50+ Family Friendly Camping Spots in South Africa
Affordable Family Getaways: Camping in South Africa
I am yet to meet a kid who does not love camping - the hours and hours of play time in the outdoors, getting dirty, the making of new camping buddies, the freedom of running in the wild and swimming in dams and rivers and, best of all, marshmallow braais! Going camping is an inexpensive family-friendly holiday heaven and we, as South African’s, are blessed to live in such a diverse country with regions and weather patterns which allow camping in all seasons. Whether you want to camp in the tropical heat of the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline during the otherwise cold winter months or you prefer a cool mountain resort or even a campsite in the middle of the bushveld, our country has it all.
Today, we are therefore bringing you our top 50 camping spots in South Africa for families. Note, that we have included resorts which offer chalets, self-catering accommodation and glamping, so for those of you who do prefer a little bit of luxury, there is something here for you too!
The Garden Route also offers loads of activities and adventures for your next visit with the family.
Campsites in Gauteng
1. Dinokeng Camping & Fishing, Pretoria
Where is it? Roodeplaat Dam
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, lodge
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pool, children’s play area, canoes for hire, fishing, child-friendly restaurant & clubhouse, bird watching
Contact: http://campdinokeng.co.za/
Campsites in the Western Cape
2.Berg River Resort, Paarl
Where is it? R45 Franschhoek Rd, Paarl South
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, chalets, self-catering accommodation
Family-friendly Activities: spacious lawn & volleyball net, paddle boats, swimming & playing in the river, animal farmyard, tractor rides, jungle gym, roller-skating area, swimming pool, water slide, trampoline, putt-putt, pool tables, canoeing, games, picnic spots, day trips & excursions to all that Paarl has to offer, Paarl Wine Route
Contact: https://thingstodowithkids.co.za/content/berg-river-resort
3.Kam’Bati River Resort, Swellendam
Where is it? Jubileeskraal, Swellendam
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering glamping in luxury tents, cabins & guest farm
Family-friendly Activities: Variety of outdoor activities, swimming pools, water slide, putt-putt, kids' play area, day excursions into Swellendam and events
Contact: https://thingstodowithkids.co.za/child-friendly/camp-site-kambati-river-resort-overberg
4. ATKV Hartenbos, Garden Route
Where is it? Hartenbos
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering houses, rondavels, beach house
Family-friendly Activities: Heated swimming pool, cold-water swimming pool & splash pool, water slide, putt-putt, hiking trails, bird watching, games room.
Contact: ATKV Hartenbos
5. ATKV Goudini Spa, Rawsonville
Where is it? Rawsonville
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering houses, villas and flats, rondawels
Family-friendly Activities: Heated swimming pool - indoor and outdoor, mineral pools, putt-putt, hiking trails, horse riding, bird watching and games room.
Contact: ATKV Goudini Spa
6. Plettenberg Forever Resort, Plettenberg Bay
Where is it? N2, Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets & cabins
Family-friendly Activities: Action cricket, swimming pool, baby pool, kids' play area, trampolines, putt-putt, volleyball, school holiday programmes, ferry cruises, picnic spots, fishing, motor boats, bird watching, nature trails, beach access
Contact: http://www.foreverplettenberg.co.za/
7. Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park, Plettenberg Bay
Where is it? Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites
Kid-friendly Activities: Children’s play park, tennis courts, canoe & boat hire, fishing, water-skiing, fishing, bird watching, beach access, boating, sailing, windsurfing
Contact: http://www.keurboomslagoon.co.za
8. 22 Waterfalls Holiday Farm, Porterville
Where is it? Waterval Private Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites & self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Cycling, fishing, farm animals, 4x4 routes, hiking
Contact: https://www.22waterfalls.com/
9. Montagu Guano Cave Resort, Montagu
Where is it? R62, between Barrydale and Montagu
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, backpackers, self-catering luxury tents (glamping) & cottages
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pool & water slide, tractor rides, horse riding, fishing, animal petting zoo, rabbit world, hiking trails
Contact: http://www.montaguguanocave.co.za
10. Kromrivier Cederberg Park, Cederberg
Where is it? Between Clanwilliam & Citrusdal, Kromrivier
Accommodation: Camping sites, backpackers & self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Horse riding, animal farmyard, fishing, swimming, outing to the Cederberg Observatory, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, child-friendly restaurant, craft beer tasting at Nieu Brew
Contact: http://www.cederbergpark.com
11. Dibiki Holiday Resort, Hartenbos
Where is it? Near Hartenbos river & lagoon
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Beach access, horse riding, sandboarding, 4x4 routes, hiking trails, whale watching, shopping and other child-friendly excursions in Hartenbos and Mossel Bay
Contact: https://www.dibiki.co.za
12. Camping Spots near Cape Town
For more camping spots near Cape Town, read this.
