Rajnandgaon is situated on the fertile central plains of Chhattisgarh. The city's geography is largely defined by its proximity to the Shivnath River, a major tributary of the Mahanadi River, which flows near the city and serves as a vital water source. The surrounding landscape features expansive agricultural plains, interspersed with occasional patches of scrub forests and minor water bodies.
While the city itself is located on relatively flat terrain, the broader district is flanked by the Maikal Hills to the west, part of the Satpura Range. This creates a geographical transition zone between the plains of central Chhattisgarh and the dense forests and hills that border the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh. The region is rich in mineral resources, though the immediate vicinity of the city is predominantly agrarian.