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50+ Family Friendly Camping Spots in South Africa

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

Camping|Family Getaways|Things to do with Kids

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

Camping|Family Getaways|Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping|Family Getaways|Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping spots | Family Getaways | Things to do with Kids

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

Camping|Family Getaways|Things to do with Kids

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.

Alexa

Alexa Gerrard

A wife and mom, Alexa is an avid traveler always on the lookout for a new adventure. She is a high energy, natural influencer and inspiration to those around her. Although she has based her career on sales and marketing, she studied politics, philosophy and economics. A passion for writing has led her to blog on Things to do with Kids and on her personal blog called ‘Sleepless in Jozi”, which is focused on life as a mommy, travelling and generally being a busy body. In her free time Alexa loves spending quality time with her family, the outdoors, reading a good book and exploring new restaurants, markets and activities.

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