Grab your hot dogs and marshmallows and let’s go camping! According to a survey 96% of campers make new friends at camp and 70% gain self-confidence during a camp experience. Whether it was summer camp or a family trip, we have lots of wilderness memories!

We went in search of the best campsites in the Cape – from majestic mountains and relaxing riverbanks to ancient forests and sea-facing sanctuaries – and here’s what we found.

Kleine Eike

Where Greyton

Distance from CT 1.5 hours
Setting This breathtaking fruit farm just outside Greyton overlooks the towering Riviersonderend Mountains, and boasts wonderful riverside views from the Zonderend River, which runs through it.
Facilities

  • campsite along the riverbank
  • four spots a little further back from the water (for people with large caravans or small children)
  • each camping spot has its own braai facility and electricity
  • bathroom ablutions with 8 shower cubicles and toilets, 10 basins and wash troughs

Things to do

  • hiking, running, and cycling trails
  • canoeing and fishing on the river
  • apple and pear picking (January to May)
  • Greyton Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings)
  • restaurants, galleries, and shops in Greyton

Contact 082 809 9896, info@kleineeike.com
Where to find it Kleine Eike Farm, Greyton, Western Cape

Beaverlac

Where Olifants River

Distance from CT 2 hours
Setting Tucked away in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains above Porterville, this charming no-fuss campsite – host to a slew of waterfalls and natural pools – epitomises the great outdoors in all its rugged majesty.
Facilities

  • non-demarcated campsites and communal ablution facilities (most have hot-water showers)
  • there’s no electricity at the campsites, but there’s a power point and freezer available for use at the camp shop, which also sells wood, beer, wine, ice, snacks, meat, ice cream and cold drinks
  • nine self-catering cabins (most with electricity) are available by arrangement and at different rates
  • bring your own braai grid for allocated braai pits

Things to do

  • dog-friendly hiking trails (you may even stumble on some of the area’s ancient rock art)
  • swimming in the rockpools scattered along the Ratel River
  • mountain-biking trails

Good to know You will need to register online and book via the website to secure your booking prior to arrival. There are no ATMs on site, so draw cash before. There is also no petrol on site so visitors will need to fill up in Porterville or Piketberg.
Where to find it Beaverlac, Porterville (via N7, R44, R365)

Rondeberg Resort

Where Clanwilliam

Distance from CT 3 hours

Setting Located on the banks of the Bulshoek Dam, this expansive camping site is completely lawned. Spend the day speed-boating across the water and, come nightfall, enjoy the picture-perfect serenity as fairy lights illuminate the property.
Facilities

  • four campsite areas (Private, Luxury, Water’s Edge and General)
  • electricity and water
  • bathrooms with shower, basin and toilet
  • private braai
  • paved area for vehicles (private camping area only)
  • dishwashing facilities
  • laundry facilities and tuckshop available onsite

Things to do

  • children’s play area with swings and a jungle gym
  • swimming pool
  • boating and watersports in the dam (not provided by the resort)
  • hiking trails
  • birdwatching
  • nearby towns of Clanwilliam, Lamberts Bay, Nieuwoudtsville and Vredendal

Contact 021 100 3689 / 079 760 0247, info@rondebergresort.co.za
Where to find it Bulshoek Dam, 23km North of Clanwilliam Clanwilliam (via N7)

The Baths Natural Hot Springs Resort

Where Citrusdal

Distance from CT 2.5 hours

Setting Just outside Citrusdal in the scenic Olifants River Valley, this rustic resort dating back to 1739 provides campers with the ultimate escape, surrounded by indigenous wild olive and ancient fig trees, with a mountain stream running through the grounds.
Facilities

  • 25 camping spots
  • three communal ablution blocks spaced around the campsite
  • braai facilities
  • power points

Things to do

  • natural hot springs
  • heated and cold swimming pools
  • hiking trails with views of Olifants River Valley
  • children’s playground with trampoline
  • tennis court
  • the nearby town of Citrusdal

Contact 022 921 8026, 022 921 8032, reservations@thebaths.co.za
Where to find it The Baths, Citrusdal (via N7, R393)