10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in Sri Lanka

May 4, 2023 Leonardo Torrence

Known by a flotilla of aliases, the Resplendent Isle is one of gorgeous beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities. Scuba dive, visit an elephant orphanage and a lagoon of singing fish, explore dense jungle, shrines and temples. Situated just 20 miles off India, the island formerly known as Ceylon is home to 20 million people and eight World Heritage sites. The country's long, brutal civil war ended in May, 2009, bringing peace, stability and a revival of tourism.
Things to do in Sri Lanka

1. Big Game Camp Yala

Katagamuwa, Yala National Park 91400 Sri Lanka
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 456 reviews

Big Game Camp Yala

Big Game Camp Yala is located on the edge of Yala National Parks, a 20-minute drive from the park entrance. Surrounded by beautiful nature landscapes, it provides spacious tents with a private bathroom. Barbecue dinner is provided around a campfire.All tents are fitted with comfortable mattresses and pillows. Free drinking water will be provided. All bathrooms are equipped with a shower.Big Game Camp Yala is 261 km from Colombo and 310 km from Bandaranaike International Airport.Safaris, airport transfers and laundry services can be arranged at an extra charge.Please note, guests booking the all inclusive package enjoy: - 3 meals daily - Tea, coffee & beer. - Snacks - Half-day Safari to Yala National Park with jeep, entrance and permit fees.

Great place to stay when visiting Yala

Reviewed By D372IZmarkd

I highly recommend this place if you want to see and experience Yala. I have stayed at this camp for 5 nights in June 2022, and it was just great! The tents were clean, food was amazing, and the whole team was very friendly and helpful. And of course, the game drives - the driver and the guide weer just super, we've got to see quite a lot. Additional comment - Sri Lanka is getting some attention in the news lately because of the political and economic situation, and I had my concerns before visiting. However, everything was very smooth and with no problems whatsoever, so don't let this to stop you from visiting. There was even advantage to visit now - the park was not crowded at all, which is very different from what it was before - so if you want to see it, now is the time!

2. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Yala

Yala National Park 90714 Sri Lanka
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 380 reviews

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Yala

Mahoora is a holistic experience from your arrival to the departure focused on living in the wild and wildlife viewing and not just an accommodation option only.All the Safaris are included in the price. Mahoora safaris include high quality Safari Jeep / all the entrance and permit fees, sumptuous picnic basket and an unlimited supply of chilled beverages and a Mahoora Naturalist to ensure the best animal sightings and interpretations. All of Mahoora elite tents are set-up just prior to your arrival, and are moved out after your departure, thereby minimizing impact on the environment. This "Pack in and Pack out" aspect combined with all other green initiatives; guarantee to make your stay with Mahoora the one of the most environmentally friendly accommodation in Sri Lanka.Mahoora is an all inclusive stay and Tea / coffee, Tropical Fresh Fruit Juices, Beer & Spirits, Wine, and Snacks all are included in to the price. Mahoora's Fine Dining Executive Chefs will prepare tantalizing meals to suit your personal tastes, whilst adding in a few culinary surprises. This is just one aspect of the unique Mahoora adventure which keeps clients returning to the wild, time and time again.

A great safari experience and a trip to remember

Reviewed By traveller422015

We stayed at Mahoora Yala for 3 nights and cannot praise the team enough. Pre-trip: We booked directly with Eco Team and the office team were really responsive to emails, organised our transfers and were very helpful. The camp: The camp itself is lovely- it's next to the buffer zone of the park and there are lots of birds etc. The tents are impressive in terms of their facilities, especially if you remember that these are not permanent structures! They are both functional and comfortable and had lovely touches e.g. freshly lit candles every evening. The fans do a good job at keeping you cool at night. The camp staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was great. The safaris: These really are the star of the show- we did both half day and full day trips. The safaris have both a driver and naturalist and this really enhances the experience. Moreover, their enthusiasm for the park and sharing it with others was clear. Avinka looked after us so well. He was excellent at spotting animals, explained lots to us about the park and really took the time to get to know us. We got some beautiful leopard sightings but we were also interested in all the other different animals and birds, we were never rushed and could ask to stop and watch whenever we wanted. We also want to make a special mention of how hard everyone is working to make the trips a success despite the challenges in Sri Lanka at the moment. The camp's generators supply power during the regional blackouts and our driver worked overtime (after we came back from our drives) to ensure there was always fuel for the safaris. Despite the adversity, the hospitality we were offered and the experience we had was second to none. In summary: if you've come to Yala to experience the beautiful park and the abundant wildlife we would definitely recommend Mahoora!

