An afternoon on the dunes, an evening in camp and a desert sunrise. We help you pick a camp stay that suits your group and confirm exactly what it includes.
A desert camp stay usually starts with an afternoon drive out of Jaisalmer toward the dunes. You reach the sand in time for sunset, often with a camel or jeep ride, then settle into camp for the evening and night.
Camps differ in tent style, facilities and evening programme. Instead of promising a single format, we match you with an option that fits your budget and comfort level and share the details before you confirm. Pair it with a desert safari in Jaisalmer or a Sam Sand Dunes tour by taxi.
From sunset to sunrise
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Your base for the night, chosen to match your comfort and budget.
(The tent)
The tent
Camps offer different tent styles and facilities. We tell you exactly which tent and facilities your package includes before you confirm, so there are no surprises on arrival.
Subject to the package you select. Your quote lists exactly what is included.
Transfer between Jaisalmer and the camp
Camel or jeep ride to the dunes
Sunset viewing on the dunes
Evening cultural programme
Dinner and breakfast
Overnight tent stay
Practical information
Getting there
Camps are usually reached by road from Jaisalmer in the afternoon. We can add a taxi from your hotel, the station or our Fort Road office.
Best season
October to March is the most comfortable. Summer stays are possible but daytime heat is intense.
What to pack
A warm layer for the night, sunglasses, scarf, sunscreen, a torch and photo ID.
Check-in and check-out
Timings vary by camp and are confirmed with your booking.
Desert camp FAQs
What type of tent will I stay in?
Tent type and facilities depend on the camp and package you choose. We confirm the exact tent and facilities in writing before you book.
Are meals included?
If meals are part of your package, they are listed in your quote. Ask us if you have dietary requirements.
Can you arrange transport to the camp?
Yes. A taxi from Jaisalmer to the camp and back can be added to your booking.
Is a camp stay suitable for children and older travellers?
Usually yes. Tell us about ages and any mobility needs so we can suggest a suitable option. Safari rides are optional.
Sam or Khuri?
The Sam Sand Dunes are the best-known dune area near Jaisalmer and have the widest choice of camps. Evenings there are lively, especially from November to February. Khuri, to the south-west, is quieter and has a more rural village feel. Both offer sunset on the dunes and a night in the desert; the difference is mostly atmosphere. If you are unsure, tell us what kind of evening you want and we will suggest one.
Questions to ask about any camp
Camps vary widely, and a clear answer to these questions avoids surprises:
What type of tent is it, and what bedding is provided?
Is the bathroom attached to the tent or shared?
Is hot water available, and at what times?
Which meals are included, and is the food vegetarian?
Is the evening programme included, and how long does it run?
Are the camel or jeep rides included, or extra?
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Families and children
Children usually love the dunes, the camels and the music. For families, it helps to choose a camp with attached bathrooms and to plan a shorter safari. Let us know the ages of any children when you enquire, along with any mobility needs for older relatives, so we can suggest a comfortable option.
Food and dietary needs
Where meals are included, dinner is often a Rajasthani vegetarian meal. If you have allergies, follow a Jain, vegan or other specific diet, or need milder food for children, tell us in advance so we can check with the camp.
Winter and summer stays
Winter is the main season, with pleasant days and cold nights. Pack warm layers even if the afternoon feels hot. Summer stays are possible, but days are extremely hot, so plan for a late-afternoon arrival, stay hydrated and ask whether the tent has cooling. During the monsoon months, occasional rain is possible.
The night sky
Away from city lights, the desert sky can be striking on a clear night. For the best stargazing, check the moon phase before you book: nights around the new moon are darkest. Step away from camp lights for a few minutes and let your eyes adjust.
Making the most of one night
Arrive with enough time before sunset to settle in and walk out onto the dunes. Keep your phone charged for photos, since charging points in camp may be limited. Set an alarm for sunrise; the dunes are quiet and cool in the early morning. Plan your onward travel for late morning so you are not rushing breakfast.
What happens when you arrive at camp
On arrival, you are usually welcomed and shown to your tent. There is time to leave your bags, freshen up and head out to the dunes for sunset, either on foot, by camel or by jeep, depending on your package.
As the light fades, guests return to camp. The evening programme, if included, usually takes place in a central seating area, followed by dinner. Afterwards, the camp quietens down and you can sit outside, walk a little way into the dark to look at the stars, or go to bed early for sunrise.
Bringing the right bag
Camp tents often have limited space, and paths between tents may be sandy. A soft bag or small backpack is easier to manage than a large suitcase. If you are continuing your trip after the camp, ask whether your main luggage can stay in the vehicle or at your hotel.
Connectivity and charging
Mobile coverage in the desert varies by network and location. Some camps have charging points in the tents or in a common area; others have limited power. Bring a power bank, and download maps or offline entertainment before you leave the city if you need them.
Celebrations and special occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons are common reasons to book a night in the desert. If you are celebrating, let us know when you enquire. We can ask the camp about options such as a quieter tent location or a cake, though what is possible depends on the camp.
Camp stays for groups
Larger groups, such as families travelling together, friends or wedding parties, often want tents close to each other and a shared space in the evening. Mention your group size early, since this affects which camps can accommodate you, particularly in peak season.
For groups, we can also arrange transport in one or more vehicles so everyone arrives together.
Staying safe at night
The desert is dark after sunset. Use a torch when walking between tents and to the dunes, stay within sight of camp lights if you go out to look at the stars, and keep children close. Keep valuables with you or locked in your bag, and ask camp staff if you need anything during the night.
Leaving the next morning
Most guests leave camp in the morning after sunrise and breakfast, if included. If you have a train or flight later in the day, share the time with us so we can plan a relaxed return. You can also combine the drive back with a stop at Kuldhara or another sight you missed on the way out.
Camp stays in each season
In winter, the days are pleasant for exploring the dunes and the evenings are made for sitting around a fire, if the camp has one, with a warm drink. Nights are cold, so pack layers and ask for extra blankets if needed.
In spring and autumn, conditions are comfortable for most of the day, and nights are mild. In summer, the desert is at its hottest; plan to arrive late in the afternoon, stay hydrated, and ask what cooling the tent offers. Monsoon brings occasional rain and humidity, and camps may operate on a reduced schedule, so check availability early.
How to compare camp quotes
When comparing camp stays, look beyond the price. Check the tent type and bathroom arrangement, which meals are included, whether the safari and transfer are part of the package, and the timings for check-in and check-out. Two quotes that look similar can include quite different things. Our quotes list each element in writing so you can compare fairly.
Accessibility at desert camps
Soft sand, uneven paths and steps into tents can make camps challenging for travellers with limited mobility. Some camps are more accessible than others, with firmer paths or tents closer to the vehicle drop-off. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, tell us when you enquire and we will ask the right questions before suggesting a camp.
Combining a camp night with the city
A camp night fits neatly between two days in Jaisalmer. You can spend the morning at the fort, drive out to the dunes in the afternoon, and return the next morning with the rest of the day free. If you are leaving Jaisalmer after the camp, we can arrange the drop directly to the station or the start of your onward drive.
Check camp availability for your dates
Send your dates and number of travellers. We reply with options and a quote.