mainly skiing. In Shimla, Chail gets great snow and gives the best snow experience.
You can experience mountain cycling, Trek to Mahasu Peak, enjoy horse and Yak riding and visit the beautiful flora and fauna of Himalayan National Park.
Time for camping: 1-Nights 2-Days
Best packages in Chail:
Clouds Camping:
The Clouds camping campground is one of the best camping grounds near Shimla in the green valley with the magical mountains in the backdrop. Clouds camping is in Chail, where you can reach by rented cars from City Center through the Chail-Kufri road. You can enjoy the scenic beauty, stay in comfortable Swiss tents and explore nearby attractions. Experience peaceful camping with adventurous outdoor and indoor games.
Price: INR 2464 per tent per day
Contact Number: +91-07837410065
Chail Jungle Stays Camp:
The Chail jungle camp is in the Rohalti village and is home to beautiful nature, temples, palaces and wildlife parks. Chail jungle camp is the best for nature lovers and those who just want to take a break and rejuvenate. Chail camping ground is one of the favourite spots for camping in Shimla for locals and backpackers.
Price: INR 920per head per day
Contact number: +91-9816014848
Koti Snow Trails camping:
Koti snow trails camp is the most reviewed and well-maintained camp in Koti in the middle of the apple orchard. This camp within apple orchards and valley view is a must-go for people experiencing camping for the first time or who want to relax while camping.
Snow trails camping is the most famous hilltop camping location in Shimla. The snow trails camp provides the best views of snow-capped Churdar mountains, Shirmour valley, Shimla Hills and Giri river. Along with camping, you can choose packages including Hatu peak trek, Shali Tibba trek, Khuwalia trek.
How to reach: It takes around one and a half hours through Kufri Bypass Road, and the camping site is around 28km by road.
Activities: Nature walks, indoor games, rappelling, flying fox, mountain treks
Price range: starts from INR 3000 for 2 Nights 3 Days for basic camping, and the trekking packages is around INR 5200 to INR 7000.
Official website: http://www.snowtrailscamp.in/
Contact Number: +91-9816010777
3. Mashobra:
The Mashobra camping site is one of the most loved destinations for camping in Shimla, where most backpackers find peace and rest. Mashobra is a birdwatchers’ hideout and a perfect place to explore for adrenaline junkies along the natural trails. The reserve forest sanctuary is one of the largest sources of flourishing natural watersheds and contributes to the bloom of the ecosystem.
How to reach:
Mashobra takes just about 30 minutes from Shimla city, and you can get rented cars from there.
Activities to Experience: While camping in Mashobra, you can try mountain biking, trekking in nature, quad biking, river rafting, birdwatching in the reserve forest sanctuary.
Time for camping: 3 Nights 4 Days
Best camping packages in Mashobra
Mashobra Greens
Mashobra greens are the perfect camping location for jungle and mountain view camping within the envelope of oak and pine woods. Impeccable service and a significant number of activities to enjoy outdoors. You can enjoy the tranquillity of nature and the adventure of the mountain trails. You can choose combined packages to enjoy trekking, Rock-climbing, rope course, and skiing in winters.
Price: INR 2688 per day
Contact Number: +91-09412865001
Pine Hills Nature Camp:
The Pine Hills camping ground is in Mashobra, just below the oak and pine forest interlude. The pine hills camping ground is a treat to your soul as the enchanting beauty of the Dhuladhar range, the woods and all wrapped in the love of the white cloud welcomes you.
By cab or bus via Moolkoti road from Shimla, the camping ground is around 20km away. Depending on the contractor or your tourist agent Pine Hill camping is one of the best locations to experience trekking in the woods and the nearby waterfall and an excellent viewpoint for the Dhuladhar range.
