Travel guide
Best Desert Camp in Jaisalmer: Complete Travel Guide
A night in the Thar Desert is the reason many people come to Jaisalmer at all. But there are dozens of camps around the city, and photos online tend to look alike. This guide explains what actually separates a good desert camp from a forgettable one, so you can choose with confidence, whether you stay with us or not.
What makes a desert camp in Jaisalmer worth it
“Best” depends on what you want from the desert. A honeymooning couple, a family with young children and a group of friends chasing adrenaline will each judge a camp differently. Still, a handful of things matter to almost everyone:
- Real dunes nearby. Some camps are on flat scrubland and drive guests to the sand. A camp that sits on or right beside the dunes lets you walk out at sunrise without a vehicle.
- Clean, private washrooms. This is the single biggest difference between a comfortable night and a regrettable one. Look for attached washrooms with hot water, especially in winter.
- A clear package. You should know exactly what is included: which meals, which safari, which evening programme. Vague inclusions usually mean surprise charges.
- The evening atmosphere. The cultural programme, campfire and dinner are the heart of a camp stay. A well-run evening feels like hospitality, not a stage show.
- Honest communication. A camp that answers questions directly before you book is likely to look after you once you arrive.
Location: Sam, Khuri or near the city
Most desert camps around Jaisalmer fall into three groups.
Sam Sand Dunes
The Sam Sand Dunes lie roughly 40 to 45 km west of Jaisalmer city, usually under an hour by road. They are the best-known dunes in the region, with tall, rolling sand ridges that glow at sunset. Sam is lively in the evenings during peak season, with camel and jeep safaris and plenty of visitors, which many travellers enjoy. Our own camp, Jaisan Heritage Desert Camp, is on Sam Road at the Sam Sand Dunes, and camel and jeep safaris start right behind the camp.
Khuri
Khuri, south-west of Jaisalmer, has smaller dunes and a quieter, more village-like feel. It suits travellers who want calm over spectacle, though the drive is a little longer and facilities vary more widely.
Camps near the city
A few “desert camps” are on the edge of Jaisalmer itself. They are convenient but usually not on real dunes. If the desert is the point of your trip, it is worth the extra drive to Sam or Khuri.
Tents: what to expect inside
The most common tent style around Jaisalmer is the Swiss tent: a sturdy canvas structure on a raised base, with solid walls and a proper door. A good Swiss tent feels like a simple hotel room under canvas, not like camping on the ground.
At our camp the tents have a cosy king-size bed and an attached, contemporary washroom with toiletries, plus hot and cold water. They are laid out around a large sandy courtyard, a design inspired by the courtyard-centred homes of Rajasthan, so the camp feels like a small settlement rather than a row of tents in a field.
AC or non-AC?
Many camps, ours included, offer both. From roughly November to February, desert nights are cool to cold and an AC tent is rarely necessary. In September, October and March, afternoons can still be hot, and many guests find air-conditioning worth the difference. Check our tariff page for both options.
What a good package includes
A typical Jaisalmer desert camp package covers one night with dinner and breakfast, plus an evening programme. When you compare camps, check for these items specifically:
- A welcome on arrival and a welcome drink
- Tea or coffee in the evening and morning
- A camel safari to the dunes for sunset
- Folk music and dance in the evening
- A campfire
- Dinner (and whether it is vegetarian, buffet or set menu)
- Breakfast the next morning
- Parking, if you are driving yourself
Our own package includes all of these, along with mineral water, a DJ party, room service and free car parking. We explain each item, and what usually costs extra, in our desert camp package guide.
How a night at the camp unfolds
Most one-night stays follow a similar rhythm, and planning around it helps you get the most out of the evening.
- Morning in the city. See Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake while it is still cool. Our sightseeing page lists the main sights.
- Afternoon drive to the dunes. Aim to arrive at the camp by mid to late afternoon, in time to settle in before sunset.
- Sunset safari. Ride out onto the dunes by camel or jeep and watch the sun drop over the Thar.
- Evening programme. Back at camp: folk music and dance, a campfire, then dinner.
- Night sky. Away from city lights, the stars are often spectacular on clear nights. Step away from the camp lights for the best view.
- Sunrise and breakfast. Walk out to the dunes at first light, then return for breakfast before heading on.
Getting to the dunes
Jaisalmer has a railway station with trains from cities including Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur, and a civil airport with limited, mostly seasonal flights. Jodhpur, around 280 km away, is the nearest major airport. From Jaisalmer city, a taxi to Sam takes under an hour. If you drive yourself, our camp has free car parking. Share your expected arrival time when you book, and we will send directions; you can also find us on Google Maps.
Booking tips and red flags
Tips
- Book early for late December. Christmas and New Year are the busiest time of year in Jaisalmer, and camps charge peak rates for these dates. In the 2025–26 season, our tariff had separate rates for 21 December to 2 January and for New Year’s Eve.
- Ask for photos of the actual tent and washroom, not just aerial shots of the camp.
- Confirm what is included in writing, especially the safari and the meals.
- Mention dietary needs in advance so the kitchen can plan.
Red flags
- Prices far below other camps with no clear list of inclusions.
- “Desert camp” listings with no photos of washrooms.
- No physical address or map location.
- Pressure to pay in full immediately without any written confirmation.
If you would like to see what we offer, browse our photo gallery and activities, or simply send us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Sam Sand Dunes desert camp from Jaisalmer city?
The Sam Sand Dunes are roughly 40 to 45 km west of Jaisalmer city, usually under an hour by road.
Is one night enough at a desert camp in Jaisalmer?
For most travellers, yes. One night covers the sunset safari, the evening programme, the night sky and sunrise. Add a second night if you want a slower pace or extra activities such as a jeep safari or a private dinner on the dunes.
Are desert camps in Jaisalmer safe for families?
Well-run camps with private tents and attached washrooms are generally comfortable for families. Camel rides suit most ages; for younger children, keep them with an adult and choose gentler activities.
Do desert camps in Jaisalmer have attached bathrooms?
Better camps do. At Jaisan Heritage Desert Camp, every tent has an attached, contemporary washroom with toiletries and hot and cold water.
What should I wear for a desert camp stay?
Light, breathable layers for the day and something warm for the evening, as desert nights can be cold, especially from December to February. Closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for sand and wind are useful.
How do I book Jaisan Heritage Desert Camp?
Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 8302886390 with your dates, number of guests and preferred tent (AC or non-AC), or email jaisanheritagedesertcamp@gmail.com.
Written by the team at Jaisan Heritage Desert Camp, Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer. Facts about our own camp come from our current package; general travel information was checked at the time of writing, but timings, prices and regulations change, so please confirm before you travel.
