Jungle camping in Rishikesh means spending a night in a tent deep in the forested foothills, away from the town’s crowds, with a bonfire, a hot dinner and birdsong at sunrise. It is the quieter, wilder side of camping in Rishikesh: no traffic, no city lights and very little mobile signal, just trees, stars and fresh mountain air, usually 15–25 km from town.
We run our own forest camp in Rishikesh at Goolar, so this guide comes from the campsite itself. It covers what a jungle camp is really like, how it differs from riverside and luxury camps, what it costs, the best months, what you can do in the forest, how to stay safe and how to choose a camp you will actually enjoy.
What Is Jungle Camping in Rishikesh?
Jungle camping is a fixed-campsite stay inside the forest belt that surrounds Rishikesh. You sleep in a furnished tent, eat freshly cooked meals and spend the evening around a fire in a clearing ringed by trees. It is comfortable camping, not survival camping: you do not carry gear, pitch tents or cook.
What makes it “jungle” camping is the setting. Instead of a town hotel or a crowded campsite near the main road, you are in a quiet valley with forest on every side. At our camp at Goolar, 21 km north of Rishikesh, the tents sit in a valley below Thaat village, with a trail to a hidden waterfall and old village paths climbing the slopes above.
Jungle Camp vs Riverside vs Luxury Camp
People often use these names loosely. Here is how they really differ:
| Camp type | Setting | Stay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jungle / forest camp | Deep in the forest, away from the road and town | Alpine-style deluxe tents, shared washrooms | Nature lovers, friends, couples, groups wanting quiet |
| Riverside-area camp | Near the rafting stretch around Shivpuri, set back from the river under NGT rules | Tents or cottages | Rafting-focused trips |
| Luxury camp / cottages | Scenic sites near Shivpuri and Kathya Badal | Cottages, deluxe and AC rooms | Families and anyone wanting more comfort |
For a deeper comparison of camp types, read our Rishikesh camping guide. If comfort comes first, see our luxury camping in Rishikesh option at Wondrous Camp.
What the Jungle Experience Feels Like
The first thing guests notice is the silence. After the noise of Rishikesh town, the forest feels almost still: wind in the trees, insects after dark and birdsong at first light.
The evening is built around the bonfire. Guests arrive around 5 PM, have tea as the light fades, play a few games, then gather at the fire for music and dinner. On clear nights, with no town lights nearby, the sky fills with stars. After 10 PM the camp goes quiet, and you fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
Mornings are the best part. Mist often hangs in the valley, the air is cool and fresh, and after breakfast there is time for a walk before check-out at 11 AM. We describe the full evening, hour by hour, in our guide to night camping in Rishikesh.
Jungle Camping Price in Rishikesh
| Package | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 night forest camp (triple sharing) | ₹1,550 |
| 1 night forest camp (double sharing) | ₹1,800 |
| 1 night, 2 days camp with activities | ₹2,000 |
| Forest camp, 1 night 2 days | ₹2,500 |
| 2 nights, 3 days camping | ₹3,500 |
| Camp + rafting (9 / 16 / 26 / 35 km) | ₹2,150 / ₹2,550 / ₹3,550 / ₹4,550 |
Usually included: tent stay, evening snacks, dinner, breakfast, morning and evening tea, bonfire with soft music and outdoor games.
Not included: transport to the camp (we can arrange a vehicle from Rishikesh for ₹1,500 one way), drinks and personal expenses. A 30% advance confirms your booking, and groups get discounts.
Want two nights in the forest? Our 2 nights 3 days camping package gives you a full day to slow down. Coming for the river too? See our rafting and camping packages.
Things to Do at a Jungle Camp
- Hidden waterfall trail: a short morning walk from our Goolar camp through the forest.
- Village walk: visit Thaat and Valyakhaan, hill villages above the camp, to see rural Garhwal life.
- Bonfire and stargazing: the darkest skies near Rishikesh are found at forest camps.
- Outdoor games: volleyball, cricket and badminton before dinner.
- Birding, yoga and stargazing sessions: available on advance request.
- Rafting: combine your jungle night with a Ganga rafting trip on the way in or out.
- Wildlife safari: add a Rajaji National Park safari to see the bigger jungle near Rishikesh (the park’s safari season usually opens in mid-November).
Want more activities built in? Our 1 night 2 days camp with activities package is designed for that.
Best Time for Jungle Camping in Rishikesh
| Months | Conditions in the jungle |
|---|---|
| October – November | Best season: clear skies, green forest after the monsoon, pleasant days and cool nights. See camping in November. |
| December – February | Cold nights, often in single digits; ideal bonfire weather and very clear stars. See camping in December. |
| March – April | Warm days, mild nights and spring birdsong |
| May – June | Hot in town, but the forest stays cooler at night |
| July – mid-September | Camps closed for the monsoon |
Is Jungle Camping in Rishikesh Safe? Forest Safety Tips
Yes, jungle camping is safe at an approved campsite with staff on site. The forest simply asks for a little more care than a hotel:
- Stay within the camp after dark and use a torch when walking to the washrooms.
