Camping Near Lonavala: The Best Lakeside Stay at Pawna Lake
By Pawna Camp Life · · 5 min read

Lonavala is one of Maharashtra's favourite hill stations, but its town centre gets crowded on weekends. If you're looking for camping near Lonavala that's quiet and right by the water, head to Pawna Lake. It's in Maval taluka, close to Lonavala, and it's where most of the region's lakeside camps are.
This guide explains why Pawna is the top choice for camping near Lonavala, what's included at Pawna Camp Life, and how to get here from Lonavala, Pune and Mumbai.
Why Pawna Lake Is the Best Camping Near Lonavala
According to Wikipedia, the Pawna reservoir is about 25 km from Lonavala and has become popular for picnics and camping with visitors from Pune and Mumbai. For campers, it offers:
- A lakeside setting: tents and cottages on a lawn by the water.
- Hills and forts all around: Tung, Tikona, Lohagad and Visapur.
- Quieter nights than Lonavala's busy town centre.
- Clear skies for stargazing.
What's Included in Camping Near Lonavala at Pawna Camp Life
Every package is all-inclusive and priced per person per night:
- Your stay: tent, glamping tent or cottage
- Welcome tea and evening snacks
- Veg and non-veg BBQ
- Unlimited dinner
- Breakfast
- Common bonfire and music
- Outdoor games
- Free parking and clean common washrooms
Veg food is always available and Jain food is on request.
Stays and prices
- Lakeside Tent, ₹1,000: a dome tent with mattress, pillow and blanket.
- Triangle Glamping, ₹1,500: an A-frame tent with a proper bed, light, fan, charging point, lake-view spot and priority bonfire seating.
- Lakeview Cottage, ₹2,000: a private cottage, double bed, more privacy and a sunset sit-out.
Compare them on our packages section.
How to Reach the Camp
From Lonavala
Drive towards Kamshet and Pawnanagar, or follow the Google Maps route from the Get Directions button in our location section. If you arrive by train at Lonavala station, take a local cab or auto. You can also take a local train to Kamshet and a cab from there.
From Pune
About 55 km, ~1.5 hours via Talegaon and Kamshet. See camping near Pune.
From Mumbai
About 110 km, ~2.5 hours via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. See camping near Mumbai.
A Night of Camping Near Lonavala: The Plan
- 4:00 PM: Check in with welcome tea and evening snacks.
- Sunset: Walk to the lake shore.
- Evening: Lawn games and music.
- 7:30 PM: Veg and non-veg BBQ.
- 9:00 PM: Unlimited dinner and the bonfire.
- Late night: Stargazing.
- Morning: Mist over the lake, breakfast and check-out by 11:00 AM.
Combine Camping With Lonavala Sightseeing
Since you're in the area, add a sightseeing stop before check-in or after check-out:
- Karla and Bhaja caves: ancient rock-cut caves near Lonavala.
- Lohagad and Visapur forts: popular treks with wide views.
- Tikona and Tung forts: the forts closest to Pawna Lake.
See our full list of things to do near Pawna Lake.
Tip: Visit Lonavala's busy spots in the morning and spend the evening at the lake. You get the sights without the evening crowds.
Camping Near Lonavala in Every Season
We're open 365 days:
- Monsoon: Lonavala's most famous season, with green hills, mist and waterfalls in the region. Read Pawna Lake camping in monsoon.
- Winter: cool, clear nights, perfect bonfire weather.
- Summer: warm days, pleasant lakeside evenings.
What to Pack
- A light jacket for the night
- Comfortable shoes and a torch
- Sunscreen, cap and mosquito repellent
- Power bank and personal medicines
- A rain jacket in the monsoon
Camping Near Lonavala vs a Hotel in Town
A hotel in Lonavala gives you a room. Camping near Lonavala at Pawna gives you an evening: a sunset over the water, a BBQ, a bonfire with music and a sky full of stars, with dinner and breakfast included. Weekend hotel prices in town often jump, while our per-person price stays simple and clear. And instead of traffic outside your window, you wake up to mist on the lake.
Good to Know
- Swimming in the lake is not allowed, for your safety.
- Prices may vary on long weekends and holidays.
- Small advance to book, balance at the campsite, with no hidden charges.
- Couple and family friendly camp with local hosts on call.
- Jain food on request, with veg food always available.
- Bedding provided, so there's no need to carry sleeping bags or tents.
Who Is It For?
Camping near Lonavala at Pawna Lake suits couples looking for a quiet night, families wanting a safe outdoor experience, friend groups looking for BBQ, music and games, and office teams planning an easy outing. Mixed groups can combine tents, glamping and cottages in one booking.
Camping Near Lonavala: Quick Answers
Do I need my own tent? No. Every stay includes bedding: a tent with mattress, pillow and blanket, a glamping bed, or a cottage double bed.
Is food included? Yes: evening snacks, BBQ, unlimited dinner and breakfast.
What time can I arrive? Check-in is from 4:00 PM; check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Is there parking? Yes, free parking is included.
How do I book? Send a WhatsApp message, pay a small advance and pay the balance at the campsite.
Book Your Stay
WhatsApp +91 95954 81136 with your date, stay and number of guests. Camping near Lonavala doesn't get more peaceful than a night by Pawna Lake. See real photos in our gallery.
FAQs
Where is the best camping near Lonavala?
Pawna Lake, in Maval near Lonavala, is the most popular lakeside camping area. Pawna Camp Life is right by the lake at Thakursai, Post Pawnanagar.
How far is Pawna Lake from Lonavala?
Wikipedia describes the Pawna reservoir as about 25 km from Lonavala. Use our Get Directions link for the exact route to the camp.
What does camping near Lonavala at Pawna Camp Life cost?
₹1,000 (Lakeside Tent), ₹1,500 (Triangle Glamping) or ₹2,000 (Lakeview Cottage) per person per night, with meals, bonfire and music included.
Can I reach the camp from Lonavala station?
Yes. Take a local cab or auto from Lonavala station, or a local train to Kamshet and a cab from there. Message us and our local team will help with directions.
Related guides
- Camping Near Mumbai: The Best Pawna Lake Weekend for 2026
Why Mumbaikars drive 2.5 hours to Pawna Lake, what's included, how to get there and how to book.
- Camping Near Pune: The Best Lakeside Escape Guide for 2026
Why Pawna Lake is the easiest lakeside camping near Pune, what a night includes, how to reach and how to book.
- Things to Do Near Pawna Lake: 12 Ideas for Your Trip
From sunsets and bonfires at camp to forts and ancient caves nearby: twelve ways to make the most of your trip.
- Pawna Lake Camping in Monsoon: The Essential Guide
What the rainy season is really like at the lake, plus packing, travel and safety tips.