3. Big Game Camp - Wilpattu

Wilpattu, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 357 reviews

Big Game Camp - Wilpattu

Big Game Camp - Wilpattu, is Set up at the periphery of the largest and oldest national Park in Sri Lanka, offering best wildlife viewing experience to guests. Of all the wildlife that can be seen on safari in the Wilpattu National Park two very special animals- Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Sri Lankan Leopard takes pride of place. The camp has comfortable fully furnished tents with attached partitioned toilets and equipped with raised beds, bed linen, towels, a flashlight, a shoe rack, foldable chairs, a coffee table, and an umbrella to ensure the guests’ comfort.Big Game Camp can provide more than just accommodation and guest can book safaris for an additional price.Big Game Camp all inclusive package will provide a Half day Safari that will include all entrance and permit fees, jeep ,picnic basket, chilled beverages to provide the best safari experience. All 3 meals, Tea coffee & beer, snacks are also included for the all inclusive package. The heritage city of Anuradhapura is approximately 58 km from Big Game Camp Wilpattu.Pick up and transfers from and to any destination, including airport could be arranged at an extra charge.

Pleasant Surprise

Reviewed By mpo253

Having stayed at Big Game Camp in Udawalawe a few days early we were a little hesitant to be staying under canvas again. However, the tents at this camp were amazing. We were given an upgrade to a superior tent, which was basically 2 tents together - one as a bedroom and one as a sitting area. This site was laid out so lovely, wifi a bit erratic but that didn't bother us., and the bed was comfortable. Food was good and we were treated to an elephant walking past whilst having our camp fire dinner - magical. Would definitely recommend. One tip - if you are really trying to be carbon neutral try to find something better than clingfilm for your packed breakfast!!

4. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Wilpattu

Pahala Keditokkuwa, Wilpattu National Park 41000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Wilpattu

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Wilpattu provides tented accommodations at the border of Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka and famous for its leopards. Fitted with carpeted flooring, all tents come with an outdoor living area and a private bathroom with hot-water showers. A fruit platter, umbrellas and mosquito nets are included. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Wilpattu is 205 km from Colombo City. It is 170 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Wilpattu National Park spans over 425 square miles from western Sri Lanka towards the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. Barbecued dishes are served by the nightly camp, providing an intimate jungle dining experience. Elite & Premium package Guests can also enjoy free drinks at the Jungle Bar. The all-inclusive safari includes an experienced naturalist, maintained jeeps and all relevant permits for safari drives.

Went to see leopards, saw them, so 5-star!

Reviewed By FoodieOswestry

We were only there for two nights with a safari into the reserve the afternoon of arrival and a second the next morning and having had a similar experience in India were not expecting the Ritz style accommodation. The whole purpose of the visit was to see the wildlife and in particular, the leopards, so 5-star accommodation was not at the top of the priority list. Our driver was excellent as was the ‘spotter’, one of the chefs who was not needed at the time, and our wildlife expert was just that, very knowledgeable and with eyes like a hawk! We saw not one but three leopards on our first outing with one sitting quite quietly right out in the open as can be seen from the picture. Whilst this was the highlight there were too many other animals and birds to list them all. The tent we had was perfectly adequate, not 5-star but OK for a couple of nights, a living room, a separate bedroom and loo and shower all set in its own area reached by a path to it, and it alone. It was very humid in the tent but a large fan kept the bedroom at a reasonable temperature and my wife and I, on the first night, had the best night's sleep we had had since arriving in the country. Hot water was a luxury at times but as it was very hot and very humid, a tepid to cool shower was rather refreshing. The food was campfire style, actually from a barbecue, but served to the table, complete with a white tablecloth and napkins, which made one feel a bit like Rhodes of Rhodesia even if the meals were not the greatest we have ever had! I cannot speak to the value for money as the stay was simply part of a nearly month-long journey around Sri Lanka so I have no idea how much any one element cost.

