Top Campsites in Cape Town and Surrounds

 

 

PLACES TO CAMP IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS

AfriCamps Boutique Camping
Set on a beautifully remote spot overlooking a large dam on one of the country’s largest working ostrich farms with the Swartberg Mountains in the distance, AfriCamps Klein Karoo is actually a mere 10 minutes drive from Oudtshoorn. Here, you’ll find five luxury boutique camping tents, each equipped to accommodate five people. It’s a peaceful place that provides the rare opportunity to see large-scale ostrich farming in action. The land is also home to herds of free-roaming indigenous animals, including zebra, waterbuck, springbok, nyala, kudu, impala, eland and blue wildebeest, which gather to drink at sunset in perfect view of the decks of each tent. Located slightly northwest of the Garden Route, about an hour from George, AfriCamps Klein Karoo is the ideal mid-way stop between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and the perfect base from which to explore Oudtshoorn and its attractions, including the Cango Caves. In 2016, the boutique camping company also launched camps in Robertson (Pat Busch) and Swellendam (Kam’Bati).
Camping facilities: Each 55sq.m tent features a kitchen, bathroom, living area, two bedrooms and a deck, and is fully equipped for five people. Tents are fitted with wood stoves and air-conditioning. No pets are allowed.
AfriCamps  +27 (0)63 170 4222

Oewerzicht Campsites
Situated in Greyton, Oewerzicht Accommodation and Wedding Venue is the ideal escape for every nature-lover. With 24 grass campsites nestled on the banks of a river, expect a scenic stay and merry times. There is a range of activities to choose from, such as mountain biking and hiking trails that provides entertainment for the entire family. This fully operational farm encourages a loving bond with nature and the outdoors and birding enthusiasts will be pleased to know that blue cranes, secretary birds and guinea fowl can be spotted.
Facilities: Ablution and braai facilities are available. Guests are welcome to bring their own canoes and fishing tackle

Oewerzicht Farm | Greyton | info@oewerzicht.com | +27 (0) 28 2549831

The Baths Natural Hot Springs
Situated only 2 hours away from Cape Town in the Olifants River Valley, this is the perfect getaway for old those water babies with a love for nature. With 25 shady caravan and camping sites leading to the baths, a morning and evening will consist of tons of soothing relaxation time in the hot springs.
Facilities: Three shared ablution blocks are spaced throughout the campsite. In addition, there are braai facilities available, as well as electrical points.

Citrusdal | reservations@thebaths.co.za | +27 (0) 22 921 8026/7

Tweede Tol
This scenic campsite is found on the beautiful Bains Kloof Pass (roughly one hour from Cape Town) and is part of the Limietberg Nature Reserve – a vast 102 000ha of mountains, wildlife and fynbos. The site offers 20 standard campsites, all of which have their own designated braai area (don’t forget to bring your own braai grid). Hot and cold water ablutions are available, as well as firewood at the main gate, a public telephone and a jungle gym. In addition, there are seven fenced off private campsites, each with its own kitchenette, shower and toilet should you wish to have a more private camping site. There is a maximum of six people and two cars allowed per each campsite. The facility also has a picnic site that can hold up to 100 visitors and a number of short, fun hikes with breathtaking views.
Camping Facilities: No electrical points, although a generator supplies the communal ablution facilities, ensuring hot water and lighting until 10pm nightly | It is essential to book beforehand, especially during peak seasons and school holidays | No pets are allowed
Limietberg Nature reserve | Paarl | +27 (0) 21 483 0191

Mountain Breeze Resort and Caravan Park
Located about five kilometers outside Stellenbosch, Mountain Breeze resort is ideally located close to the artisanal market and wine farms. If you’re looking for shady days and a serene surroundings, then Mountain Breeze Resort delivers on both. Expect large a large spacious camping area where you can relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Facilities: Electricity points are available, as well as a children’s playground, swimming pool and braai area.

R44| Stellenbosch | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 880 0 200

Palmiet Caravan Park
This caravan park and campsite in the picturesque small coastal village of Kleinmond (roughly 90 minutes from Cape Town) boasts 170 stands in totals – approximately 100 caravan and 70 tent sites – where six people are allowed per a site. The ablutions facilities are clean and modern with hot showers and baths as well as flushing toilets. The scenic seaside region in which the campsite is located is one of Cape Town and surrounds’ top spots for whale watching from August to November. What’s more, the site also has direct access to the beach and lagoon as well as the Palmiet River which is ideal for a number of activities such as swimming, canoeing, tubing and boardsailing. For the land-loving campers, there are many hiking paths in and around the area from which wildlife and bird can be observed. The park itself is beautifully grassed and terraced with well-established trees and shrubs to divide the stands and providing majority with much-needed shade.
Camping Facilities: No pets are allowed
Palmiet Road | Kleinmond| gveden@overstrand.co.za

