Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Lauren Melnick
I will be the first to admit I hated camping when I was younger.
I wanted a five-star service minus the bugs and dirt, please.
But since growing up and fostering an appreciation for the great outdoors and music festivals, camping has become a go-to on weekends, holidays, and impromptu adventures away. Nothing beats hiking the nearby wilderness and being bundled up by a campfire staring at the stars!
Whether you prefer disconnecting on the beach, frolicking in the forest or losing signal in the mountains, campsites in South Africa have something for everyone.
Here are some of the best places to camp in South Africa!
Psst…Want more South Africa travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!
- The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away
- Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know
- The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
- Backpacking South Africa Alone: The Perfect One-Month Itinerary
- The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
- 45 Awesome Things to Do in Cape Town: A (Hella Long) Local’s Guide
Table of Contents
- Mahai River Campsite, Drakensberg
- Tietiesbaai Beach Camp, West Coast
- Fiddlers Creek Campsite, Orange River
- Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route
- Mabibi Beach Camp, Elephant Coast
- Kwass se Baai Campsite, Namaqualand
- Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
- Platbos Forest, Gansbaai
- Monk’s Cowl Campsite, Drakensberg
- Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
- Enjo Nature Farm, Biedouw Valley
- Sanddrif, Cederberg
- Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park
- Kogel Bay, Western Cape
- Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge, Garden Route
- Beaverlac in the Cederberg
Mahai River Campsite, Drakensberg
In a valley surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, lies the Mahai River Campsite inside the Royal Natal National Park.
I spent a weekend here a few years ago and absolutely loved it.
You’ll have access to electricity at your campsite, and a range of hikes to choose from that are suitable for casual strollers and avid trekkers.
The baboons are sneaky here so be sure to keep your food and belongings locked up when you are not around
Campsite Specs:
- Communal ablution and washing up facilities.
- 44 electric and 40 non-electric campsites.
Read More: Hiking Tugela Falls: Africa’s Highest Waterfall
Tietiesbaai Beach Camp, West Coast
Tietiesbaai is one of the best West Coast camping sites near Cape Town. Outdoor and adventure lovers flock here to enjoy the incredible natural scenery while spending their days hiking around the coastline, watching incredible sunsets, and visiting the small town of Paternoster.
With no electricity, it’s the excuse you need to unplug from the world and soak up the beauty of the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Campsite Specs:
- Shared ablutions facilities with warm showers.
- No dogs or motorcycles.
- 60 camping sites, no electricity.
Read More: 20+ Most Imstagrammable Places in Cape Town
Fiddlers Creek Campsite, Orange River
Bushwhacked Adventurers’ Fiddler Creek Campsite is one of the most scenic Orange River camping sites. It is a beautiful wilderness escape with the perfect balance between glamping and roughing it.
If you are feeling adventurous and have the time, book a 3 to 4-day river rafting trip that will take you into Namibia and back.
Campsite Specs:
- Electricity and a built-in braai area.
- 14 grassed campsites 200 m from the water.
- Hot showers with flush toilets.
Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Travel Guide
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route
The Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is a Garden Route camping site serving up some of the region’s most breathtaking views.
There are plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, look out for the southern right whale coming inshore to breed or explore the beginning of the renowned Otter Trail. With all of this epic natural scenery at your fingertips, it’s one of the top campsites in South Africa!
Camping Specs:
- Communal ablution, laundry and washing-up facilities.
- No electricity.
Read More: Otter Trail Packing List: 40+ Must-Have Items to Survive The Wilderness
Mabibi Beach Camp, Elephant Coast
Looking for secluded camping sites in South Africa? Head to Mabibi Beach Camp, located in the wilderness of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
There’s no electricity or drinking water, and you will need a 4×4 to get there, but you will be rewarded with incredible views of the coastal forest. Make your way down 130 wooden steps to the beach, and you might even spot loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting!
Another camping option inside iSimangaliso is Cape Vidal. With 45 camping spots, it offers easy access to snorkelling spots, pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Campsite Specs:
- Eight sites but number 3 is closest to the beach.
- Braai area and hot showers.
Read More: The Ultimate iSimangaliso Wetland Park Travel Guide
Kwass se Baai Campsite, Namaqualand
If you want to camp right next to the ocean and experience the West Coast raw and unfiltered – Kwass se Baai campsite in Namaqua National Park offers all that and more.
Staying here has probably been one of my favourite camping spots to date!
Charge your camera and prepare yourself for epic sunsets and wildlife spottings like the smallest tortoise on Earth, antelope and the Namaqua speckled padloper.
While it is a basic camping experience, the views are worth roughing it for a few days.
Campsite Specs:
- Four camping spots with windbreak walls and a braai area.
- No water or electricity, environmental toilets.
- 4×4 is required to reach the camp.
Read More: 8+ Stunning, Drool-Worthy Places to See the Namaqualand Flowers
Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
Located along the banks of the Breede River, Elsie’s Kraal offers some of the best camping in South Africa, with stunning views of the Langeberg Mountains. Explore the nearby area by going on game drives, kayaking along the river or conquering one of the beautiful hiking trails.
I spent New Year’s Eve here and had the best time jumping into the lake with my floatie, cooking up a delicious midnight feast and dancing underneath the stars.
If you want to get out of the reserve for the day, drive up to Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve. There are stunning forest hikes here, as well as a longer route that’ll take you all the way up to a rock pool on top of the mountain.
P.S. The camping at Grootvaderbosch is also incredible! You’ll have your own private wooden deck, a private wash-up station, access to a pool and electrical points to charge your phones and other devices.
