Gujarat’s rich biodiversity – from wetland bird sanctuaries to dense forests and wildlife reserves – has inspired the state government to develop a network of eco tourism campsites. Designed to provide immersive nature experiences while conserving delicate ecosystems, these campsites offer travelers a fresh perspective. Here are the 10 best government‑established eco‑campsites in Gujarat, complete with location details, facilities, eco‑guidelines, and visitor tips.
Table of Contents
1. Dhanpari Eco Campsite (Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchmahal)
Overview
Located in Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhanpari is nestled among teak and bamboo forests and hillside crests near Kada Dam.
What Makes It Special
- Wildlife: Leopards, sloth bears, blue bulls, wild boars, and jackals roam nearby.
- Accommodation: Deluxe and standard cottages, plus tent sites—all with attached baths.
- Facilities: Includes dining hall, kitchen, orientation center, machaans (elevated platforms), and a campfire area.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Explore nature trails and view wildlife from machaans early morning or dusk.
- Respect guidelines—no lighting fires or flash photography near fauna.
Visitor Tip
Combine your trip with nearby attractions like Champaner-Pavagadh World Heritage Site and highdam bird‑watching at Vadhvana.
2. Kevdi Eco‑Tourism Site (Mandvi, Surat District)
Overview
Managed by the Forest Department’s Surat Division, Kevdi is a forest retreat around a dam with no mobile connectivity – perfect for a digital detox.
What Makes It Special
- Forest biodiversity: Deciduous forest flourishing during monsoon and winter.
- Stay options: Comfortable jungle accommodation with dam views, children’s play zone, and a multipurpose hall for 100 guests.
- Call for booking: +91-8238260600 (only Whatsapp), +91-9099260694
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Spot birds, reptiles, and nocturnal species like flying squirrels and hyenas after dark.
- Plan gatherings or workshops in the hall for eco‑education sessions.
3. Wadhvana Wetland & Eco Campsite (Vadodara District)
Overview
Located near Dabhoi, this wetland attracts hundreds of migratory birds—esp. from October to March.
What Makes It Special
- Bird sanctuary: Home to storks, ibises, terns, spoonbills, and more.
- Facilities: Thatched cottages, tents with attached bathrooms, orientation center, boat rides, campfire areas, and observation towers.
- Call for booking: +91 9099185618, +91 92657 71102
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Engage in wetland bird-watching, boat rides, and timed photography (no flashes or music).
- Use solar lighting and avoid littering near sensitive wetland habitats.
4. Mahal Eco Campsite (Dang Forest Division)
Overview
On the banks of Purna River in Dang, this site blends bamboo thickets with riverside serenity.
What Makes It Special
- Accommodation: 4 AC cottages, tented stays, campfire area, machaans, and kitchen/dining spaces.
- Wildlife: Birds and mammals adapted to moist deciduous forest, plus Girmar Falls.
- Call for booking: +91-9409037166
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Nighttime guided forest walks and bird-watching treks.
- Attend biodiversity-focused events—like Int’l Biodiversity Day at Khilad campsite.
5. Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite (Near Rajpipla / Netrang)
Overview
Set along Rajpipla–Netrang Road, Vishal Khadi integrates forest, river valleys, and historic temples.
What Makes It Special
- Stay options: Cottages and tents with private baths, amphitheatre, machaans, kitchen/dining.
- Landscape: Views of Karjan River, Chhota Udepur forest, and nearby forts/temples.
- Call for booking: 02640220330
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Take a morning river dip or boat ride on the Karjan.
- Explore nearby heritage sites like Dabhoi Fort.
6. Kilad Nature Education Campsite (Vansda National Park, Surat)
Overview
Located in Vansda’s Dang Forest, this is more than a campsite – it’s an educational experience.
What Makes It Special
- Unique stays: Bamboo treetop “Orey” tree house.
- Education-first focus: Guides teach students forest flora/fauna facts for ₹50 each.
- Call for booking: +91-8980310441
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Night campfires and dawn bird-listening sessions.
- Bring notebooks and binoculars for guided naturalist experiences.
7. Junaraj Eco Cottage (Rajpipla, near Karjan Dam)
Overview
A village eco-cottage project in historic Junaraj, nestled in the Satpura hills by the Karjan River.
What Makes It Special
- Scenic setting: Hillside cottages with local cultural immersion.
- Roots: Former capital of Rajpipla state, now woven into eco-tourism.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Gorge on tribal culture while camping under star-studded skies.
- Guided hikes through nearby hill and forest ecosystems.
8. Kanjeta Eco Campsite (Within Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary)
Overview
Established inside Dahod’s Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, this is Gujarat’s unique sloth-bear campsite from all eco tourism campsites.
What Makes It Special
- Wildlife intrigue: Night safaris to track sloth bears, panthers, hyenas.
- Infrastructure: Cottages and tents with attached bathrooms, and machaans.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Guided night treks for nocturnal wildlife sightings.
- Bring a spotlight—spot thanks to lush canopy coverage.
9. Zarwani Eco Campsite (Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary, Narmada)
Overview
Famed for waterfalls and dense forest, Zarwani lies near Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary on Narmada’s upper watershed.