Clanwilliam Bulshoek Dam Camping Accommodation
Located approximately 23km outside of the charming town of Clanwillaim and only two hours from Cape Town, this rustic campground lies along the banks of the Bulshoek Dam, making it the perfect getaway for both nature and water-sport lovers. Found on a working piggery, the family-run farm is a safe environment for the whole clan where the camping sites are found on lush lawns (some even have their own private ablution facilities). The Bulshoek Dam is ideal for water-sport enthusiasts as power boating, skiing, canoeing are a common occurrence as well as boasts an outstanding fishing spot for Bass and Carp. Boats are safe in the dam as launch sites are close to the camping sites.
NOTE: All camping sites are fully booked from 21, December 2015 to 3, January 2016.
Cost (Rates are per night): R250 per site
Camping Facilities: Ablution facilities available (separate shower and toilet) | Electricity available (guests must just bring their own long extension lead and caravan plug adapter) | Braai facilities | Shade is limited and owing to the areas heat, it is advisable guests bring enough gazebos and shade covers.
Bulshoek Dam | +27 (0) 72 124 7747

De Pakhuys
De Pakhuys is nestled in the Rocklands climbing area and it offers both glamping and camping experiences. Situated 26km from Clanwilliam, this guest farm offers an intimate and cozy camping experience that will have you coming back for more lengthy camping stays. The eleven campsites are located beneath tall bluegum trees that provide an abundance of shade and boulders that characterizes Cederberg perfectly,
Facilities: De Pakhuys offers ablution facilities that includes showers with hot water. Braai facilities are available and the campsite is located 100m from a lake which is perfect for swimming.

De Pakhuys | Vleiplaas | Clanwilliam | +27 (0) 27 482 1879

Imhoff Park
Located in the charming village of Kommetjie on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula (only 40 minutes from Cape Town city centre), this laidback resort and campground – which is situated only 100m from popular surfing spot Long beach – makes for a relaxed seaside getaway. There are 75 level, grassed stands for caravans and tents; some which have more shade than others. All stands have 15amp electricity and built-in braai facilities (remember to bring your own grid) and are surrounded by strategically planted trees, shrubs and islands of fynbos in aim to separate the stands. The well-maintained site has clean ablution blocks that are semi disabled-friendly (although accessible with a wheelchair, assistance may be needed). In addition to the host of things to do in the area, there is also ample opportunity for entertainment for both adults and kids’ on the property with an on-site children’s playground and a games room consisting of a table tennis table, a pool table and also a separate TV room available for camper’s use.
Camping Facilities: The campsite is wheelchair-friendly with assistance and all roads are tarred and the area is well lit at night | No dogs are allowed
66 Wireless Road | Kommetjie | +27 (0) 21 783 1634

Bontebok National Park Campsite
Nestled below the Langebaan Mountains just three hours from Cape Town is this diverse and colourful conservation reserve, Lang Elsie’s Kraal rest camp is perfectly located for those nature lovers seeking to soak up the sights, sounds, smells and serenity of the breathtaking indigenous surroundings. The three-part campground comprises 41 camping and caravan sites located close to the Breede River – each accommodating six people. Although not all sites are equipped with electrical outlets, no private generators are permitted on site. Being comfortable and charmingly rustic, the spot has communal bathrooms and showers with warm water. There are no kitchen facilities available, and hence campers are advised to bring their own cutlery and cooler boxes. To wring the most out of the scenic setting, a number of adventurous activities are on offer in the area; these include hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and game viewing, as well as canoeing, fishing and swimming in the Breede River, which runs through the park.
Camping Facilities: Guests should bring their own braai grid and firewood | Tap water comes from a well point and is safe to drink
Lang Elsie’s Kraal | Bontebok national Park | +27 (0) 28 514 2735
Read more about Bontebok National Park.

River Goose Campsite
Found roughly two and half-hours from Cape Town, near Bonnievale on the banks of the Breede River Eureka farm is a grassy, well-shaded camping spot home to the River Goose Campsite. The prime location makes a wealth of activities possible, including swimming, fishing, canoeing, rowing, bird watching and cruises on the Goose River Boat (at an extra cost). Guests have a choice of 15 campsites, some which have more shade than others. In addition, campers looking to do a bit more in the area can visit the Marloth Nature Reserve near the small town of Swellendam, visit Soekershof in Robertson which has 10 hectares of mazes made out of plants, as well as the Robertson Gold Course.
NOTE: Campers are advised to make bookings in advance, as space at the site is limited.
Camping Facilities: All sites share an ablution block with flush toilets, shower and hot water | No electricity, but do have solar power in ablution blocks | Wood and braai facilities are available | Pets are allowed in off-peak seasons only
Farm Eureka | Bonnievale | +27 (0) 82 759 5727

Slanghoek National Park
At Slanghoek Mountain Resort, the campsite is situated on the Slanghoek stream and positioned between the vineyards. The enchanting surroundings offer the perfect getaway from busy city life and families will find a ton of activities to keep little ones entertained. This peaceful and tranquil setting is perfect for a relaxed and calming break. Take your hiking boots and mountain bike to enjoy the views.
Facilities: Six people are allowed per campsite, not including children aged 3 years and younger. Discounts are offered on weekdays. It is recommended to bring an umbrella along during the hotter months.

