Located at the base of the Himalayas, Rishikesh offers both adrenaline rushes and spiritual calm in the midst of lush foothills. River rafting, cliff jumping, yoga and meditation are all popular activities in this backpacker’s paradise. Riverside camping resorts are a great way to fully experience the town’s magic. There is nothing like waking up to misty mountain views, starry night skies, and the sound of a flowing river – riverside camping in Rishikesh is an experience unlike any other!
What makes riverside camping in Rishikesh so special?
Along the banks of Ganges, Rishikesh offers sprawling campsites surrounded by the forests and hills of Rajaji National Park. Tents are usually equipped with attached bathrooms along with recreational areas for games, bonfires, and local cuisine. Adventure sports and yoga are available here, as well as short hikes and cliff diving into the river. You can experience riverside camping right in the heart of nature with the utmost comfort.
Top 10 Riverside Camping Sites in Rishikesh
Camp Ganga Riviera
Located along a gushing river, Camp Ganga Riviera offers a mix of luxurious tents and cottages. Restaurant “Ran-Chai” offers delicious Asian cuisine overlooking the river. Throughout the day, you can engage in activities like beach volleyball, mud volleyball, and hiking.
Location: Rishikul Ayurshala, Tapovan
Price: INR 1300 per night onwards
Camp Aqua Vista
With a private beach, hanging bridge, and glowing lanterns, Camp Aqua Vista offers panoramic views of the Ganges. Try riverside yoga or stargaze in the evenings. All amenities are included in luxury tents.
Location: Badrinath Road, Tapovan
Price: INR 2500 per night onwards
Alpine Adventure Camp
Alpine Adventure has open air cottages and swiss tents with running hot water overlooking endless Himalayan vistas. Their multi-adventure package lets you try cliff jumping, fox flying, body surfing, etc.
Location: Tapovan Sarai, Badrinath Road
Price: INR 1200 per night onwards
Camp Crossroads
This sprawling campground has designer tents overlooking the river along with hammocks, open air restaurant and recreational zones. Crossroads organizes wildlife treks, village tours and local music events.
Location: Laxman Jhula Road
Price: INR 1500 per night onwards
Camp Posada Eco Village
Promoting eco-tourism, Posada has Igloo-shaped mud huts, tree houses and tented cottages powered entirely by solar energy. You can indulge in organic farming, attend yoga classes or just unwind amidst nature.
Location: Village Dunda, Rishikesh Badrinath Highway
Price: INR 2500 per night onwards
Divine Ganga Cottage
Comprising ethnic cottage tents and Rajasthani huts with jharokhas, Divine Ganga makes you experience rural culture. Enjoy beach volleyball, tug-of-war and local music performances over a bonfire.
Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh Badrinath Road
Price: INR 1300 per night onwards
Camp Wildex
Get a taste of luxury camping at Camp Wildex with its premium swiss tents equipped with king-size beds, LEDs and balcony overlooking the Ganges. There’s also a multi-cuisine restaurant and adventure activity zones.
Location: Badrinath Road, Tapovan
Price: INR 4000 per night onwards
Camp Bliss by the Ganges
True to its name, Camp Bliss offers a blissful riverside stay in cottage tents with round-the-clock room service. Unwind with beach sports, jungle treks and yoga sessions during your stay.
Location: Badrinath Road, Tapovan
Price: INR 2000 per night onwards
Camp Kaudiyala
Flanked by Rishikesh hills on one side and Ganges on the other, Camp Kaudiyala lets you soak in panoramic valley views. Luxury tents come with 5-star amenities.
Location: Kaudiyala, Rishikesh
Price: INR 3000 per night onwards
Aloha on the Ganges
Experience a mix of luxury camping and spiritual retreat at Aloha on the Ganges. Designed like a tropical beach resort with private decks and infinity pool overlooking the river, it offers spa therapies along with usual camp activities.
Location: Kaudiyala, Rishikesh
Price: INR 5000 per night onwards
What activities can you enjoy during riverside camping?
The highlight of riverside camps in Rishikesh is that they let you enjoy best of all worlds – right from adrenaline rush to peaceful relaxation as per your mood. Some of the popular activities offered are:
• River rafting on rapids
• Cliff jumps into the Ganges
• Volleyball, tug-of-war
• Trek to Kunjapuri Temple
• Yoga and meditation sessions
• Reiki and spa therapies
• Rappelling, rock climbing
• Zip lining across the river
• Body surfing in rapids
• Wildlife safari
• Village tours on cycles
• Movie screening under stars
• Local music and dance performances
Bonfires and barbeques lit up under starry skies while folk bands play pahadi tunes, creating the perfect ambience for an unforgettable riverside camping experience.
Best time for riverside camping in Rishikesh
Rishikesh enjoys pleasant weather almost throughout the year which adds to its charm as an all-season getaway.
The best camping months are:
March to June – Pleasant weather, stunning views
Mid-August to November – Misty hills, valley blooms
December to February – Chilly but great ambience
While summer months of April-June can get a bit hot during the day, the evenings by the river are quite pleasant. The monsoon months see heavy rainfall which can lead to swollen river currents not suitable for activities. But as long as you pick a reliable campsite, riverside camping can be enjoyed in Rishikesh at any time!
How to choose the best riverside camp in Rishikesh?
With so many camp options, it might get confusing to decide which one suits your requirement best. Here are some tips:
- Check location on map to understand accessibility
- Compare prices and amenities being offered
- Read recent reviews by travelers online
- Inquire about safety standards and certifications
- Understand cancellation and refund policies
- Choose based on types of accommodation and activities offered
- Avoid very cheap camps that compromise on hygiene
Pro Tip: Book via legitimate websites or directly with the camp operators after due research.
Pack your bags and get ready for a one-of-a-kind riverside camping holiday amidst Himalayan foothills in Rishikesh. From luxury tents with mountain views to sunset bonfires by the Ganges, this quintessential Indian adventure experience should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