What Makes It Special
- Accommodation: Cottages & dormitories, campfire zone, kitchen/dining.
- Natural wonders: Zigzag falls, rope‑way adventure zones, machaans.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Guided waterfall hikes and rope‑way adventure modules.
- Plant & wildlife interpretation hikes through forests.
10. Padmdungari Eco Campsite (Vyara, Tapi District)
Overview
Nestled in Unai village en route to Vyara, it epitomizes dense forest ecosystem stays.
What Makes It Special
- Stay options: Cottages, tents, amphitheatre.
- River‑based fun: Launch tubing, floating, rafting on Ambika River.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Walk amidst medicinal plant trails guided by locals.
- Enjoy eco‑theatre nights in the amphitheatre under starlight.
11. Ambapani Eco-Tourism Site (Tapi District)
Overview
Nestled in the lush village of Ambapani beside the Purna River, this site offers a peaceful retreat amid thick forests and rich biodiversity.
Key Features
- Accommodation: Treehouses and eco-cottages with river and forest views.
- Unique atmosphere: A living riverside woodland ideal for nature immersion.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Participate in guided nature “forest bathing” and painting by the riverside.
- Best visited from October to February, when migratory birds and dry-season clarity enhance the experience.
12. Bhat Eco-Tourism Site (Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary)
Overview
Situated within Jambughoda Sanctuary, Bhat complements the more-visited Dhanpari site with hut-style eco-stays.
Key Features
- Accommodation: Rustic bamboo-and-thatch huts amidst dense teak forest.
- Wildlife proximity: Spot deer, monkeys, and birds along footpaths.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Trek to Ghagalmata temple or explore caving with a guide.
- Ideal to visit October–March when the forest is most vibrant and wildlife active.
13. Polo Forest Campsite (Vijaynagar, Sabarkantha)
Overview
Adjacent to the heritage-rich Polo Forest, this campsite offers a blend of history and wilderness.
Key Features
- Setting: Ancient temples, ruins, and dense deciduous forests create a serene backdrop.
- Atmosphere: Calm swimmers at Vanaj River pools, layered with morning mist and birdsong.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Ideal timing: monsoon or post-monsoon when the forest thrives.
- Guided heritage walks to 11th-century ruins plus bird and temple-architecture tours.
14. Devghat Eco-Tourism Site (Umarpada, Surat District)
Overview
Managed by the Surat Forest Division, Devghat is an off-grid getaway amidst deep forests and cascading waterfalls.
Key Features
- Accommodation: AC cottages, non-AC cottages, and charming treehouses—all with attached bath/hot water.
- Rich environment: Dense forest canopy, waterfalls, and high biodiversity.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Great for birding, nature photography, and waterfall exploration.
- Seasonal appeal: post-monsoon/early winter when foliage and falls are lush.
15. Sagai–Malsamot Eco Campsite (Vadodara District)
Overview
Located at the base of Malsamot Hills, this lesser-known campsite offers panoramic sunrise and sunset views.
Key Features
- Setting: Quiet, calm campsite amidst rolling hills near Narmada tributaries.
- Scenic appeal: Hilltop vantage points with sweeping landscapes.
Eco‑Activities & Tips
- Ideal for morning hill treks, photography, and nature walks.
- Pair your visit with nearby attractions: Chandod river ghats, Garudeshwar bathing steps, and Dabhoi fort.
Supporting Eco‑Tourism Initiatives
Gujarat has also launched a 135‑km eco‑trail along the Narmada River, from Hafeshwar Mahadev to the Statue of Unity – complete with rest points, youth‑trained guides, and homestay linkages. Complemented with biodiversity education events – like at Khilad campsite – this positions Gujarat as a key eco-travel hub.
Planning Your Eco Tourism Campsites Visit
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Season | For forest reserves: Oct–Mar. For wetlands: Migratory birds peak Oct–Feb. |
| Booking | Contact Gujarat Tourism or the forest division for permits. |
| Stay Types | Choose between built cottages or forest tents depending on your comfort. |
| What to Carry | Binoculars, torch, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, refillable water bottle. |
| Respect Nature | Abide by trail rules: no intrusion into habitats, no litter, no loud noises. |
| Guided Tours | Available for night walks, wildlife-track interpretation, bird-spotting. |
Impact & Conservation
- These eco-campsites actively support local youth employment – as guides, cooks, and conservators.
- Campsites at wetlands and bird sanctuaries reinforce Gujarat’s Ramsar-listed sites policies (e.g., Nal Sarovar, Khijadiya, Thol) sustaining migratory bird habitats.
- Camps in sanctuaries offer environmental awareness and connect tourists with ecosystems such as sloth bears at Kanjeta.
Conclusion
Gujarat’s eco-tourism campsites weave environmental education, conservation, and immersive wildlife experiences into comfortable stays. From sloth bear tracking in Ratanmahal to bird-watching at Vadhvana or waterfall treks in Dang, each site offers unique biodiversity connections.
More than just holiday stays, they reflect Gandhian principles of live-in harmony with nature, urging guests to truly walk the talk rather than just talk about walking.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventure-seeker, or environmental learner, Gujarat’s eco-tourism campsites are world-class, thoughtfully structured escapes – built to be enjoyed and preserved.