Campsites in Kwa-Zulu Natal
13. Richards Bay Caravan Park, Richards Bay
Where is it? Meersensee, Richards Bay
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites
Family-friendly Activities: Kids’ play area, swimming pool, recreation room, TV room, braai facilities, excursions to the beach and into Richards Bay
Contact: https://www.richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za/
14. Scottburgh Campsite & Caravan Park, Scottburgh
Where is it? Scottburgh, South Coast
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering accommodation
Family-friendly Activities: Kids’ play area, swimming pool, recreation room, beachfront access, horse riding, surf school, fishing, super tubes, animal/croc farm, golf, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, squash, bowls, tennis courts, shopping
Contact: https://www.scottburghcaravanpark.co.za
15. Dolphin Holiday Resort, Ballito
Where is it? Ballito, North Coast
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering cottages
Family-friendly Activities: Beach front access, kids’ play area, swimming pool, recreation room, TV room, walking, outings to the shopping centres, child-friendly restaurants and activities in Ballito
Contact: https://www.dolphinholidayresort.co.za
16. Queensburgh Caravan Resort, Queensburgh
Where is it? 16kms from Durban (inland)
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites
Family-friendly Activities: Mountain biking trails, child -friendly restaurant, picnic spots, kids’ play area, swimming
Contact: http://www.queensburgh.caravanparks.co.za/
17. Mac Nicol’s Caravan Resort, Port Shepstone
Where is it? 90kms south of Durban
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Beach access, swimming pools, holiday entertainment, hiking, cycling and running trails, swimming pools, entertainment hall, local attractions, restaurants and golf courses
Contact: http://www.macnicol.co.za
18. Sani Lodge Backpackers, Southern Drakensberg
Where is it? 19kms from Underberg
Accommodation: Camping sites, backpackers, self-catering accommodation
Family-friendly Activities: Pony trekking, horse riding, trout fishing, mountain biking, day tours to Lesotho, Sani Pass, Roof of Africa and more, guided hiking trails, abseiling
Contact: http://www.sanilodge.co.za
19. Hlalanathi Berg Resort, Drakensberg
Where is it? Bergville
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pool, table tennis, tennis courts, fishing, horse riding trails, hiking trails, various adventure activities, pool table, child-friendly restaurants
Contact: https://www.hlalanathi.co.za
20. ATKV Natalia, KwaZulu-Natal
Where is it? 350kms from Johannesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering units
Family-friendly Activities: Heated swimming pool, putt-putt, games room, table tennis, volley ball and lots more
Contact: ATKV Natalia
21. Drakensville ATKV Resort, Drakensville
Where is it? 350kms from Johannesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering flats, houses & B&B rooms
Family-friendly Activities: Heated swimming pool, cold-water swimming pool & splash pool, water slide, adventure putt-putt, horse riding & pony rides, hiking trails, bird watching, games room, pool, animal farm, rugby
Contact: ATKV Drakensville
Campsites in the Eastern Cape
22. Addo Elephant Park, Addo
Where is it? 40kms from Port Elizabeth
Accommodation: Various camps with camping & caravan sites, self-catering tented camps & huts, as well as luxury lodges
Family-friendly Activities: Game drives (self-drive & guided), birding, horse trails, 4x4 routes, hiking trails, marine eco tours, picnic spots, swimming pool, child-friendly restaurants
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/
23. Rendezvous Caravan Park, East London
Where is it? Cintsa Bay, Sunshine Coast
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pool, kids’ play area, trampolines, short distance to the beach, rock pools & sea-pool, large grassed area, paintball, quad biking, day trips to Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, boating, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling, whale watching, hiking trails, horse trails
