Camping in Wayanad: Best Camps, Camp Stays & Camping Places
I didn’t plan to spend three nights sleeping in a tent when I first booked my Wayanad trip. A fellow traveller talked me into trying camping in Wayanad instead of sticking to a regular resort, and I am genuinely glad she did. What followed was a mix of lakeside evenings, a forest camp near the wildlife sanctuary, and one unforgettable night close to Chembra Peak. Choosing the right camp in Wayanad for each night turned out to be half the fun.
If you are debating whether a camp stay in Wayanad is worth building into your itinerary, here is everything I experienced firsthand, along with a rundown of the best camping places in Wayanad I came across.
Why Go Camping in Wayanad?
A few things stood out to me almost immediately about why this had become such a popular way to experience the district.
- Wayanad’s landscape genuinely suits it, with lakes, forests, and hills all within a manageable distance of each other.
- Evenings around a bonfire, away from any city noise, gave me some of the calmest nights of my entire trip.
- Several camps were bundled in activities like guided treks and birdwatching, which added real value beyond just the tent itself.
- It felt like a far more immersive way to experience the district compared to staying in a regular hotel room, and the variety across camping sites in Wayanad meant no two nights felt the same.
Best Places for Camping in Wayanad
I stayed at or learned about a handful of specific camps during my trip, and each had its own character. If I had to shortlist the best camping in Wayanad from everything I tried, Banasura Sagar and Chembra Peak would sit right at the top of that list.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Turned out to be my favourite lakeside stay. Sitting near one of India’s largest earthen dams, the campsite let me fall asleep to the sound of water lapping gently against the shore, with the surrounding camping in Wayanad hills catching the last light before sunset.
Chembra Peak
Wayanad’s highest point at 2,100 metres, it offered the most memorable night of my trip, though it required a forest permit arranged in advance through the local forest office. Camping near the heart-shaped lake with sunrise views made the paperwork worth it, and this remains a top camping pick in the Wayanad hills for anyone chasing altitude.
Thirunelli
Close to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, it gave me my most genuine forest camping in Wayanad, with distant wildlife sounds through the night and a nearby ancient temple adding a spiritual layer to the stay.
Green Ray
Near Kanthanpara Waterfalls, it felt more curated, with proper tents, a small water body attracting birds, and a communal dining area. This was also my most memorable night camping in Wayanad session, since the bonfire and clear sky made staying up late effortless.
Eagle’s Nest Adventure
Perched on a cliff edge near Sulthan Bathery, gave me one of the most dramatic valley views of any camp, with elevated platforms adding an adventurous edge to the setup.
A guide also mentioned a smaller, seasonal cave camping in Wayanad near Edakkal, though I did not get a chance to try it myself.
Types of Camping in Wayanad
Not every camp offered the same experience, and understanding the differences helped me choose the right one for each night of my trip.
- Lakeside camps, like the one near Banasura Sagar Dam, offered calm water views and cooler evening breezes.
- Forest camps, such as those near Thirunelli, focused on wildlife proximity and a rawer, more rustic setup.
- High altitude camps, like Chembra Peak, require permits but are rewarding with dramatic sunrise views.
- Curated glamping-style camps, such as Green Ray, offer more comfort without losing the outdoor feel entirely.
Best Time for Camping in Wayanad
I visited in December, and the cool, dry weather made every night comfortable enough without needing excessive layering. Locals I spoke with consistently pointed to October through February as the ideal window, since monsoon months bring heavy rain that most camps cannot operate through safely.
Activities to Enjoy While Camping
Beyond just settling into a tent, most of my stays came with a few built-in activities.
- Guided treks to nearby peaks or waterfalls in Wayanad, often arranged directly by the camp.
- Birdwatching sessions, particularly rewarding at camps near water bodies like Green Ray.
- Bonfire evenings, which became a nightly ritual regardless of which camp I was staying at.
- Kayaking and light water activities near Banasura Sagar Dam.
