Top 10 Camp Sites near Cape Town

The Western Cape is famously equipped with some of the best outdoor experiences, natural attractions and campsites around and now that your usual holiday plans may have been thwarted, a socially distanced camping trip in the fresh open air might be just what you need… For families who wish to get back to nature (while still enjoying some creature comforts), these camping sites near Cape Town are ideal.

Camping is the perfect time to relax and read a book, teach your children about nature conservation, swap stories around the campfire, admire the stars and simply bond together as a family.

With this (and roasted marshmallows) in mind, here are the best camp sites near Cape Town for families:

Top 10 Camp Sites near Cape Town

1) Escape to Berg River Resort

Located in pretty Paarl, Berg River Resort is a beautiful, centrally located camping site and resort in the Cape Winelands.

They have a range of different accommodation options available – including some excellent campsites.

In addition to their accommodation offerings, the resort also has some great, family-friendly facilities. Here, you will find everything from a kiddie’s pool, waterslide and the peaceful river, ideal for canoeing and swimming.

The spacious lawn lends itself well to garden games, but guests can also enjoy a special animal farmyard, tractor rides, pool tables, a trampoline and more. Parents and children alike are welcome to bring their bicycles and explore the area.

The campsite facilities can accommodate up to 150 partially grassed stands for caravans and tents. These are generally equipped with 15 amp electrical outlets. The sites work on a first come, first serve basis. (Except for during holidays and special event weekends.)

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Berg River Resort directly.

Berg River Resort contact details

Opening hours: Arrival time is between 14:00 – 18:00 (extended to 19:00 on Fridays) and departure time is 10:00.

Tel: +27 (0) 21 007 1852

Email: N/A

Web: www.bergriverresort.co.za

2) Relax in Nature at Slanghoek Mountain Resort

 

Tucked away in picturesque Rawsonville, Slanghoek Mountain Resort offers families a glorious escape to nature.

With everything from camping sites to safari tents and the Platbos Log Cabin, the resort is well-equipped to cater to all accommodation needs.

The camping area is located between the vineyards on the banks of the beautiful Slanghoek stream.

All sites have grass, private ablution facilities (with shower, basin and toilet) and an electricity point (using 220v power points). There is also a vast lawn, great playground and swimming pool to enjoy.

A maximum of six people are allowed per campsite. Please note: Music is prohibited so guests can enjoy peace and silence amid nature.

On-site attraction include kiddies’ horse rides; putt putt; a scenic lookout point; blue-gill fishing; and fun swimming in the two pools near the campsite.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Slanghoek Mountain Resort directly.

Slanghoek Mountain Resort contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 23 344 3138

Email: info@slanghoekresort.co.za

Web: www.slanghoekresort.co.za

3) Enjoy Riverside Camping at Bonnievale River Lodge

Situated in beautiful Bonnievale, this peaceful river lodge offers excellent accommodation for the whole family. Here you can find everything from dreamy suites to the Orchard House and idyllic camping.

The peaceful campsite is located along the Breede River to ensure a tranquil riverside experience.

All sites have electricity and braais  – just bring your own grid! There are also hot water ablution facilities, a swimming pool (set amid the vineyards) and an on-site convenience store.

In terms of fun, families can enjoy braais by the river, canoeing (canoes available for hire), a small jungle gym, swimming in the river, fishing and more.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Bonnievale River Lodge directly.

Bonnievale River Lodge contact details

Tel: +27 (0)81 79 92152

Email: bonnievaleriverlodge@gmail.com

Web: www.bonnievaleriverlodge.co.za

4) Stay at Fynbos Guest Farm & Animal Sanctuary

Found in the Witzenberg Valley, near Wolseley, Fynbos Guest Farm offers no shortage of accommodation offerings or rural beauty.

Here, guests can choose from self-catering, farm-style cottages, a private caravan- and camping-facilities, two rooms in the main farmhouse and furnished tents.

While on the farm, enjoy tranquil fynbos walks; the kiddies’ jungle gym; garden strolls; the meditation room or the animal sanctuary. This special haven for rescued and rehomed animals allows guests to interact with and see all kinds of animals. Everything from zebra to alpacas and horses, ostriches and some furry and feathered friends too!

There are ten camping sites available. There are clean, beautifully decorated ablution facilities (serviced daily), electricity points, braai areas, a communal braai area and two small plunge pools.

While staying here, please abide by the strict no-noise and no-music policy.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Fynbos Guest Farm directly.

Fynbos Guest Farm contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 72 223 4674

Email: info@fynbosguestfarm.co.za

Web: www.fynbosguestfarm.co.za

5) Head to Beautiful Beaverlac

Found near Porterville, Beaverlac is arguably one of the most beautiful places to camp in the Western Cape.

Tucked up high in the mountains and blessed with two rivers, Ratel and Olifants, Beaverlac offers excellent camping and cabins for guests to enjoy. This secluded place is something to behold.

Beaverlac camping is both child-and dog-friendly. This means the whole family can enjoy a special nature escape in the mountains. (Although you will have to pay a fee per dog and your dog must be controlled and friendly.)

Booking is essential for camping – and camping works on a first come, first serve basis.

This is a cash-only facility and guests must bring their own braai grid and follow the no-music policy.

There are no electricity points in the camping area. However, there is a shop with a freezer and electrical point for campers, as well as basic supplies for sale.

As you reset in nature, enjoy everything from hiking to mountain biking and swimming in the crystal rock pools.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Beaverlac directly.

