Going on adventurous treks through the forests, roasting BBQ dinners, sing-a-long with campfires, swimming in clear ponds— there is so much to enjoy on a camping trip. Before you plan your next escape into the wilderness, check out our list to find that perfect spot to tent up, light bonfires, and have a blissful weekend. From camping pros to amateurs, we bet both will enjoy these places equally.
Treks, Bonfires & More: Plan A Green Escape At These Campsites Near Pune
Pawna Lake
Surrounded by luscious greenery and a serene water body, Pawna Lake provides the perfect backdrop for a successful camping trip. And the best part is that it is 50 km away from Pune. Whether you're planning a trip with your group of friends, family, or a loved one, Pawna Lake Camping has many campsites to meet your requirements. The overnight trip starts at 4 PM, followed by snacks as you enjoy the sunset. For entertainment, they have live music shows, bonfires, games, and more. The lake level is a bit low in the summer, so deep-water swimming is prohibited, but you can get your feet wet! Hosted from Saturday evenings to Sunday mornings, the package includes meals, tent accommodation, and activities.
Kalote Lake
Located close to Khopoli, Kalote Lake is enveloped by lush green hills on three sides and a gorgeous lake on the other, making it a popular camping spot for Punekars. Our favourite campsite here is Camp Max because of their glamping tents that provide air conditioning, private bathrooms, sit-out areas, and a lake view like no other. Their overnight packages are inclusive of evening tea, snacks, dinner, and breakfast. Plus, there are so many thrilling activities like kayaking, ziplining, trekking, rappelling, stargazing, and more at an additional cost. We suggest you trek around the campsite on foot to appreciate the beauty of Kalote Lake.
Tikona
Tikona is a 3,500 ft high pyramid-like hill, home to an ancient battle-fort with a village at its base. Close to Kamshet and about 2 hours away from Pune by car, people flock here to trek up the fort for the scenic views of Pawna Valley Lake. Rusticville is a popular campsite here, ideal for beginners or seasoned campers. For accommodations, you can pick from mud houses with attached bathrooms and high-quality adventure tents with pillows and sleeping bags. All meals, from the evening tea with snacks to a DIY BBQ (with pre-marinated food for you to grill) with BBQ equipment, private bonfire, unlimited buffet dinner, morning tea/coffee, and simple breakfast, are covered in the cost. Activities include volleyball, archery, badminton, cricket, carrom and chess. There is an easy trek to Tikona Fort, and Pawna Lake is just a 20-25 minute walk away from the campsite.
Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a small village in Ahmednagar district, about a 4.5–5.5 hours drive from Pune. Home to Mount Kalsubai (the highest peak in Maharashtra), the nearby natural attractions include Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, and the Umbrella Falls in the monsoon season. There are several trekking and hiking spots nearby, most notably the one to Ratangad Fort. Bhandardara is also popular for its scenic sunsets, clear starry skies and firefly festivals! We found overnight camping packages by Get Set Camp right on the banks of Bhandara Lake for a picturesque view. Camping here is a bit more rustic, so we suggest you pack all the essentials and don’t forget to carry your camera and battery pack for good Insta-worthy photos.
The Farmsted
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and have a relaxing stay at The Farmstead, an agro-tourism resort just 40 km away from Pune, at the foothills of Lavasa. Here you can stay in tents, dormitories, or nests with attached bathrooms. The resort provides all the necessary camping gear for adventurous activities. Light a bonfire, host a barbecue or enjoy their indoor games with your groups. The packages include all meals, games, and other entertainment. A few things you should carry on your trip: trekking shoes, activewear, warm clothes, medicines, and toiletries.
Panshet
Located 50 km from Pune, Panshet makes for a great spot to go camping. For a safe and successful camping trip, we suggest you book your stay with Weekend Feels, which accommodates guests on the weekends and provide almost all basic amenities and meals. You can also explore adventure sports such as kayaking, rafting, paragliding and more. You can also rent cycles and go for a spin around the small town. They also host karaoke nights, live music on Saturdays, and many exciting games with prizes to be won.
Kolad
Approximately three hours from Pune, Kolad is a little village in Maharashtra famous for its river rafting camps that flows through the Kundalika River. If you love watersports, check out Kundalika Rafting to experience this beautiful spot in all its glory. The campsite offers the ultimate river-side camping experience with deluxe AC rooms, available on weekdays and weekends. Try authentic Konkani cuisine, go on guided adventure treks down the river, explore neighbouring valleys, get your adrenaline pumping with ziplining, and more. After the sun sets, enjoy camp bonfires with music and an unlimited buffet dinner.
Wai
Looking for that perfect Bollywood set up by the lake? Head to Wai. Around three hours away from Pune, there are many campsites in Wai to experience local culture. However, you could also pick up your tents and camp by the Dhom Dam, known as the Pangong Tso Lake of Maharashtra. Take a boat ride, light up a bonfire and jam with your friends while taking in the serene natural beauty of Wai. The best time to visit this campsite is in Moonsoon when the landscape is covered in lush greenery and the weather is just perfect. Check out Sahyadri Camping, which provides all the basic amenities and food to make your camping experience the best one yet.