Contact: http://rendezvouscaravanpark.co.za/
24. Yellowwood Forest Campsite, Morgan Bay
Where is it? Morgan Bay
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, backpackers, self-catering cottages
Family-friendly Activities: Kids’ play area, cob building courses, beach access, walking & hiking trails, birding, markets
Contact: http://www.yellowwoodforest.co.za
25. Areena Riverside Resort, Wild Coast
Where is it? 23kms east of East London
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering cottages, rondavels & chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Quad biking, Segway tours, fishing, beach & river activities, canoeing/kayaking, river cruises, abseiling, zip line tours, spa & wellness centre
Contact: http://www.areenaresort.com
26. Green Fountain Caravan Resort, Port Alfred
Where is it? Route 72, between East London & Port Elizabeth
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering luxury villas
Family-friendly Activities: Horse trails, canoeing, trip to Bathurst Agricultural Museum, swimming pools, beaches, fishing, game viewing, spa, hiking trails, water sports, river cruises
Contact: http://greenfountainfarm.co.za
27. The Willows Resort, Port Elizabeth
Where is it? 15kms from the Port Elizabeth beachfront
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering rondavels, cottages & chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Games room, super tube, putt-putt, fishing, tidal pools, tennis courts, bar & coffee shop, various local attractions and activities in Port Elizabeth
Contact: http://www.thewillowspe.co.za/
Campsites in the Northern Cape
28. Sterland Caravan Park & Campsite, Sutherland
Where is it? Sutherland
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, B&B Guesthouse options
Family-friendly Activities: Walking & hiking trails, day trips to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), to various mountain passes and into town
Contact: http://www.sutherlandinfo.co.za
29. Sunset View, Douglas
Where is it? On the R357 to Prieska
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, B&B Guesthouse
Family-friendly Activities: Large lawns, kids’ play area, fishing, picnic spots, day trips to Douglas Bee Farms, Douglas Wine Cellars and more
Contact: http://sunsetview.nc.co.za/
30. Augrabies Falls National Park, Augrabies
Where is it? Near Kakamas
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets & cottages
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pools, walking trails, game viewing, game drives, various viewpoints of the waterfall, bird watching, hiking and biking trails, picnic spots
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies/
31. Kalahari River & Safari Company
Where is it? Kakamas
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering tented camps & huts
Family-friendly Activities: Fishing, various outdoor family activities, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, white river rafting, birding
Contact: http://kalahaririverandsafari.co.za
Campsites in Limpopo
32. Mapungubwe National Park
Where is it? Near Alldays
Accommodation: Tshugulu Lodge, Limpopo Forest Tented Camp, Mazhou Camping Site and Maloutswa Bird Hide
Family-friendly Activities: Museum tour, heritage tours, game drives, guided walks, game viewing, bush braais
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/mapungubwe/
33. Marakele National Park, Waterberg
Where is it? 12kms from Thabazimbi
Accommodation: Various camping & caravan sites, self-catering safari tents & Motswere Guest Cottage
Family-friendly Activities: Take the mountain pass to get close to the Cape vulture colony and enjoy mesmerising views, bird watching, game viewing, game drives, bush walks, 4 x 4 eco trail
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/marakele/
34. Warmbaths Forever Resort, Bela-Bela
Where is it? Chris Hani Dr, Bela-Bela
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets & cabins, hotel accommodation
Family-friendly Activities: Heated pools, jacuzzi, pedal boats, speed slide, wave pool, baby swimming pool, child-friendly restaurants, zip line, putt-putt, squash, tennis, cable water ski, go karts & quad bikes, kids’ play area, river ride, super tubes, hydro & spa, volleyball
