A night at a desert camp is the moment most visitors fall in love with Jaisalmer. After a sunset safari, you sit around the fire listening to folk musicians, enjoy a Rajasthani dinner, and fall asleep in the silence of the Thar. If you've never stayed in one, here's exactly what to expect.
Where are the camps?
Most desert camps are around the Sam Sand Dunes, about 40 km from Jaisalmer. Some quieter camps are near Khuri. Camps are usually set a short drive from the main dunes, and your safari jeep or camel takes you to the sunset point.
What are the tents like?
Most good camps use Swiss tents — large, sturdy canvas tents with:
- Proper beds (often a king bed or two singles) with clean linen and blankets
- Electric lights and charging points
- A seating area or small porch facing the dunes
- Toilet and shower facilities (ask your operator exactly what your tent includes)
Luxury camps add more space, better furnishings and extra amenities. Always check photos and confirm the tent type before booking.
A typical evening at the camp
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| ~3:00 PM | Arrive and check in |
| ~4:30 PM | Jeep safari and camel ride to the dunes |
| Sunset | Watch the sun go down over the sand |
| ~7:00 PM | Snacks with tea and coffee around the stage |
| Evening | Live Langa music, Kalbeliya dance, fire show, DJ and group dancing |
| ~9:00 PM | Rajasthani vegetarian buffet dinner |
| Night | Stargazing and sleep |
| Morning | Sunrise, breakfast and check-out |
The cultural programme
The highlight of the evening is the performance by local artists:
- Langa and Manganiyar musicians — hereditary folk musicians of the Thar, singing to the kamaicha, dholak and khartal.
- Kalbeliya dance — a mesmerising, swirling dance traditionally performed by the women of the Kalbeliya community, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Fire dance — dramatic performances with fire.
- DJ and group dancing — everyone joins in at the end.
What's for dinner?
Expect a Rajasthani vegetarian buffet: dal, seasonal vegetables, kadhi, rice, rotis or bajra roti, salad, papad and a sweet. Read more in our Jaisalmer food guide.
What to pack for a camp night
- Warm layers from November to February — the desert gets very cold at night.
- A torch or phone light for walking between tents.
- Toiletries, a small towel and any medicines.
- Power bank — charging points may be shared.
- Comfortable shoes for the sand.
How to choose a good desert camp
- Check what's included — safari, dinner, breakfast, cultural show, transfers.
- Ask about tent type and facilities.
- Look at recent reviews with real photos.
- Avoid camps that are too close to the main road if you want peace.
- Book with a local operator who can bundle transfers and safaris at a fair price.
Stay with us
Every one of our multi-day Jaisalmer tour packages includes a night at our desert camp with the safari, cultural programme, dinner and breakfast. Want just the camp? Message us on WhatsApp or see our desert safari options.
