Ganges Riverside Camping Near Rishikesh — A guide to spending a night by the river between rafting runs. This guide to camping in rishikesh covers what to expect, when to go, and how to plan your visit.
Where the Camps Are
Almost all riverside camping around Rishikesh happens on the sandy beaches between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala, 16 to 35 km upstream from the town. Camps are seasonal by nature — they’re set up after the monsoon recedes in September and dismantled again before the next monsoon, since the beaches themselves get submerged when the river rises.
What a Camping Package Usually Includes
- A Swiss-style tent with mattresses and bedding (basic to semi-luxury depending on the price tier)
- Common bathrooms, usually a short walk from the tents
- Evening bonfire, often with music or a bit of local folk entertainment
- Meals — typically a simple vegetarian dinner and breakfast
- Many packages bundle in a rafting run on the way to or from the camp
A Typical Overnight Schedule
Most trips start with a raft launch from a point like Shivpuri or Marine Drive, arriving at the camp by raft in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for beach games, a short walk, or simply relaxing by the water, followed by a bonfire dinner. The next morning usually includes another short rafting stretch back toward Rishikesh, sometimes with a stop for cliff jumping or a beach visit on the way.
Practical Tips
- Nights by the river get noticeably colder than in town — pack a jacket even in summer
- Bring a torch/flashlight, as camp lighting is often limited to the common areas
- Confirm in advance whether the camp has attached or shared bathrooms if that matters to you
- Mosquito repellent is worth carrying, especially just after monsoon
Good to Know
- River camping in Rishikesh is usually priced as a package that bundles a rafting stretch, tent stay, bonfire and two meals into one fee.
- Camping near Shivpuri suits shorter one-night trips, while camping near Kaudiyala suits travellers combining it with a longer rafting run.
Getting There
Camps sit along the river between Shivpuri (16 km from town) and Kaudiyala (35+ km from town), and are usually reached either by raft as part of a rafting trip or by a short taxi/jeep ride arranged by the camp operator. Most packages include this transport, so it’s worth confirming pickup details from your Rishikesh hotel when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping possible during the monsoon?
No, camps close from around July to early September because the beaches flood when the Ganges is at its highest.
Can I camp without doing the rafting portion?
Some operators allow a camp-only booking with road transport instead of arriving by raft, though the raft-in experience is the more popular and often better-value option.
Are the camps family-friendly?
Yes, most standard camps welcome families, though the more remote or adventure-focused camps near Kaudiyala are better suited to groups comfortable with a longer, bumpier approach.
For official travel advisories and permits, see the Uttarakhand Tourism department site.
Related Guides
- River Rafting in Rishikesh: The Complete Guide
- Where to Stay in Rishikesh: Hotels & Resorts Guide
- Bungee Jumping & Giant Swing in Rishikesh
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