Ten camping destinations in South Africa worth checking out

Famous for its incredible safari, wide and swept beautiful coast, and classic African scenery, South Africa is undoubtedly home to some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. Discover our Top 10 Camping Spots in South Africa list.

South Africa is found on the southernmost tip of Africa. It is characterized by extensive beaches, incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, soul-lifting food, impressive desserts, game parks, and rich history and culture. The country offers a collective sense of adventure, which is precisely why we’ve compiled the below list.

You do not have to travel long before finding camping grounds in South Africa and many top camping spots are only a few hours from the city. So whether it’s a weekend escape or a more extended getaway, if you decide on any of the below destinations, you’re in for a treat.

What are the Top Camping Spots in South Africa

These are the top 10 camping spots in South Africa

Mahai River Campsite, Royal Natal National Park

The large campground is in one of the most beautiful valleys surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. The Mahai Campsite has clean restrooms and showers and electric and non-electric campsites.

From the Mahai Valley, where the campsite is located, you can choose from various hikes ranging from beginner to advanced, as well as fly fishing close to camp. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is remembering to zip up your tent on the way out so that stray Chacma baboons don’t get in while you’re hiking. The baboons are pretty sneaky, and you must ensure to lock up whenever you are not around.

Fiddlers Creek Campsite, Orange River

This beautiful wilderness getaway by Bushwhacked Adventurers offers a perfect balance between roughing it and glamping. Fiddler’s Creek is one of the most scenic campsites along the banks of the Orange River.

It has some mod cons to enhance your outdoor experience offering amenities like an undercover kitchen, countertops, running water, washing basins, electricity, and a built-in braai area.

The beauty and serenity of this campsite will leave you enchanted. If you are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of rafting excursions you can opt for, ranging from half-day to 5-day trips.

Bruintjieskraal Campsite, Baviaanskloof

Explore the tremendous Baviaansloof Wilderness area from one of the most serene settings in the area. You can camp by the river and in one of the ten spacious campsites at Bruintjieskraal campsite and be lulled to sleep by the calming sound of the river.

The campsite has flushing toilets, braai facilities, and hot water. It is the perfect base for scenic walks, fishing, swimming, and game viewing.

Beaverlac Camping, Cederberg

Beaverlack Campsite is rustic and peaceful. The closest rock pool is just a five-minute walk from the camp, and the remaining ones are all within a 20-minute walk of your tent, so you won’t have to travel far to enjoy them. With stops at breathtaking rock pools and waterfalls along the way.

Just two hours from Mother City, Beaverlac offers attractive hiking opportunities and the chance to breathe fresh air in a beautiful natural setting. It is nestled up in the foothills of the Olifants River Mountains. There are two beautiful mountain bike trails, one measuring 14 km and the other suitable for beginners measuring 10 km.

Tietiesbaai Beach Camp, West Coast

Tietiesbaai is one of the best camping spots on the West Coast near Cape Town. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for a more basic camping experience next to the sea, spending their days hiking around the coastline, watching incredible sunsets, and exploring the small town of Paternoster.

You can choose a tent or caravan nestled amongst the rocks away from the crowd and relish a holiday of solitude.

Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, Garden Route

Nature’s Valley is the perfect camping site if you are an avid hiker looking to explore the Garden Route National Park. It is also a bird lovers’ heaven with different bird species.

The camp is situated on the banks of the beautiful Groot River in the Garden Route National Park. Canoe rides or one of the many day trails in the lush forests will make you fall in love with Nature Valley’s enchanting vistas.

Waterval en Laatson, Porterville

Waterval en Larson is named after the famous hiking trail that includes 22 waterfalls along the way. It offers a rustic savannah setting and a choice of sites with and without electricity. The Waterval en Laatson Campsite is located 4 kilometers from Porterville in the Cederberg and allows visitors to get up close and personal with game and birdlife.

Campers can go game viewing in the nearby Cederberg Leopard Conservation Area and enjoy excellent bass fishing and mountain biking trails. You will love rock paintings in the caves in this area, and there is a lovely pool and waterfall nearby.

Cape Vidal, Kwazulu Natal

Camping in the exceptional wetland beauty of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a one-of-a-kind experience. This small campsite, with only eight sites, is an ideal location to enjoy the magic and beauty of the surroundings. This exquisite coastal retreat is located in a sheltered bay with pristine beaches and hiking trails that explore the fascinating wetland area.

Go snorkeling, swimming, fishing, bird watching, or relax on the beach and watch the whales and birds. You can also view hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, loggerhead and leatherback turtles, playful dolphins, and elusive whales.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route

At Storms River Mouth Rest, you are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in the Garden Route region. There are numerous opportunities to scuba dive, watch for the southern whale as it comes inshore to breed, or explore the start of the renowned Otter Trail.

With all this spectacular natural scenery at your fingertips, it’s one of South Africa’s best campsites!

Kwass Se Baai Campsite, Namaqualand

If you want to pitch a tent by the ocean and experience the West Coast as it is, Kwass se Baai campsite in Namaqua National Park has it all.

So charge your camera and prepare for spectacular sunsets and wildlife sightings like the smallest tortoise on the planet, antelope, and the Namaqua speckled padloper.

Choose a Top Camping Spots on Your Next Trip

Camping is meant to be fun, refreshing, and uniquely synched with the ultimate experience of living amongst nature. So whether you plan to camp in South Africa the first or second time, choosing a top camping spot will ensure an unforgettable experience.