5. Ella Okreech Cottages

Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Excellent
58%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Ella Okreech Cottages

Double room with balcony with attach toilets and hot water.All rooms are with mini fridges and Hammocks with WIFI free.

Comfy room & beautiful view

Reviewed By danieldD7992NZ

I had a nice big room with a wonderful view over Ella. You have a safety box, refrigerator, water heater and dishes. I traveled there with my own Tuktuk and had a parking space there. I can totally recommend it

6. Golden Beach Cottages

24 Alles Garden Uppuveli, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 163 reviews

Golden Beach Cottages

Golden Beach Cottages, situated on the beautiful beach in Uppuveli, offers 9 cottage style rooms - twin, double and family rooms, all en-suite with balcony areas. A/C and WiFi available. We're on the beach, we don't boast of being the most up-to-date, however, if you're looking for a fun, chilled atmosphere then we're here. The beachfront restaurant, Tonic's, is open from 7:00am daily offering a wide selection of snacks, meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Wonderful, so friendly

Reviewed By ruthg288

A fantastic place, staff very friendly, owner Jo very helpful (I didn't meet Clare, but I am sure she is friendly too) Food very good choice for vegetarians, peaceful, close to the beach and dive centre. I will definitely go back didn't really want to leave

7. Athgira River Camp

Maha Ara Road in front of the Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawa 70190 Sri Lanka
Excellent
33%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 470 reviews

Athgira River Camp

The rustic & rural luxury of the tents at our luxurious accommodation we provide your expectations. For bird watching and wild animal lovers, this is a great place to spend your time. And you can view the flowing water of RAKWANA River from your doorstep.Athgira River Camping has 07 rooms with separate entrance and private veranda with comfort chairs for your relaxation. All tents are furnished and design by wooden for the echo green concept. The luxurious tents are with modern facilities, but no harm for nature.

Came here for lunch

Reviewed By andrewspiers

We came here for some lunch after visiting the Elephant Transit Home as part of our island tour. The lunch was superb, we had a big plate of rice and around eight separate dishes of food ranging from the dhal to spicy curry, tasty curries veg, devilled fish curry (hot) and pineapple curry - delicious

8. Silaa Cabana

22/76 Alas Garden, Hotel Road, Uppuweli, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Silaa Cabana

Perfect stay to explore the area around Trincomalee

Reviewed By pinkpapaya_1

I had a wonderful stay at Silaa Cabanas. The family is taking very good care of you and I got a really early breakfast because my bus was going very early in the morning. The breakfast was freshly prepared and tasted delicious! The beach is in walking distance and there are many restaurants around. The bus station to Trincomalee is also reachable within a 10 minutes walk. I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back again! Thanks for accommodating me!

9. Yala Safari Camping

Yala Block II Road, Yala National Park 62800 Sri Lanka
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 390 reviews

Yala Safari Camping

Our Team who was there from the very beginning of Yala Safari Camping was real wild life and nature lovers who were mixed with wild from childhood. We were born here and most of our childhood memories are connected with jungle experiences. The love and knowledge we gained from childhood came into live since 2003, when we started our first campsite. We could gain the reputation as one of the best safari camping providers of South Asia from the courage of ours and the continuous satisfaction thus came from our guests. Now we have 6 luxury tents and they are identified as the best campsites of Yala and the best location of Yala. We are the only campsite provider who registered with Independent Safari Association of Yala and we are the only provider in such an unique wild life habitat. Yes it is absolutely a wildlife kingdom where we are located in…. We invite you to share our experiences with wild life and nature while enjoying the best safari camping features of Sri Lanka. Yala National Park is located in the south eastern region of Sri Lanka and extends over two provinces of Hambantota district of southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province. There are 2 popular entrances to the park which are t Palatupana and Katagamuwa. Since Palatupana is always busy , we use Katagamuwa entrance. Yala National Park that consists of five blocks is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Though Yala spreads over an area of 1260 square kilometers, only one fifth of the area is open to the visitors. Four-fifths of the park is a strictly designated Natural Reserve. Adjoining the eastern border of the park is Kumana. The gateway to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama. The well-designed visitor center provides the information to the tourists and assigns a tracker to all incoming vehicles. Dawn and dusk bring about the best timing for Safari tours in the Yala National Park. Being located in one of the arid regions of Sri Lanka, the Climate of Ruhuna National Park is usually hot and dry. The mean annual temperature is 27 Celsius, although in the dry season the temperature could go as high as 37 Celsius. The rocky outcrops scattered over the park provides vantage points to enjoy the sprawling areas with Sri Lanka’s dry zone landscape: low scrub and woods. Still more, the southern border of the park being the south-eastern coast, the brackish lagoons and dunes enhances the distinctive charm of the Yala National Park.