- Do not wander into the forest alone, especially at night or early morning. Go on trails with camp staff.
- Keep food inside the dining area and do not feed monkeys or other animals.
- Wear closed shoes on forest trails, and check your shoes before putting them on in the morning.
- Follow the 10 PM quiet hours, which keep the camp calm for everyone.
- Never go into the river at night. The Ganga is cold and fast even where it looks calm.
Rules: Where Jungle Camping Is Allowed
In 2017 the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowed camping at approved sites on the Rishikesh–Kaudiyala stretch, with no camps within 100 metres of the river. The old beach camps near Shivpuri were removed by 2022. That is why today’s camps are in the forest and hills rather than on the sand. Book only with an operator that has a fixed, approved campsite and a clear address.
What to Pack for Jungle Camping
- Warm layers: a fleece or sweater, plus a jacket from November to February
- Closed shoes with good grip for forest trails
- A torch or headlamp
- Power bank (the network is patchy)
- Insect repellent, especially from March to June
- Personal toiletries and medicines
- A government photo ID for every guest
- Quick-dry clothes and strapped sandals if you are rafting
How to Choose a Genuine Jungle Camp
- Fixed, approved campsite: avoid anyone offering tents “on the beach”.
- Real photos and recent reviews: check Google reviews with guest photos, not stock images.
- Clear inclusions: meals, bonfire, activities and whether transport is extra.
- Facilities in writing: washroom type, power backup and quiet hours.
- Distance and road: ask how far the camp is from Rishikesh and whether the last stretch is easy at night.
- Direct booking: pay the advance to the company, not a street agent, and get a written confirmation.
Not sure which area suits you? Compare locations in our guide to camping near Rishikesh by distance. Coming from the capital for a weekend? Read our Rishikesh camping trip from Delhi plan.
Notes from Our Camp Team
Our team at Goolar hosts guests every weekend of the season. Their honest advice for a first jungle night:
- “Arrive before sunset.” You see the valley in daylight, and the drive in is easier.
- “Let go of your phone.” The weak signal is the best thing about the forest. Download what you need before you leave town.
- “Get up early once.” The misty valley at sunrise is the moment most guests remember.
Why Trust This Guide
This guide is written by Bheem Singh Chauhan, founder of White World Expeditions, with our camp staff at Goolar. We own and run the forest camp we describe, so the facilities, inclusions and prices come from our own operations. White World Expeditions is a government-registered adventure company in Tapovan, Rishikesh, rated 4.9★ from 919+ Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is jungle camping in Rishikesh?
Jungle camping in Rishikesh is an overnight stay in a furnished tent at an approved campsite in the forested hills around Rishikesh, usually 15–25 km from town, with meals, a bonfire and nature activities such as forest and waterfall walks.
How much does jungle camping in Rishikesh cost?
Jungle camping starts at about ₹1,550 per person (triple sharing) or ₹1,800 (double sharing) for one night with dinner, breakfast, snacks, tea and a bonfire. Camp + rafting packages start at ₹2,150.
Is jungle camping in Rishikesh safe?
Yes, at an approved campsite with staff on site. Stay within the camp after dark, walk forest trails only with camp staff, keep food in the dining area and never go into the river at night.
Which is the best time for jungle camping in Rishikesh?
October to March is best, with clear skies and cool nights. Winter nights are cold but perfect for a bonfire. Camps are closed during the monsoon, usually from July to mid-September.
What is the difference between jungle camping and riverside camping?
Jungle camps are set deep in the forest, away from the road and town, and are quieter. Riverside-area camps are near the rafting stretch around Shivpuri but must be set back at least 100 metres from the river under NGT rules.
Are there attached washrooms at jungle camps?
Most forest camps, including ours at Goolar, have clean shared washrooms near the tents. If you need an attached bathroom, choose a cottage near Shivpuri.
Is there mobile network at jungle camps near Rishikesh?
Network is usually patchy. Our forest camp has charging points with power backup, so bring a power bank and download maps and music before you leave town.
Can we combine jungle camping with rafting?
Yes. Camp + rafting packages start at ₹2,150 per person for the 9 km stretch with one night at camp, and go up to ₹4,550 for the 35 km stretch.
Is transport to the jungle camp included?
No. Transport is not included, but we can arrange a vehicle from Rishikesh for ₹1,500 one way, or you can drive to the camp yourself.
Can we see wildlife while jungle camping?
You will hear and see plenty of birds in the forest. For larger wildlife, add a safari at Rajaji National Park near Rishikesh, which usually opens for the season in mid-November.
Book Your Jungle Camping in Rishikesh
Forest tents from ₹1,550 per person with dinner, breakfast and a bonfire, or camp + rafting from ₹2,150. Weekends fill fast, so send us your date and group size.