Step into the heart of nature at Horton Plains! Our camping guide shows you how to plan an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka’s stunning wilderness
Planning a camping trip to Horton Plains? Here’s the guide to help you plan and enjoy your adventure! Camping at Horton Plains is an adventure like no other! Surrounded by breathtaking nature, you can enjoy peace, wildlife, and stunning views. This guide will help you plan your camping trip so everything goes smoothly.
🏕️ Camping at Horton Plains
Horton Plains has three official campsites, and each has its own charm. Many people say Campsite 02 is the most beautiful, but based on my own experience, I believe Campsite 01 is the best option. Here’s why 👇
🌿 Campsite 01 – My Experience
I recently camped at Campsite 01, and honestly, it felt like the most beautiful and isolated location in Horton Plains. The site is surrounded by mountain views, and the Belihul Oya water stream flows right beside it – clean, fresh, and perfect for drinking or refreshing yourself.
💧 Water & Bathing
The water is super cold, even in the middle of the day! I tried bathing there, and it was the coolest outdoor refreshment I’ve ever experienced. Just be careful – the rocky water path can be slippery.
🚻 Toilet Facilities
The toilet is the same as in other campsites – simple, with no running water. You have to take a bucket of water with you before using it.
🐦 Unexpected Visitors
One thing I noticed during my stay was a group of crows that came around when we were cooking. They weren’t always there, but sometimes their noise was a bit annoying. Still, they didn’t spoil the calmness of the place.
🌌 Night Atmosphere
Nighttime was super calm – I didn’t see deer or leopards nearby. The temperature dropped from around 17°C to 9–10°C, so a sleeping bag is a must if you want a good night’s sleep. The last time I camped without one, I couldn’t sleep because it was too cold!
🦋 Little Details
Sometimes, tiny butterflies visited the site, adding to the peaceful feeling. In the morning, there’s no direct sunrise because the mountains block it, but when the light spreads across the area, the view is magical.
👉 In short, Campsite 01 is my top pick for those who want a more private, refreshing, and peaceful camping experience.
🌊 Campsite 02 – The Popular Choice
Most people pick Campsite 02, which is located near Chimney Falls. It’s true – the spot is very beautiful and close to a clear water path where you can collect drinking water.
But there are a few downsides:
- The site is visible from the Horton Plains main trail, so sometimes hikers passing with flashlights in the evening or early morning, foreigners walking the trail may disturb the quiet camping mood.
- The water at Chimney Falls looks clean, but I felt the bottom seemed a bit muddy, so I wouldn’t recommend bathing there.
On the plus side, I didn’t notice crows here like at Campsite 01.
⛺ Campsite 03
Campsite 03 is located between Campsite 01 and 02, but you can’t see the other campsites from here. It’s nicely tucked away, keeping the same sense of privacy and isolation.
I haven’t personally camped at this site yet, but based on what I’ve experienced at the others, I believe it offers a similar setup with basic facilities and the same peaceful Horton Plains atmosphere.
📌 Important Notes
- Book Early – Horton Plains campsites get reserved very quickly. Try to book at least one month in advance.
- Campsite 03 is less talked about, but it’s another option if the others are already full.
How to Book a Campsite
You need to visit the Wildlife Department office in Battaramulla to book a campsite. Here’s how you do it:
- Ask for directions: Go to the security room and ask for the booking counter.
- What you’ll need: Take your ID card and your payment method (cash or card).
- No extra details required: You don’t need to provide details about your camping buddies.
- Payment process: The booking takes about 15 minutes. The fee for locals is LKR 5900 (as of 24.08.2025). For foreigners, please call the Wildlife Department at 0112 888 585 to confirm the fee.
You must have at least 4 people in your group for safety reasons. The campsite can accommodate up to 10 people. After payment, you’ll receive a camping permit with your name on it, making you the responsible person for your group.
Permit Rules and Regulations
Before your trip, make sure to read all the rules mentioned on your permit. You’ll also need to carry all the documents issued by the department. If you’ve read my previous post about Horton Plains, it covers some of the important rules you’ll need to follow.
On Camping Day
Plan to arrive at Horton Plains between 6 AM and 3 PM. Arriving late could mean you don’t have enough time to set up camp. Here’s what to do:
- At the main gate:
- Show your permit.
- The staff will check your details and issue a vehicle ticket.
- Meet the Wildlife Officer:
- Head to the Wildlife Office once you arrive.
- They’ll check your permit and ask you to bring all your camping gear for inspection.
Things to Note:
- No alcohol or cigarettes are allowed.
- Polythene is only allowed for campers, but you must promise to take all of it back with you.
- If you have a driver, they must either camp with you or leave the park. Drivers are not allowed to stay in the parking area after 5 PM. They can go to Pattipola for overnight lodging and return the next morning.
- Set up camp before 6 PM:
- After 6 PM, no one is allowed to move around the national park until 6 AM.
- Follow the rules:
- No artificial lights, campfires, BBQs, or drones are allowed.
- Keep noise to a minimum and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Reaching the Campsite
To reach the Horton Plains campsites, you’ll need to walk about 1 km from the entrance. The staff will guide you with directions, but they usually don’t walk with you all the way. If you feel unsure or think it might be hard to find, don’t hesitate to ask them to show you the exact location before starting your walk.
But don’t worry too much—I’ll also share my map with walking paths so you can easily find your way without any trouble.
Leaving the Campsite
You’ll need to pack up and leave the campsite by 10 AM the next morning. Make sure to take all your belongings and leave the area clean.
Special Tips for Your Trip
- Be prepared for the cold! Around 1 AM, it gets extremely chilly. Bring warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature, follow the rules, and have a safe camping trip!
Horton Plains live weather update 🛰️
17°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
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That’s it! If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Wildlife Department or refer to my other posts for more tips on visiting Horton Plains.
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
📸 Lots of Photos from My Journey!
I’ve captured many beautiful and unforgettable moments during this trip. 🌿🏞️✨
👉 You can check out all my photos on my Facebook profile here:
🔗 My Facebook Photo Albums
💚 If you enjoyed them, don’t forget to follow me for more travel stories, adventures, and hidden gems from Sri Lanka! 🌍✈️📷