What to Carry for Camping in Wayanad
A few things from my own packing list that genuinely helped:
- Warm layers, since nights got noticeably colder than the daytime temperatures suggested.
- A basic flashlight or headlamp for moving around after dark.
- Insect repellent, especially at the forest camps near Thirunelli.
- Personal medication and a small first aid kit, just in case.
Remember to keep these important items before going camping.
Camping in Wayanad for Couples and Families
I met both couples and families across the different camps I visited, and each seemed to find something suited to them. Couples generally leaned toward quieter, more scenic places like Banasura Sagar or Eagle’s Nest. At the same time, families with children gravitated toward camps like Green Ray, which offered a bit more structure and comfort alongside the outdoor setting.
Camping Safety Tips
Camping is sometimes a risky task, or it can be the other way around, such as an exciting adventure, but understanding the safety tips is very important for individuals. These are some of the safety tips I followed during my camping.
- I always confirmed permit requirements in advance, especially for Chembra Peak.
- Sticking to designated camping zones mattered near Thirunelli given its proximity to wildlife.
- I checked weather forecasts each evening before deciding on the next day’s plans.
- Keeping noise levels down at night felt like basic courtesy for other campers and wildlife alike.
Hope these camping safety tips help you during your camping.
Camping vs Resort Stay in Wayanad
| Factor | Camping in Wayanad | Resort Stay in Wayanad |
| Experience | Close-to-nature, adventurous and peaceful | Comfortable, relaxing and luxurious |
| Accommodation | Tents, camps or cottages depending on the campsite | Rooms, cottages, villas or private stays |
| Comfort | Basic to moderate, depending on the campsite | Generally higher, with beds, private bathrooms and amenities |
| Nature Experience | Excellent – sleep close to forests, hills and greenery | Good – many resorts offer scenic views and nature surroundings |
| Privacy | Can be limited at shared campsites | Usually better, especially in private rooms or villas |
| Food | Often includes simple meals, barbecue or campfire food | Usually offers an in-house restaurant or room dining |
| Activities | Trekking, campfires, stargazing, nature walks and outdoor activities | Spa, swimming pool, indoor games, sightseeing and guided activities |
| Night Experience | Campfire, stargazing and a more rustic atmosphere | Quiet evenings with resort amenities and comfortable rooms |
| Weather Protection | More exposed to rain, cold and changing weather | Better protection from rain, wind and cold |
| Family-Friendly | Suitable for families who enjoy outdoor experiences | More convenient for families with children or elderly travellers |
| Couples | Great for couples looking for an adventurous getaway | Better for couples seeking privacy, comfort and a romantic stay |
| Budget | Can be more affordable, depending on facilities | Usually more expensive, especially for premium properties |
| Best For | Adventure seekers, backpackers and nature lovers | Families, couples and travellers looking for comfort |
| Overall Experience | Best for adventure and connecting with nature | Best for comfort, convenience and relaxation |
FAQs
Q. Is camping in Wayanad a good experience?
Based on my own trip, absolutely. The mix of lakeside, forest, and high-altitude camps gave me a genuinely varied and memorable experience across just a few nights.
Q. Is camping in Wayanad safe?
Yes, provided you choose a registered camp and follow basic precautions like sticking to designated zones and checking weather updates, which is exactly what I did throughout my stay.
Q. What should I carry for camping in Wayanad?
Warm layers, a flashlight, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit were the essentials that made the biggest difference for me.
Q. Can I enjoy a bonfire while camping in Wayanad?
Yes, every camp I stayed at included a bonfire as part of the evening, and it quickly became my favourite part of each night.
Q. Is camping in Wayanad available for groups?
Yes, several camps I visited, including Green Ray and Banasura Sagar, comfortably accommodated larger groups with shared common areas for meals and activities.
Q. Is camping in Wayanad suitable for a weekend trip?
Definitely, based on my own experience, two to three nights across a couple of camps was more than enough to get a genuine feel for what this district’s camping scene has to offer.