Price: INR1890 for each person for one night stay
Contact Number: +91-9816158904
4. Junga:
Junga is the perfect spot for camping in Shimla for those who love forests and mother nature. Junga is Camping in Junga among the pine forest surrounded by the mystical woods and the waterfalls. This small sleepy village is the best for camping in Shimla. The night camp at Junga, the warmth of the campfire, songs among the woods are perfect for couples, the weather is exceptionally suitable around all years.
How to reach:
Take a cab from the city centre of Shimla, and you can reach the beautiful small town via Junga Road in around 1 hour.
Activities to Experience: Enjoy breathtaking sites and explore the outdoors, visit the mountain ranges, enjoy jungle camping, river camping, outdoor games on the river
Best camping package in Junga
Redwood Camp: River Side Camping In Shimla:
The best riverside camping in Shimla is probably the Redwood camps. The redwood camp is a bliss for nature lovers, outdoor sports lovers, and overall, an adventurous camping Shimla within budget. You can experience snow, water sports, bonfire amid nature and the Redwood Camps is the best one if you are planning to go camping in Shimla with a large group.
The campground is in Shimla and is easily accessible from Delhi, Chandigarh. From Shimla, you can book a cab to reach the camping ground through Junga Road. You can explore and enjoy activities like water rafting, jumar climbing, rope activities, trekking, outdoor games.
Price: Starts from INR2300 per head each day
Official site: http://www.redwoodscampshimla.in/
Contact Number: +91-8130560060
5. Shoghi:
Located just 16km away from Shimla city, Shoghi is endowed with natural bliss forests. The small quaint place has beautiful ancient temples trekking trails and is one of the best places for camping in Shimla to refresh your body, mind and soul.
Though Shoghi is an excellent location for the views of the Himalayan range, it does not have any dedicated camping sites, but Park Woods Camping is one of the best to view. Park Woods is a resort that also offers premium swiss tents for the camping experience.
How to reach:
Shohgi is easily reachable from Shimla by car or taxi.
Activities to experience:
In Shoghi, You can explore the nature trails and visit the local Hanuman temple, Tara Devi temple and, and the viceregal lodge’s historical site
time for camping: 1Night 2Days
Recommended Campsite in Shoghi
Hail Himalayas
Built on a secluded stretch of land, This beautiful Eco-Tourism Campsite is the best place for adventure camping in Shimla. They have an ambient atmosphere with various activities for an unforgettable adventure. Hail Himalayas are also very creative as they have named their wide range of accommodations matching the aesthetics! For example, their most luxurious accommodations are named Mountain luxury while their quant huts are called Mud House!
Many customers have found their stay at Hail Himalayas cost-effective and enjoyed a wonderful vacation in the luxurious accommodations. Hail Himalayas is a must if you wish to have the time of your life at one of the best Shimla camping places.
How to reach
This place is located 13km from Kanoh Train station and 36Km from the main city Shimla.
Activities: Burma Bridge, Rope Walk, Tarzan Swing, Rock Climbing, Valley Crossing, Ring walk, Rappelling, and Zip-line.
Price range: Their packages vary from INR 1200 for a day trip to INR 5000 to INR 6000 for a night stay for two people.
Official website: hailhimalayas.com
Contact Number: 084272 36677
6. Rampur:
With temples and palaces in the quaint and picturesque town of Rampur Bushahr within mountains is another great town for camping in Shimla. Rampur town is 130km from Shimla. Rampur is great for a weekend gateway, and if you want to explore the interiors of Himachal Pradesh, Rampur is the best camping site in Shimla for you.
Some of the most-loved spots for camping in Rampur is trekking and camping near Parashar lake and the main town of Rampur Bushehr.
How to reach:
Rampur is connected to Shimla, Narkanda. It is advised to travel through Narkanada via a taxi through route NH5.
