Desert Camping In Jaisalmer: Where To Stay, How To Book & How Many Days You Should Spend

Desert camping in Jaisalmer is one of Rajasthan’s most popular travel experiences, known for camel and jeep safaris, cultural performances, and overnight tent stays in the Thar Desert. The two main camping zones – Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Dunes – host a wide range of camps from basic tents to high-end luxury stays. The experience varies significantly depending on where you stay and which operator you book with, making informed planning essential.

Where To Stay: Sam vs Khuri 

Sam Sand Dunes (Most Popular & Most Commercial)

• Located about 35-45 km from Jaisalmer city.
  
• This is the largest cluster of desert camps in the region.
  
• Almost all camps offer:
  • Camel safaris
    
  • Jeep safaris
    
  • Rajasthani folk music and dance evenings
    
  • Dinner and breakfast

• Camps range from budget tents to luxury glamping setups.
  
• This area hosts the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Feb).

Who Should Pick Sam Sand Dunes:

Travelers who want convenience, a lively atmosphere, lots of camp options, and easy access from Jaisalmer city.

Khuri Dunes (Quieter, Less Crowded)

• Located ~40–50 km southwest of Jaisalmer.
  
• Known for being less commercial than Sam, with camp clusters spread out wider.
  
• Many camps here offer:
  • Camel rides
    
  • Folk dance evenings
    
  • Sand dune excursions

Who Khuri is best for:

Travellers who want a calmer atmosphere, more open dune landscapes, and fewer crowds.

Types Of Camps You’ll Find 

Budget Camps

• Basic tents
  
• Simple bedding
  
• Shared or basic attached washrooms
  
• Dinner + breakfast
  
• Camel safari included in most packages
  

 Mid-Range Camps

• Swiss tents or cottages
  
• Attached washrooms
  
• Higher-quality dining
  
• Cultural shows
  
• Camel + jeep options

Luxury / Premium Glamping Camps

• Large luxury tents or cottages
  
• Ensuite bathrooms, often with premium fittings
  
• Curated meals
  
• Elevated service
  
• Some premium camps (e.g., The Serai Jaisalmer) operate on their own private desert estate

Current Pricing (2024–2025)

Prices vary substantially by season and inclusion, below mentioned ranges are approximate.

Budget & Basic Camps

• INR 999 – INR 3,000 per person (off-peak packages exist)

Standard / Mid-Range

• INR 3,500 – INR 6,000 per person per night

Luxury Camps

• INR 6,500 – INR 12,000+ per person per night

Ultra-Luxury

• INR 20,000+ per night

What Activities Are Provided 

The following appear across almost all reputable Sam and Khuri camps:

Included Activities

• Camel ride (usually short, ~10–20 minutes unless upgraded)
  
• Cultural Rajasthani folk show
  
• Dinner + breakfast buffet
  
• Bonfire (seasonal, winter)
  
• Dune sunset viewpoint via camel/jeep

Common Add-Ons

• Jeep safari (extra charge at most camps)
  
• Longer camel excursions
  
• Private dune dinner
  
• Sand-boarding (available at select operators)

How to Stay Safe

• Book directly with the camp or through a trusted OTA.
  
• Confirm camp name, location and inclusions on WhatsApp before paying.
  
• Ask about fire safety measures and generator placement.
  
• Wear seatbelts during jeep safaris (if the jeep has belts).
  
• Avoid operators offering “extreme dune bashing”; it is riskier.

How to Book

Trusted Methods

• Direct website or phone/WhatsApp of known camps
  
• OTAs such as Booking.com or MakeMyTrip
  
• Reputable local operators with verifiable websites

Why direct or OTA is recommended

• Reduces risk of camp-switching
  
• Provides proof of booking
  
• Clear cancellation policies
  
• Easier for follow-up or dispute resolution

Avoid

• Unverified “city office” agents approaching you at railway station / fort area
  
• Cash-only deals with no booking confirmation

How Many Days Should You Spend 

1 Night in Desert Camp (Minimum)

Good for travellers with tight schedules.
You get the sunset + cultural show + sunrise experience.

2 Nights (Recommended)

• One night in Jaisalmer city
  
• One night in a desert camp
  This allows you to explore the fort, havelis, lakes and enjoy the desert without rushing.

3 Nights (For a Balanced Trip)

• 1–2 nights in the city
  
• 1–2 nights in desert (Sam or Khuri)
  Allows time for jeep safari, deep desert visit, photography, or switching between Sam and Khuri.

4+ Days (Special Interest)

Good for:

• Photography
  
• Experiencing both Sam & Khuri
  
• Visiting Longewala, Kuldhara, Tanot, etc.

Practical Tips 

Weather

• Best season: October–March
  
• Nights can get cold (especially Dec–Jan)
  
• April–August is extremely hot, and many camps reduce operations

What to Pack

• Layered winter clothing (Oct–Feb nights)
  
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  
• Closed shoes
  
• Personal medications
  
• A small torch/headlamp

Food & Water

• Standard camps provide basic Rajasthani meals
  
• Luxury camps offer multi-course menus
  
• Drink only sealed bottled water

Photography

• Sunrise and sunset offer the best dune lighting
  
• Avoid drones in restricted areas (near border zones)

Summing Up

Desert camping in Jaisalmer is a memorable experience, offering everything from traditional camel rides and folk shows to premium glamping in the Thar Desert. Sam Sand Dunes provide convenience and energy, while Khuri offers quieter landscapes. Prices vary widely – from budget packages under INR 1,000 to premium stays over INR 20,000 – so choosing a reliable operator and confirming your booking is essential.

With careful planning, 1-3 days is ideal for most travellers, balancing city exploration with an authentic desert night. Prioritizing safety, reading recent reviews, and booking through trusted channels ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and truly magical Jaisalmer desert experience.