Pawna Lake Camping: The Complete Guide for 2026

Why Pawna Lake Is Maharashtra's Favourite Camping Spot

Pawna Lake is a large reservoir formed by the Pawna dam in the Sahyadri hills, tucked between Lonavala and Kamshet. On one side you see the long ridge of Tung fort, on the other the triangular peak of Tikona, and in the distance the walls of Lohagad and Visapur. Add calm water, open sky and easy access from two big cities, and it is no surprise that Pawna has become the most popular lakeside camping destination near Pune and Mumbai.

The appeal is simple. You drive out after lunch, reach a lakeside camp by afternoon, watch the sun go down over the water, sit around a bonfire with dinner, sleep in a tent or cottage and wake up to mist on the lake. By late morning you are on your way home. It is a full reset in under 24 hours, and it does not need any special gear or camping experience.

This guide covers everything a first-timer needs: how to reach, what it costs, what is included, what to carry, when to go and a few practical tips. If you want to browse stays straight away, see all Pawna Lake camping options.

How to Reach Pawna Lake

From Pune (about 55–60 km, 1.5 to 2 hours): Take the old Mumbai–Pune highway towards Talegaon and Kamshet, then turn off towards the Pawna side. The road gets narrower and more scenic after Kamshet. Avoid leaving Pune late on Friday evenings if you can, because traffic out of the city can add time.

From Mumbai (about 110–120 km, 2.5 to 3 hours): Take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, exit at Lonavala and continue towards Pawna through the hill roads. Lonavala to the lake is roughly 20–25 km.

By train: The nearest railway stations are Lonavala and Kamshet. From there, local buses and shared or private rickshaws generally run towards the Pawna villages, though frequency can be limited, especially in the evening. Fixing a rickshaw in advance or travelling with your own vehicle is the easiest option. Note that transport is not included in camp bookings.

For a detailed route breakdown, read our guide on how to reach Pawna Lake from Pune and Mumbai.

What Does Pawna Lake Camping Cost?

Camping at Pawna Lake starts from ₹999 per person. Here is what the current listings on BookMyLake look like:

Classic Camp Tent — ₹999 per adult. A lakeside tent with dinner, evening snacks, tea/coffee, breakfast, bonfire, outdoor activities and parking included.
Triangle Nest — ₹1,499 per adult. A couple-friendly A-frame tent with breakfast, snacks, bonfire, music and a live BBQ.
Dome House — ₹1,999 per adult. A lakeside dome cottage for those who want a bit more comfort than a tent.
Diamond House — ₹2,999 per person (minimum 2 guests charged). An AC cottage with dinner, breakfast, BBQ, bonfire and music.
Silva Villa — ₹15,000 per night for a 3BHK farmhouse villa with a private pool near Lonavala, sleeping up to 10.

Prices vary by date, and some stays have a weekend rate on Friday and Saturday nights, so always check the price shown for your exact date. Children up to 5 years stay free and do not need a booking, while kids aged 6 to 10 are charged half price at camps. For a full breakdown, see the Pawna camping price guide.

Extras such as kayaking (around ₹150 per person) and speed boating (around ₹250 per person) are available at some camps and are paid separately.

A Typical Camping Day at Pawna

Timings vary by camp, but a usual overnight stay looks something like this:

Around 2 PM — Check in, drop your bags and settle into your tent or cottage
Late afternoon — Walk to the shore, try kayaking if your camp offers it, or just relax
Evening — Tea or coffee with snacks while the sun sets over the lake
After dark — Bonfire, music and dinner (or BBQ, depending on your stay)
Night — Stargazing; on clear winter nights the sky is full of stars
Early morning — Sunrise and mist over the water, the most peaceful hour of the trip
Morning — Breakfast
Around 11 AM — Check out

On Saturdays, some camps also have a guitar show in the evening. For groups, it can be arranged on weekdays on request.

What to Carry

Tents or cottages, bedding and the meals listed in your package are provided, so you only need personal items:

Comfortable clothes and a warm layer (nights can be cold, especially from November to February)
A torch or headlamp
Power bank, since charging points can be limited
Insect repellent and any personal medicines
Toiletries, a small towel and slippers
A water bottle
Rain gear if you are visiting between June and September

We have a season-by-season checklist in our Pawna Lake camping packing list.

Best Time to Go

October to February — The best season. Clear skies, cool days and cold nights that make the bonfire feel earned.
June to September — Monsoon. The hills turn green and misty and it is beautiful, but carry proper rain gear.
March to May — Hot afternoons, but evenings by the lake are still pleasant.

Tips for First-Time Campers

Book early for weekends — Friday and Saturday nights fill up fastest, especially in winter.
Reach before sunset — The sunset is one of the highlights; plan to arrive by mid-afternoon.
Keep some cash — Mobile network and UPI can be patchy in parts of the area.
Respect the camp rules — Hookah is strictly prohibited at the camps.
Leave no trace — Carry your waste back to bins and keep the shoreline clean.
Check the cancellation policy — You can cancel until 12 noon the day before; same-day cancellation is not possible.

How to Book

You can book any listing online on BookMyLake by paying 35% advance or the full amount. If you prefer, use the "Book on WhatsApp" option and pay through the UPI QR. For help, call or WhatsApp +91 91852 57595 or email contact@bookmylake.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Pawna Lake camping cost per person?

Camping starts from ₹999 per adult for the Classic Camp Tent, which includes dinner, snacks, breakfast and a bonfire. Rates vary by date and some stays charge more on Friday and Saturday nights.

Is food included in the camping price?

Yes, the meals listed for each stay are included. If you do not need food, the rate can be negotiated over WhatsApp or email.

Are children charged?

Kids up to 5 years stay free and do not need a booking. Children aged 6 to 10 are charged half price at camps.

What are the check-in and check-out timings?

Check-in is usually around 2 PM and check-out around 11 AM, though this can vary slightly by camp.

Is transport included?

No. You need to arrange your own travel to the campsite by car, bike, or train plus local transport.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel until 12 noon on the day before your check-in date. Same-day cancellations are not accepted.