Beaverlac contact details

Opening hours:

Arrival times:

– Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 08:00 – 16:30.

– Friday: 08:00 – 21:00

– Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00

Departure times:

No later than 17:00 on the due departure date (for the camping area).

Tel: +27 (0) 22 931 2945

Email: beaverlac.campingrequest@gmail.com

Web: www.beaverlac.co.za

6) Enjoy Cederberg Camping at Sanddrif Holiday Resort

Sanddrif is another of the Western Cape’s most popular resorts and camping facilities. Hidden in the heart of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, this unique resort offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all.

Head deep into the heart of Cape nature and enjoy a tranquil stay at Sanddrif, which offers both cottages and camping.

There are more than 40, well-run camping facilities, with a safe children’s playground. The campsites are divided up between Sanddrif Main Campsite and Kliphuis Campsite.

Sanddrif Main has 31 camp sites, a shaded lawn near the riverbank, two ablution blocks and braai- and electricity-spots at each site. A maximum of eight people per site.

Kliphuis Campsite, meanwhile, offers ten campsites. They are situated under old oaks without grass. There is one ablution block (includes hot water and toilet rolls) and a braai spot and electricity point per site. A maximum of eight people per site.

Again, no music or pets are allowed and noise after 22:00 is not permitted.

While staying at Sanddrif, guests can enjoy incredible hikes in the area; wine tasting at Cederberg Private Cellar; amazing stargazing come nightfall; rock climbing and much more.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Sanddrif directly.

Sanddrif contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 27 482 2825, (0)44 004 0060

Email: sanddrif@cederbergwine.com

Web: www.sanddrif.com

7) Find Natural Bliss at Tweede Tol

Found within the beautiful Limietberg Nature Reserve, Tweede Tol campsite is one of the most famous and well-loved around. Here, you can enjoy a family-friendly camping experience in the heart of the Du Toitskloof Mountains.

Tweede Tol offers both standard and private camping sites. What’s more, caravanners are also welcome.

The campsite and picnic area is located at the original tollgate of the beautiful Bainskloof Pass. It offers 20 standard sites, each with its own braai area.

For those craving something more private, there are also six, fenced-off campsites nearby. These have their own kitchen and bathroom.

There are shaded sites (some with grass), an ablution block with hot water showers, braai facilities (bring your own grid) and more.

There are no electric points or wood, toilet paper provided. However, toilet paper and wood can be purchased at the gate office.

Bookings must be made in advance. Overnight camping rates exclude conservation fees and campers may have to pay a conservation day fee on departure at 10:00.

Campers have exclusive use of the Wolwekloof River swimming holes. Other attractions include fun picnics, relaxing braais with your family, swimming, hiking/walking (permits required) and more.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Cape Nature directly.

Tweede Tol contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 21 808 5121, (0)87 087 8250 (accommodation and permit bookings)

Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Web: www.capenature.co.za

8) Camp at Tranquil Kam’Bati River Resort

Kam’Bati River Resort is a gem near Swellendam, where families can enjoy award-winning campsites, self-catering accommodation, glamping and more.

Their campsite is securely situated on the banks of the Breede River and offers a truly restorative escape to nature.

The shaded campsites are serviced daily and there are ablution blocks within walking distance.

Kam’Bati also offers four swimming pools (with water slides), a play park and sandpit, an 8-hole putt putt course, canoeing fun, hiking, catch-and-release fishing and more.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Kam’Bati directly.

Kam’Bati River Resort contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 87 012 5356

Email: reservations@oena.co.za

Web: www.oena.co.za, www.kambati.co.za

 

9) Pitch Your Tent in Bontebok National Park

Found near Swellendam, Bontebok National Park is a wonderful nature haven for families to explore. It offers the best in simplistic beauty and quiet country charm.

With the majestic Langeberg mountains as the backdrop, guests can choose from chalets, universal access chalets and of course, dreamy camping too.

At Bontebok, there are 41 camping- and caravan-sites. These are found close to the Breede River at Lang Elsie’s Rest Camp.

Not all sites are equipped with electrical outlets (though some are) and no private generators are allowed. A maximum of six guests are allowed per site.

Activities within the national park include picnicking and braaing, game viewing self-drives, incredible birding, nature trails, swimming in the Breede River (in the Rest Camp Area and Die Stroom), canoeing/kayaking, MTB fun and more.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact SANParks directly.

Bontebok National Park contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 28 514 2735

Email: bontebok@sanparks.org

Web: www.sanparks.org

10) Stay at Pretty Klein Eike

Last but certainly not least we have the gorgeous Klein Eike. This peaceful fruit and guest farm lies some nine kilometres outside of Greyton, another popular family haven.

On this picturesque farm, guests can enjoy lovely camping in a beautiful location near the Zonderend River.

The campsite is located along the riverbank. Each camping spot is equipped with its own braai spot and electric point.

There are ablution facilities, equipped with showers, basins and toilets. Campsites are limited to maximum four people.

While staying at Klein Eike, guests can enjoy hiking, running or cycling, canoeing and fishing on the pretty river and seasonal apple- and pear-picking (from January to May). You can also venture into Greyton and explore its own host of local attractions.

For pricing and other campsite details, please contact Klein Eike directly.

Klein Eike contact details

Tel: +27 (0) 82 809 9896

Email: info@kleineeike.com

Web: www.kleineeike.com

 

These are just ten of the best camping sites near Cape Town for families to enjoy. Which are you keen to try out first?