Great hospitality, delicious food, super fun safari with the best guides!

Reviewed By 452chiarac

We just came back from 2 days safari at this camp, it has been the most amazing experience! The camp it is a 4 hours car drive from Colombo, our transfer was organised as well by the camp and our driver and guide Mahesh was so friendly, helpful and informative. Closer to the camp site we switched to the jeep who brought us on top of the location given the rocky road. Once reached the camp we were greeted with fresh fruit juice and a warm welcome by the manager Mahesh and Ravi who took care of us and made us feel home. The view from the main unit of the camp site is breathtaking, I believe it is the only camp with a top view of the jungle and it is one of the reasons why we chose it. The sound of all the animals of the jungle is so present at all times and you are completely immersed in the nature. The misty sunrises are unbelievably beautiful, from the bridge which is extending from the unit you can really appreciate the beauty of the nature. The tents are 6 and all down the hill easily reachable with a short hike, our tent was in the middle, spacious and with all the comforts you need. It was so relaxing to open the detachable windows to let in the cool air and to sleep with the jungle sounds. The camp is all inclusive, three meals per day are provided, drinks and snacks, chef Dumi prepared delicious dinners, one evening he made for us one whole baked fish, fresh, juicy and so so good. The safari was of course the main experience of the stay, we did a full day in one zone of the park and we spotted all of the animals, including a young leopard sleeping on a branch and a male adult that crossed the road right in front of us. Elephants, monkeys, buffalos, so many birds. Achintha is the best animal spotter and guide, he drove us around tirelessly and pointed at all the wildlife we encountered. Breakfast was takeaway and we enjoyed it in the pick nick area where we were allowed to jump off the jeep, so many monkeys were trying to steal our food and it was so funny to capture the successful thefts. From 12:00 to 14:00, as per park rules, no one is allowed to drive around the park, the team set up chairs and table for us to have lunch on the riverside, Achintha even cut open a fresh sweet pineapple that we enjoyed directly from the cutting board. After the safari ended were were welcomed back to the camp with fresh lime juice and the usual warmest greeting from Ravi. The second day we did a morning game in another area of the park and once back at the camp, fresh watermelon juice and fresh fruit platter was waiting for us with an astonishing view. Everything from from start to end was absolutely perfect and we cannot recommend it enough, we hope to come back and stay longer. Thank you all for your amazing hospitality, our stay was really beyond expectations!!

10. Leopard Trails Camp Wilpattu Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park Area NW Province, Wilpattu National Park 61300 Sri Lanka
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 230 reviews

Leopard Trails Camp Wilpattu Sri Lanka

Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented safaris redefine the original tented safari with convenient modern-day amenities, all the while staying true to the romantic ambiance of a by-gone British colonial era filled with adventure. Tented Safari is the most authentic form of safari, a true immersion into the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

Leopard Trails Camp

Reviewed By X5077SZjoannal

Well what can we say? We have left here this morning after spending two nights and now on our way to Kalutara and missing the camp already. The whole package exceeded our expectations in every way. The tent was absolutely amazing and when we were upgraded on our second night to their deluxe tent we couldn't have been more happy.. The food was just perfect and can t believe such high class food can be produced in such a setting. It was very quiet which was perfect for us and the ambiance too was perfect. The "boys" in the camp looked after us brilliantly, nothing was too much trouble. Malmi our Safari Guide was just the best...funny, friendly, passionate about his job and an all round great guy? How anyone can put a bad review on here is just beyond me! Safari's in African countries are not to be compared. Yes you don't get to see the abundance of wildlife and nobody here claims that you do! It is an entirely different experience, one which we are truly grateful to now have in our memories Especially the "Air Guitar" Sloth Bear who made our day. Thank you to all at Leopard Trails from the bottom of our hearts xx

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