Outdoor camping is a great retreat for the nature lovers who want to add some thrills and adventure to their lives. Camping experience provides a true escape from the mundane city life. Spending time in nature is often termed as the best way to experience and feel the surrounding natural beauties. Bangladesh has a lot of tourist spots but up until recently, there weren’t many camping destinations. Over the years, the number has grown steadily, and now there are several spellbinding camping sites in Bangladesh to cherish for the outdoor enthusiasts.
Top 10 Camping Destination in Bangladesh
Most of the places on the list offer lodging and hotels in and around the camping locations as well. But that’s not the main aim of camping. Travelers can take their camping gear with them. There are also rental options in certain locations.
St Martin or Chhera Dwip
St Martin is the perfect secluded location from the mainland for camping. It offers a unique mix of beaches, sand, sea, and sky. The mesmerizing blue water around the island is something to gaze at for hours. Chhera Dwip offers an even more natural and scenic feel as there is no establishment there. The complete immersion within nature makes it a perfect camping spot. However, due to its ecological importance, the government restricts camping in certain parts of St Martin. Be sure to check with the local authority before putting up tents.
Inani Beach
Inani is situated in a more remote area of Cox’s Bazar. Most of the hotels, motels and access to Cox’s Bazar city are in and around the main beach. As a result, Inani enjoys the company of most seasoned travelers. Needless to say, it receives much less crowd compared to the main beach, making it the perfect camping spot in Cox’s Bazar beach area. It is nestled between the mountains and the deep blue sea. Most people camp near the forest area under the hills. It is also possible to camp near Marine Drive along the beach. But due to security issues, it is better to inform the police beforehand.
Shahpori Island
Shahpori island is the southernmost unbroken landmass of Bangladesh. It is situated right in the mouth of the Naf River and is considered as a maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The Island offers some of the best natural experiences in the winter. There aren’t many establishments in the area. Whatever there is, is around the jetty only. Seasoned campers will love the secluded immersion within nature. Almost every beach within the Shahpori island is great for camping. But the western beach is the best location considering the plain area and a breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset. Make sure to take proper camping gear as there aren’t any rental opportunities on this island.
Nijhum Dwip
Nijhum Dwip is situated right across Noakhali. Nijhum Dwip first emerged as a landmass which is locally known as ‘Char’. The landmass developed into a foray over the years and a small population developed on the island. The unusual location combined with low inhabitants makes Nijhum Dwip the perfect camping location. There are large plain areas in and around the coastal zones of the island. There aren’t any establishments except for a few local hotels for food. The island is known for its deer population and migratory birds in winter. Many travelers come to see these migratory birds during December. Tourists can go virtually anywhere on the island. But the place to camp is on the western side near the Bazar. It offers an amazing view of the sunrise and sunset.
Marayong Tong, Bandarban
Marayong Tong is a hill trek course situated in Bandarban. It is conveniently located in the Mirinja range in Alikadam. Just like Thanchi, Marayong Tong can be accessed from Bandarban via private transport or Chander Gari. Even though Marayong Tong is a trekking course, it offers an amazing camping destination on top of the hill. There are good camping facilities with camping gear rentals and food. Travelers can also enjoy the scenic Nilachol and Boga Lake nearby.
Thanchi Bandarban
Nestled among the mountains of Bandarban district, Thanchi is a true natural gift thanks to its undisturbed hills and springs. Thnachi houses several locations that are perfect for trekking and camping. There is Remakree, Amiakhum, Nafakhum, and Tindu within Thanchi. Every year thousands of tourists visit these places for a thrilling trekking experience, the waterfalls, and the springs. Being a hill tract district, security is especially tight around this region. So, permits should be taken from the police or the BGB before setting up a campsite.
There are direct bus services from Dhaka to Bandarban. From Bandarban, a popular tourist car called Chander Gari can be taken to reach Thanchi.
Mohamaya lake, Chittagong
There are not many dedicated camping locations like Mohamaya Lake in Chittagong. The local tourism authorities set up dedicated camping sites with facilities for aspiring tourists. So for first-time campers, Mohamaya lake can be the perfect go-to option.
The camping area is a dedicated secluded zone within the Mohamaya lake enclosure. Campers have to pay a fee to enter the camping zone. Every kind of camping gear and amenities are available for rent. Mohamaya Lake has different sections for group and family campers. There is an open BBQ place as well as a bonfire for the beautiful winter nights. It is easy to get to Mohamaya Lake as well. Just get off at Mir Shorai bus stop on the Dhaka Chittagong highway. From there, there’s a number of local transport to get to Mohamaya Lake.
Rema-kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Habiganj
The Rema-kalenga wildlife sanctuary is one of the few well-preserved wildlife sanctuaries in Bangladesh. The sanctuary is situated in the forests of habiganj. The sanctuary offers some of the best unobstructed plain land forests in Bangladesh. The local flora and fauna make it a true wildlife haven. Whether it is the chirping of the birds or occasional deer and monkey spotting, the place is quite something to behold. Since much of the forest is in plain land, it makes for the perfect camping ground. Make sure to bring all the necessary equipment as virtually nothing is available inside the sanctuary. Travelers will also need to get permission from the sanctuary authority to stay overnight.
Bisnakandi and Ratargul Swamp Forest
Bisnakandi has long been a go-to spot for tourist’s thanks to its clear water and stone shores. The knee-deep clear water leads to a number of nearby springs in the area. The springs are a perfect place to set up camps. There is also the Ratargul Swamp Forest. The forest isn’t accessible for land camping in the rainy season as it rains throughout the season. However, the forest completely dries up in winter and becomes a perfect location for camping. Seasoned travelers can camp in boats in the rainy season with heavy camping gear. To go to Bisnakandi and Ratargul Swamp Forest, tourists have to get down at Amberkhana Point in Sylhet and take local transports from there.
Char Kukrimukri, Bhola
This secluded mini island is located at the mouth of the largest island in Bangladesh, Bhola. It is also one of the least visited tourist and camping spots in Bangladesh. Char Kukrimukri is situated at the location where the Meghna river meets the Bay of Bengal. Access to the island is tough considering tourists have to travel to Bhola first through Launch and then to the island via boat. The plain land across the island makes for a perfect camping spot for seasoned tourists. There aren’t many houses except for a few local families who settled on the island. There are not any dedicated camping facilities so travelers will have to bear all their camping gear. Campers can camp in virtually any location. However, the southern part offers a mesmerizing view of the bay and the migratory birds that come along.
Final Thoughts
In recent years, tourism has developed significantly in Bangladesh. Travelers are taking up adventurous treks and camping in addition to traditional tourism. While the camping facilities aren’t developed yet, the tourists and some local authorities are initiating positive changes. We hope our discussion would help you to choose the best camping site in Bangladesh to spend some quality time with nature.
SOURCE: UNITED NEWS OF BANGLADESH