Contact: http://www.foreverwarmbaths.co.za/
35. Silver Rocks Caravan Park, Bela-Bela
Where is it? 20kms north of Bela-Bela
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites
Family-friendly Activities: Kids’ play area, swimming pool, braai area, trampoline, picnic spots, walking trails
Contact: http://www.silverrocks.co.za
36. Klein Kariba ATKV Resort, Bela-Bela
Where is it? 170kms from Johannesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering flats, rooms, cabins & tent houses
Family-friendly Activities: Game viewing, heated indoor pool & mineral baths, cold-water swimming pool & splash pool, waterslide, miniature golf, volleyball, rugby, horse riding, hiking trails, cycling trails, pedal & rowing boats, fishing, quad biking
Contact: ATKV Klein-Kariba
37. Eiland Spa ATKV Resort, Tzaneen
Where is it? Situated within the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, youth hostel, self-catering rondavels & chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Hydro spa, sauna, steam bath, cold-water swimming pool, splash pool, super tube, gymnasium, putt-putt, hiking & cycling trails, bird watching, fishing, tennis, bowls, volleyball, pool table, foosball, trampoline, table tennis, child-friendly cafes
Contact: ATKV Eiland Spa
38. Tshipise Forever Resort, Tshipise
Where is it? R525 toward the KNP Pafuri Gate
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets & rondavels
Family-friendly Activities: Kids’ play area, holiday programmes, swimming pool, warm water mineral pool, splash pool, game drives, putt-putt, tennis, bowls, horse riding, trampolines, child-friendly restaurant, nature trails, volleyball
Contact: http://www.forevertshipise.co.za/
Campsites in the North West
39. Borakalalo National Park, Brits
Where is it? 60kms north of Brits
Accommodation: Camp & caravan sites, self-catering tented camps
Family-friendly Activities: Game viewing, game drives, bird watching, fishing, walking & hiking trails
Contact: http://www.borakalalo.co.za
40. Buffelspoort ATKV Resort, Rustenburg
Where is it? Mooinooi
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, various self-catering accommodation options
Family-friendly Activities: Heated indoor & outdoor swimming pools, cold-water swimming pools, Jacuzzis, super tube, trampoline, pool tables, adventure golf & putt-putt, horse riding, bird watching, volleyball, tennis, squash, rugby, netball, child-friendly restaurants, beauty salon
Contact: ATKV Buffelspoort
41. Pilanesberg National Park, Bojanala
Where is it? About 200kms north-west of Johannesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, rustic self-catering options & tented camps, luxury bush lodges & resorts which include separate self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Hot air balloon safaris, game drives & safaris (guided & self-drive options), guided bush walks, self-guided camp walks, picnic spots, bird watching, walk-in aviary, excursions to Sun City
Contact: http://www.pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/
42. Mountain Sanctuary Park, Rustenburg
Where is it? 38kms via the R104 from Rustenburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets, huts & log cabins
Family-friendly Activities: Mountain biking trails, hiking & walking trails, swimming pool area, picnic spots, braai facilities, rock climbing, abseiling, child-friendly restaurant, star party events
Contact: https://mountain-sanctuary.co.za/
Campsites in the Free State
43. Glen Reenen Rest Camp, Golden Gate National Park
Where is it? Clarens
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets, rondavels & longdavels
Family-friendly Activities: Clarens offers a variety of family-friendly excursions & entertainment (read more here), abseiling, canoeing, horse riding, game drives, hiking & nature walks, swimming
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate/
44. Meiringskloof Nature Park, Eastern Free State
Where is it? 1,7kms from Fouriesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Hiking trails, nature walks, swimming, horse riding, abseiling, scenic 4x4 routes, bird watching
