Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by lauren
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 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!
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
- Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, Garden Route
- Kwass se Baai Campsite, Namaqualand
- Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
- Karoo National Park, Western Cape
- Umlalazi Campsite, Kwa-Zulu Natal
- 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
Mahai River Campsite, Drakensberg
In a valley surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, lies the Mahai River Campsite inside the Royal Natal National Park. It boasts numerous hiking trails from the campsite varying in length, or you can take a drive and spend a day conquering Tugela Falls – the highest waterfall in Africa. 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 lovers flock here to enjoy a more basic camping experience, while spending their days hiking around the coastline, watching incredible sunsets and visiting the small town of Paternoster.
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.
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route
The Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is a camping site in the Garden Route. You are surrounded by 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 exploring 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.
Mabibi Beach Camp, Elephant Coast
Looking for a secluded camping getaway 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!
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
Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, Garden Route
Nature’s Valley Rest Camp is perfect for campers who are avid hikers and bird lovers. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Groot River in the Garden Route National Park, explore the area with a canoe or choose one of the many day trails inside the lush forests.
Campsite Specs:
- Communal ablution, laundry and washing up facilities.
- No electricity.
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. Charge your camera and prepare yourself for epic sunsets and wildlife spottings like the smallest tortoise on Earth, antelope and the Namaqua speckled padloper.
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 a self-drive game safari, kayak along the river or conquer one of the beautiful hiking trails.
Campsite Specs:
- Communal picnic and braai sites and ablution facilities.
- Six campsites with electrical outlets
Read More: Staying at Jan Harmsgat Country House in Swellendam
Karoo National Park, Western Cape
The Great Karoo offers travellers a vast landscape that is home to the largest ecosystem in South Africa. Its award-winning campsites and caravan park can be found in a green oasis, and the park itself offers plenty of opportunities for game viewing as well as the famous Fossil Trail that depicts the geology and palaeontology of the area.
Campsite Specs:
- Communal ablutions with kitchen facilities
- Washing machine and tumble drier
- All caravan sites are equipped with 220v power points.
Umlalazi Campsite, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Umlalazi Nature Reserve is nestled amongst beautiful sand dunes and coastal forests. It is home to one of the rarest birds of prey in the country as well as plenty of duiker and Itsa. It’s unique location and wildlife make it one of the best camping sites in South Africa and it’s well worth the visit.
Campsite Specs:
- 14 campsites with electricity.
- Shared ablution areas.
Platbos Forest, Gansbaai
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 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 is 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 26 non-electrical campsites
- Braai facilities
- Communal ablution blocks with hot showers and flush toilets.
Read More: The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
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 conquer one of the mountain bike trails.
Campsite Specs:
- 5 campsites, 3 accessible only with a 4×4 vehicle.
- Ablution blocks with water facilities 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 best campsites in South Africa.
Campsite Specs:
- 3 spacious electric campsites.
- Communal Ablution blocks with water facilities available.
- Braai facilities
Read More: 8+ Stunning, Drool-worthy Places To See The Namaqualand Flowers
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, campers can go rock climbing, mountain biking, and relax in the waters of the nearby Maalgat Pools.
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.
- Communal 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 the 4km’s 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 scattered throughout the campsite.
- 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 the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Campsite Specs:
- Off The Grid Campsites.
- Communal ablution facilities.
- Kitchen facilities.
- Communal fire pits.
Read More: An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
What are the best campsites in South Africa in your opinion?
Psst…Want more South Africa travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!
- 20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town
- 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
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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.
Hey Radley! Thanks so much for sharing your Mabibi Beach Camp experience with me 🙂
how safe is mabibi?
I never had a problem when I went!
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…
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.