Activities to experience: trekking, visiting the beautiful Saharan lake, sightseeing, exploring outdoors
Places you must visit:
Padam Palace( historical site)
Hatkoti temple
Janjheli trails
Tanu Jubbar lake
Saharan lake
Time for camping: 2Night 3 Days
7. Hira Nagar
Caravan Camps & Resorts
Built on the bank of River Beas, Caravan Camps & Resorts is the best campsite where you can enjoy riverside camping in Shimla with luxurious facilities. The campsite is surrounded by trees, adding a secluded feel to the place. There are a total of 15 camp units available. All of them contain one glass wall for the view. Don’t worry the glass wall has an insulating Net curtain over it so you have an unrestricted vista and complete privacy.
During Summer, the Camp owner converts the riverside into a restaurant. The camp also has a gorgeous pool where you can swim and enjoy the cool water. Also, Make sure to visit Caravan Camps in Shimla to enjoy the best bonfire parties with amazing music!
How to reach: To reach Caravan Camps in Shimla, you can easily hire a taxi or a local bus. It is located 10-12 km from the main city Shimla, in Hira Nagar, Sharog, Himachal Pradesh.
Activities: Zipline, Bamboo Bridge, Burma Bridge, and U Rope.
Price range: The starting price for one person is INR 2000 in the peak season and the price goes down in winters to INR 1500.
Official website: caravancamps.in
Contact number: 070183 74472
8. Kufri
Located just 15 Km away from the main city Shimla, Kufri is another best camping site in Shimla for visitors. With a cool and pleasant climate, you have to visit Kufri to enjoy the stunning snowfall and views of nature.Kufri’s annual winter sports festival is quite popular and a major tourist attraction. It’s usually organized in February by the department of travel and tourism of Himachal Pradesh. If you love skiing, you will have the best time skiing on the go-Karting circuit here!
The Last Village
With a beautiful vista of Shimla hills and a chilly yet delightful climate, to experience actual adventure camping in Shimla, you have to come and stay at The Last Village campsite. The Last Village’s accommodation consists of small huts as well as tents that you can book beforehand. They offer free parking along with free breakfast with a housekeeper and caretaker to assist you anytime you need them.
The campgrounds also have open space for bonfires. There is also a horse-riding track by the campsite where you can go horse riding. You can contact the camp owner to get a quote.
How to reach: You can easily research the campgrounds via bus or a taxi.
Official website: the-last-village.business.site
Contact number: 098167 33777
If you wish to stay in the lap of the Himalayas for a few more days, you can try out camping in some of these beautiful places near Shimla and these are the best places to camp near Shimla.
9. Kasauli
Located about 70 km from Shimla, you must come and visit this lovely, panoramic town and military station. Kasauli has a lot of tourist attractions like Manki Point, Sunset Point, Christ’s Church, and the Central Research Library.
As this quaint town is settled in the foothills of the Himalayas, it enjoys a cool to mildly humid climate all year round. The best time to visit Kasauli is between April and June as well as between September to November. You can reach Kasauli effortlessly and conveniently by taxi. The bus service to Kasauli is also regular and frequent.
Kasauli Wonder Pipes
If you are looking for the best location for camping near Shimla, then Kasauli Wonder Pipes is the best place for you. Settled in Kasauli’s hills, with pine trees all around, you can enjoy adventurous camping here. They have an open space for a bonfire too! The Campground bookings are done on the spot.
How to reach: The most convenient option would be to opt for a taxi. You can get to Kasauli via bus and then, hire a taxi to the campsite.
Sanawar Nature Camp
If you are looking forward to spending quality time with your family and friends in the wilderness but with proper amenities, Sanawar Nature Camp is the perfect location for you. Away from the noise and pollution of cities, Sanawar Nature Camp promotes eco-tourism in India. From hospitable and understanding owners and staff, they provide food that tastes just like home.
The campsite is also very close to major tourist attractions of Kasauli so you can go exploring there too. If you have a fun adventure camping in Shimla, this place is a must-try!
How to reach: You can hire a taxi from the bus station or railway station easily to reach the campsite.
Activities: Rope bridges, Trekking, Burma bridges, Zip lines, and other outdoor adventure activities arranged on request.