Campsite Specs:
- Communal picnic and braai sites and ablution facilities.
- Six campsites with electrical outlets
Platbos Forest, Gansbaai
Photo: TravelGround
Camp in the southernmost forest in Africa, beneath Milkwood and yellowwood trees – some over 1000 years old!
Platbos Forest is one of the best camping spots in South Africa to get off the grid and spend your days hiking through the forest, horseback riding or exploring the nearby beach.
Campsite Specs:
- Open-air hot shower, fully equipped kitchen, no electricity but gas is available for cooking.
- Two already pitched tents are included in the price, and all linen, towels and bedding are provided.
Monk’s Cowl Campsite, Drakensberg
Named after the peak between Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak in the Northern Drakensberg, Monk’s Cowl rest camp is a gateway to some of the most scenic mountain views in South Africa.
It’s one of the best Drakensberg camping sites and is a haven for avid hikers, with routes varying from a few hours to several days.
Campsite Specs:
- 12 electrical and 26 non-electrical campsites
- Braai facilities
- Communal ablution blocks with hot showers and flush toilets.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
Tucked away in the wilderness of the Cederberg Mountains, Kagga Kamma is renowned for its cultural history and impressive rock formations.
If you’re a camping enthusiast, you need to add Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve to your bucket list! Explore the nearby area by going on a nature drive, stargazing tour or conquering one of the mountain bike trails.
Campsite Specs:
- 5 campsites, 3 accessible only with a 4×4 vehicle.
- Ablution blocks with water facilities are available at 2 of the campsites.
- Communal Swimming Pool
- No electricity
Enjo Nature Farm, Biedouw Valley
Camp amongst the wildflowers at Enjo Nature Farm. The property sits right on the Biedouw River, and it comes with a private wildflower field! With all of this epic natural scenery at your fingertips, it’s one of the most beautiful campsites in South Africa.
I spent 2-nights camping here en route to Namaqualand. But if you don’t want to drive all the way up the west coast to see the wildflower show, just come here.
The Biedouw Valley is bursting with colour, and your campsite at Enjo Nature Farm has plenty to see within walking distance of your tent.
Campsite Specs:
- 3 spacious electric campsites.
- Communal Ablution blocks with water facilities available.
- Braai facilities
Sanddrif,
Cederberg
Adrenaline junkies will love the activities available to them when camping at Sanddrif Holiday Resort.
Located in the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which boasts some of the best hiking trails near Cape Town, including the popular Wolfberg Arch trail. Campers can go rock climbing, mountain biking, and relax in the waters of the nearby Maalgat Pools.
If you can, I highly recommend camping 2-nights at Wolfberg Arch (so you have enough time to explore the escarpment) and then camping at Sandriff to explore the Valley of the Red Gods at sunset and the other day trails.
Campsite Specs:
- More than 40 electric camping facilities across two campsites.
- Communal ablution blocks with hot water facilities.
- Braai facilities at every campsite
Lower Sabie,
Kruger National Park
Lower Sabie is one of the best places to stay inside Kruger National Park, BUT you need to book at least six months in advance. Located on the banks of Sabie River, the plentiful water attracts an array of wildlife, making it the perfect place to see game all year round.
Campsite Specs:
- 33 electric campsites.
- Communal ablution blocks.
- Cooking facilities.
- Outdoor swimming pool
Read More: Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need To Know
Kogel Bay,
Western Cape
Located within close proximity to Cape Town, Kogel Bay Resort is situated between towering mountains and sandy beaches.
It’s not hard to see why this stretch of sand is one of the best photo spots near Cape Town. With 4 km of largely undeveloped coastline and a secret cave, it is the perfect spot to unplug and recharge.
Campsite Specs:
- 242 Campsites located on the beach.
- Communal ablution facilities throughout the campsite.
- Braai pits are scattered throughout the campsite area.
- No electricity
Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge, Garden Route
Surrounded by the indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, Wild Spirit is all about conscious travel, eating well, and Green Living. Located in the heart of the famous Garden Route, it’s a wonderful spot to reconnect with nature.
Don’t miss out on exploring the hiking trails from the property!
Campsite Specs:
- Off The Grid Campsites.
- Communal ablution facilities.
- Kitchen facilities.
- Communal fire pits.
Read More: An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
Beaverlac in the Cederberg
Okay, I’m clearly a little bit biased towards the Cederberg…
…But can blame me?
It’s home to so many incredible camping spots in SA.
Case in point, Beaverlac in Porterville.
Surrounded by the Olifants River Mountains, it offers plenty of stunning day hikes, and inviting rock pools for those hot summer days.
Plus, it’s a pet-friendly camping spot and super affordable, with rates starting at R80.00 per person per night.
What are the best campsites in South Africa in your opinion?
Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!
Radley Lee says
We made the trek to Mabibi Beach Camp this past summer and let me tell you, it was sooo worth the trip. Easily one of the top 3 campsites I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at – although be warned, both getting there and camping there are a challenge, so it’s definitely not a campsite for the inexperienced.
lauren says
Hey Radley! Thanks so much for sharing your Mabibi Beach Camp experience with me 🙂
Tracey says
how safe is mabibi?
lauren says
I never had a problem when I went!
Chris says
I’m sorry but Bakgatla simply can’t be on this list! Crime, packed campsites, run-down facilities and blasting music coming from the nearby shebeen (the whole night long). Definitely not the best SA has to offer…
lauren says
Helloo! This post is quite old I know. I’ve just hired someone to help me with updating old content like this. I am fully aware this list needs some spring cleaning.