Contact: http://www.meiringskloof.co.za/
45. Dimalachite Nature Reserve & River Lodge, Parys
Where is it? Parys
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering lodges & chalets
Family-friendly Activities: White water rafting, fishing, game viewing, putt-putt, paintball, beauty spa
Contact: http://www.dimalachite.co.za/
46. Gariep Forever Resort, Gariep Dam
Where is it? 180kms south of Bloemfontein
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: 4x4 routes, canoeing, guided dam wall tours, boating, putt-putt, tennis, bird watching, kids’ play area, mountain biking trails, sailing, trampolines, boat cruises, swimming pools (incl. splash pool), tractor rides, volleyball, bowls, fishing, picnic spots, walking trails
Contact: http://www.forevergariep.co.za/
Campsites in Mpumalanga
47. Badplaas Forever Resort, Badplaas
Where is it? R38 between Carolina & Barberton
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets, log cabins, rondavels & guest houses
Family-friendly Activities: Fishing, go-karts, horse riding, kiddies quads, quad biking, mountain biking, hiking trails, water slides & tubes, swimming pool, zip line, pony rides, hair salon, hydro & spa, museum, tennis, volleyball, game drives, mini golf, paintball, child-friendly restaurants
Contact: http://www.foreverbadplaas.co.za/
48. Berg & Rivier Country Retreat & Riverside Tented Camping, Trichardspoort River Valley
Where is it? 40kms north-east of Witbank
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering lodge apartments or tented camps
Family-friendly Activities: Hiking trails, 4x4 routes, fishing, river tubing, canoes, hot air balloon rides, birding, photography
Contact: http://www.bergenrivier.co.za/
49. Blyde Canyon Forever Resort, Blyde River Canyon
Where is it? Ohrigstad, Graskop
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering chalets
Family-friendly Activities: Swimming pools, putt-putt, tennis, hiking trails, horse riding, trampolines, volleyball, child-friendly restaurant
Contact: http://www.foreverblydecanyon.co.za/
50. Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort & Caravan Park, Sabie
Where is it? 1km from the Sabie village centre
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering bungalows, chalets, cottages & lodges
Family-friendly Activities: Tubing, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, heated pools, cold-water swimming pools, splash pool, waterslide, trampolines, jungle gym, kids’ play area, putt-putt, tennis, funbikes, entertainment hall, table tennis, video games, pool tables
Contact: http://www.merrypebbles.co.za/
51. Kruger National Park, Limpopo & Mpumalanga
Where is it? 425kms from Johannesburg to the Southern Gate
Accommodation: Various rest camps offering camping & caravan sites as well as self-catering safari tents, huts, cottages, bungalows and luxury lodges
Family-friendly Activities: Game drives (guided & self-drive), picnic spots, child-friendly restaurants, bird watching, wilderness trails, guided walks, 4x4 routes, mountain biking, backpacking trails, eco-trails, golf (read more our recent KNP adventure here)
Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/
52. Olifants River Lodge, Middelburg
Where is it? Just off the R555 between Emalahleni & Middelburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering rondavels, log cabins, chalets, cabanas & villas
Family-friendly Activities: Hiking trails, horse riding, chess, quad biking, paddle boats, jungle gym, paintball, obstacle course, bird watching, fishing, raft building, volleyball, swimming pools, child-friendly restaurant
Contact: http://olifants-river-lodge.co.za/
53. Stonechat Private Resort, Lydenburg
Where is it? 285kms from Johannesburg
Accommodation: Camping & caravan sites, self-catering cottages
Family-friendly Activities: Fly-fishing, fishing, canoeing, walking trails, mountain biking trails, jungle gym, trampoline, quad biking, swimming pools
Contact: http://www.stonechat.co.za/
Read our outdoor gear specialistand dad Douwe Ganzevoort's blog if you want to know if Klipkrans campsite is child-friendly. Also, have a look at the review for The Berry Guest Farm.