Slanghoek Road | Rawsonville | +27 (0) 23 344 3138

Table Mountain National Park Campsites
Extending all the way from Signal Hill to Cape Point, this vast and varied world heritage site – which amongst rocky coastlines, sandy beaches and sweeping valleys, includes Cape Town’s iconic landmark Table Mountain – claims three separate well-appointed tented camps ideal for retreating from the hustle and bustle of city life. Somewhat more luxurious than your classic campground, each site – Orangekloof in a forest in Hout Bay, Slangkop in the seaside village of Kommetjie and Smitswinkel near the entrance to Cape Point – features a number of slightly raised, eco-friendly timber structures equipped with single beds and mattresses (don’t forget to bring your own bedding, or at an extra cost ask for bedding prior to arrival). While Orangekloof and Slangkop have clean communal ablutions, braai facilities and fully equipped kitchen and dining areas in an on-site boma, Smitswinkel has private basic self-catering kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. However, Smitswinkel has no washing up or braai facilities and it is advised and perhaps easier to use the boma communal area. Although all the wooden tent huts make three supremely comfortable accommodation options, in keeping with the nature surroundings, none have electricity but instead are supplied by gas. Activities available at each camp are varied as the locations themselves, but range from hiking, cycling and picnicking to surfing, swimming, Cray-fishing and snorkeling.
Camping Facilities: All camps offer hot water | Fire wood can be bought at an extra cost, otherwise guests can bring their own | Each camp accommodates a maximum of 12 people | All camps are easily accessible by car and have dedicated parking areas
Table Mountain National Park | +27 (0) 21 712 7471
Read more about accommodation in the Table Mountain National Park

Tankwa Karoo National Park Campsites
Eight unique campsites lie interspersed among the striking moonscapes, mountains cliffs, rich plant life and open arid plains of this unconventional park (which is located at the boundary of the Western and Northern Cape, approximately four hours from Cape Town). There are two campsites located at Langkloof and another six located at Perdekloof. The limited number of stands at Perdekloof and Langkloof each come with a private bathroom (equipped with a shower, toilet and basin), braai amenities (without grid) and a personal enclosed kitchen that claims a sink, but no cooking equipment. Paraffin lamps at Langkloof and solar power at Perdekloof, as well as gas geysers at both; ensure sufficient lighting and warm water. In addition, there are also informal sites, which are definitely best suited for those eager to rough it. These sites are small, unrefined open stands for pitching tents and no ablutions blocks, fresh water or other amenities are present. Owing to the harsh terrain, most of the camps, including the two official grounds, can only be accessed with high clearance 2×4, or a 4×4 vehicle during the wet season. Although bird-watching, stargazing and technical driving are all viable pastimes in this stark but spectacular setting, the selection of endemic wildlife that roam the area – think kudu, gemsbok, duiker, tortoises, red hartebeest and zebra – making game-viewing a good option too.
Camping Facilities: No electrical points | Stand 1 and 5 at Perdekloof are best suited for roof top tents.
Tankwa Karoo National Park | +27 (0) 27 341 1927
Read more about Tankwa Karoo National Park

Plettenberg Forever Resorts, Plettenberg Bay
Situated just off the N2 on the western bank of the Keurbooms River (near the river mouth), in the heart of the beautiful Garden Route, the spectacular Nature Resort sits pretty as a perfect hideaway for weary city-dwellers. The resort has a total of 116 sites where 33 are river sites (with power points) and 83 are standard sites (with power points). There are two ablution facilities on site where paraplegic male and female bathrooms are situated next to ablution 1. Campers have an array of on-site activities to keep themselves busy while visiting the resort including putt-putt, canoeing, fishing, volleyball and swimming to name but a few as well as many off-site activities such as visiting the elephant or snake sanctuary, the Knysna forest, Monkeyland and Rhino Base Camp among many other wonderful things to do and visit! Not to mention, nearby campers have kilometres of beautiful and pristine beaches at their disposal ready to be explored.
Camping Facilities: Maximum eight people per site | All sites have power points | Rate are per night – minimum two nights over weekends and school holidays and four nights over long weekends | Only suitable, recognised tents, caravans and motor homes allowed to camp in the park.

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