Best Family Camping Sites Near Water in the Sahyadris
Looking for the perfect weekend escape with your family, where cool breezes, scenic lakes, and starry skies replace city noise? The Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra offers some of the most beautiful and peaceful camping destinations near rivers, lakes, and dams — ideal for a relaxing family retreat.
Whether you’re planning a cozy lakeside evening, riverside bonfire, or a scenic picnic under the stars, these spots provide a safe, fun, and refreshing experience for all age groups. With options ranging from popular sites like Pawna and Bhandardara to hidden gems like Shirota Lake and Mulshi, this guide covers the top 10 family-friendly camping locations for your next nature getaway.
So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to reconnect with nature in the lap of the Sahyadris!
Top Family Camping Sites Near Water Bodies in Sahyadris
1. Bhandardara Lake Camping, Arthur Lake.
- Location: Near Igatpuri, Ahmednagar District
- Highlights: Calm lakefront, surrounded by mountains, clear night sky
- Nearby: Randha Falls, Umbrella Falls, Kalsubai trek
- Facilities: Pre-set tents, toilets, local food, boating
✅ Best for: Families, couples, beginners
2. Pawna Lake Camping
- Location: Near Lonavala, Pune District
- Highlights: Clear water views, fort backdrops (Lohagad, Tikona, Tung)
- Activities: Bonfire, music, barbecue, kayaking
- Access: Good roads from Mumbai & Pune
✅ Most popular weekend family getaway with luxury tent options
3. Mulshi Lake Camping
- Location: Near Tamhini Ghat, Pune District
- Highlights: Riverside camping with mountain mist and cool breeze
- Nearby Attractions: Tamhini waterfalls, Devkund waterfall, Andharban trek
- Vibe: Serene and uncrowded (compared to Pawna)
✅ Peaceful, scenic, and clean environment
4. Shirota Lake Camping
- Location: Near Rajmachi, between Lonavala & Karjat
- Highlights: Hidden lake, surrounded by thick forest and ridges
- Note: Slightly offbeat—best with camping organizer
- Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking
✅ Adventure feel with calm waters
5. Kundalika Riverside Camping, Kolad.
- Locatin: Raigad District, near Kolad
- Highlights: Riverfront tents along rafting stretch of Kundalika River
- Activities: White water rafting, ziplining, nature walk
- Safe Zones: Many sites offer shallow river access for kids
✅ Ideal for active families and water sports lovers
6. Malshej Ghat Dam Camping, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
A- Location: Near Malshej Ghat, Ahmednagar District
- Highlights: Vast backwaters, flamingos in winter, Sahyadri backdrop
- Weather: Misty, cool and very scenic post-monsoon
- Bonus: Close to Aadrai Jungle and Harishchandragad
✅ Perfect for photography and nature lovers
7. Bhavali Dam Lake, Igatpuri.
- Location: Near Ghoti/Igatpur
- Highlights: Isolated lakeside camping, great for stargazing
- Access: Easy drive from Mumbai/Pune
- Nearby: Camel Valley, Bhatsa River, Vaitarna
✅ Quiet, uncrowded spot for a private camping vibe
8. Panshet Dam Camping
- Location: Near Khadakwasla, Pune
- Highlights: Close to city but still natural; river + hills combo
- Facilities: Good tent options with toilet blocks and food packages
- Nearby: Sinhagad Fort, Temghar dam
✅ Perfect for a quick family escape from Pune
For few additional information's: Here’s a comprehensive Camping Essentials Checklist (you can trim it depending on your trip length and location
Camping Essentials Checklist
🔹 Shelter & Sleeping
- Tent (with stakes & guylines)
- Ground tarp / footprint (under the tent)
- Sleeping bag (suitable for season)
- Sleeping pad / air mattress
- Pillow (or travel pillow)
- Extra blankets
🔹 Cooking & Food
- Portable stove / camping grill
- Fuel & lighter / matches (waterproof)
- Cooking pots / pans
- Cooking utensils (spoon, spatula, tongs)
- Eating utensils (plate, bowl, spoon, fork, cup)
- Cooler & ice packs
- Food (easy-to-cook meals, snacks, dry fruits)
- Water bottles / hydration pack
- Water filter / purification tablets
- Trash bags (Leave No Trace principle)
🔹 Clothing
- Weather-appropriate clothes (layers: base, mid, outer)
- Extra socks & underwear
- Rain jacket / poncho
- Hat / cap (for sun)
- Warm jacket (for night)
- Hiking boots / comfortable shoes
- Flip-flops (for campsite)
🔹 Health & Safety
- First aid kit (bandages, medicines, antiseptic)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent / mosquito spray
- Personal hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap)
- Toilet paper / wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medicines
🔹 Navigation & Tools
- Map & compass / GPS
- Multi-tool / knife
- Headlamp / flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Rope / paracord
- Duct tape (repairs)
- Backpack (for hikes)
🔹 Camp Comfort
- Camping chairs
- Camping table (optional)
- Lantern (solar or battery)
- Hammock (optional)
- Book / cards / games
🔹 Extras
- Camera / GoPro
- Power bank / solar charger
- Notebook & pen
- Firewood (if allowed)
- Marshmallows, skewers (for campfire fun 🍡🔥)
Tips:
- Always check the weather before leaving.
- Pack light but complete – only what you need.
- Follow Leave No Trace – clean up everything you bring.
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