Price range: the price range starts from INR 2000 to INR 3000 if you wish to rent a hut or cottage.
Contact number: 01792 261 137
10. Solan
Solan is another good location to go camping near Shimla.It is situated about one and half an hour away from Shimla. Solan is a beautiful hill station, popular as the ‘Mushroom city of India’. Just like Shimla, Solan enjoys pleasant cool weather all year round. There are so many places to visit in Solan such as Karol Tibba, The Mall Road, Solan Brewery, Shoolini Devi Temple, Bon Monastery, etc. If your itinerary included going adventure camping in Shimla, you should consider adding Solan to it too!
Campsvilla Xanadu
Do you wish to camp at the riverside? Campsvilla Xanadu is the perfect place for you to go riverside camping near Shimla. This place comes complete with a bonfire, a lazy stream flowing by side, music playing and passing around delicious local food and building core memories. You can wind down, relax and just enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while stargazing.
How to reach: To reach Solan and then the campsite, there is a readily available bus and taxi service.
Activities: Hiking, Live Music, Off-Roading
Price range: The starting price is INR 1600 per night for both the Swiss camp and the Wood Cabin.
Official website: campsvilla.com
Contact number: (+91) 787 613 6043
Email: [email protected]
Camping near Shimla City
Off The City
Located just 4.5 km from the main city, Shimla, Off The City Camping is perfect for adventure camping in Shimla. They have an amazing garden as well as a mountain view. Being among the few campgrounds so close to Shimla city, this campground offers luxurious tents with attached washrooms and other basic amenities.
If you are looking for riverside camping in Shimla, There is a water stream flowing by that adds to the beauty of the place. The staff is friendly and understanding. They purchase groceries for guests when requested. As the camp is very close to Shimla Airport, they also provide an airport shuttle service as well.
How to reach: To reach Off The city campsite, you can easily hire a taxi.
Activities: Rappelling, Trekking, flying fox, Hiking, Treasure hunt, and other indoor and outdoor adventure activities arranged on request.
Price range: The starting price for one night is INR 3000 exclusive of taxes. They are currently accepting payments only in cash.
Trekking while camping near Shimla:
If you want to experience trekking while camping in Shimla, there are a lot of great mountain and nature treks. Shimla has great trekking points and trails for all levels of trekkers. The best trails for trekking and camping in Shimla are
Summer hill trek( Camp Potters Hill),
Hatu Peak Trek ( Hatu Camps Narkanda & Hatu Himalayas camp)
Tara Devi Trek
Shail Tibba Trek ( Snow trails camp)
Karol Tibba Trek
Kupper Bugyal Trek.
Alongside these famous trekking routes, if camping in Shimla is the main activity you can also experience small treks near Kullu, Kufri trekking and most camping spots in Shimla offers great outdoors for trekking. The best way to experience trekking in Shimla is to choose combined packages through an established tour operating company. You can browse through the package options here. If you are travelling to Shimla here is a travel guide to Shimla from a local.
How to reach Shimla?
If You are wondering how to reach Shimla, then don’t worry as it is quite easy to get here. There are so many travel services readily available. You can travel via road, hire a taxi or use direct Bus services. You can also opt for a train or even book a flight here from Delhi or Chandigarh. Shimla’s airport is 22km from the main city in Jubbarhatti from where you can again get a taxi to anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is camping allowed in Himachal Pradesh?
Camping is allowed on registered sites all over Himachal Pradesh and if you want to go camping in Himachal Pradesh, you have to book it through a tour package like tripadvisor
Where can you get a camping tent for rent in Shimla?
You will find camping tents on rent in Shimla through local camp renting businesses like Clouds camping, Highway to Himalayas, Map N Compasses.
What is the best location to camp in Shimla?
The best location to camp in Shimla is around the city and in Junga, Shoghi, Kufri, Rampur, and Mashobra. You will find camping grounds with great outdoor activities, adventures nature trails and mountain views.