Cape Town is the perfect playground for a campsite. Camping is an activity which everyone should try at least once. There’s a certain sense of pure joy that comes from sleeping under the stars, waking up beside a river, free-roaming children and braaiing marshmallows around a campfire is such a breath of fresh air and a fun activity for the kids and adults to enjoy.
Here are some amazing campsite places in Cape Town to check out this summer:
Enjo Nature Farm
The Enjo Nature farm is a secluded campsite in the Cederberg Mountains. It is also a place for individuals to go for a spiritually immersive experience. Guests can swim in the farm’s spring-fed dam, or explore the many hiking trails surrounding the farm. And, if you’re fortunate enough to be here between July and September, you’ll be treated to a wondrous bouquet of colour as wildflowers bloom in the Biedouw Valley.
Facilities
- three private campsites, and a thatched cottage with a hot-water shower and toilet
- each campsite has water, a fireplace, and a power point
- accommodation is self-catering, but breakfast and dinner can be booked ahead of time
- firewood available for purchase
- the main farmhouse has an honesty bar selling drinks and snacks
Things to do
- swimming in the farm’s spring-fed dam
- games room with a pool table, dartboard and board games
- children can bottle-feed the lambs during lambing season
- hiking, mountain biking and Jeep trails in the surrounding nature reserve
- The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is worth exploring for its many Bushman paintings
- stargazing (the views of the Cederberg night sky are legendary)
- nearby towns include Clanwilliam, Ceres and Wupperthal
- ideal location for exploring the Cederberg Wilderness Area
Pet friendly? Yes
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
This nature reserve was named after the Khoi word “gami’ (lion) It is found in Oudtshoorn. It is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend away with family and friends as the campsite encompasses the serene and silent landscape of the Little Karoo. Cape mountain zebras, aardvarks and all manner of game wander the region.
Facilities
Ou Kraal Campsite:
- four herders’ huts that each sleep two people (in single beds, with mattresses)
- basic ablution facilities (an Enviro-loo waterless toilet and basin)
- no electricity
- braai grid (wood provided on request)
- water tank with rainwater
Gamkaberg Campsite:
- two campsites, each able to sleep four people
- electricity available
- ablution facilities with a solar-heated shower
- braai facilities
Stables:
- two rooms, each able to sleep four people (in bunk beds)
- electricity available
- ablution facilities with toilets and a solar-heated shower
- braai facilities
Things to do
- hiking and walking trails (both day and overnight trails)
- 4×4 trails
- picnic area
- rock-climbing
Pet friendly? No
Kleine Eike
Kleine Eike is a fruit farm just outside Greyton overlooking the towering Riviersonderend Mountains which is absolute breathtaking scenery. It also has beautiful riverside views from the Zonderend River, which runs through it.
Facilities
- campsite along the riverbank
- four spots a little further back from the water (for people with large caravans or small children)
- each camping spot has its own braai facility and electricity
- bathroom ablutions with 8 shower cubicles and toilets, 10 basins and wash troughs
Things to do
- hiking, running, and cycling trails
- canoeing and fishing on the river
- apple and pear picking (January to May)
- Greyton Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings)
- restaurants, galleries, and shops in Greyton
Pet friendly? Yes
Eike Camping
This campsite is surrounded by pear orchards and towering oak trees on a private farm in the Tulbagh Valley.
Facilities
- 1 large campsite hosting up to 20 people at a time
- 3 electricity points
- large central firepit
- covered ablution facilities with a bathroom, shower and sink
- wood-fired water heater
Things to do
- walk or bike ride along the river and fruit orchards
- sandpit for children
- swinging from swings and egg chairs on the oak trees
Pet friendly? Yes
Rondeberg Resort
This expansive camping site is completely lawned, it is found in Clanwilliam, located on the banks of the Bulshoek Dam. It has loads of fun activities for both adults and kids to enjoy such as spending the day speeding on a boating across the water and, come nightfall, enjoy the picture-perfect serenity as fairy lights illuminate the property.
Facilities
- four campsite areas (Private, Luxury, Water’s Edge and General)
- electricity and water
- bathrooms with shower, basin and toilet
- private braai
- paved area for vehicles (private camping area only)
- dishwashing facilities
- laundry facilities and tuckshop available onsite
Things to do
- children’s play area with swings and a jungle gym
- swimming pool
- boating and watersports in the dam (not provided by the resort)
- hiking trails
- birdwatching
- nearby towns of Clanwilliam, Lamberts Bay, Nieuwoudtsville and Vredendal
Pet friendly? Yes, by prior arrangement
Rivierplaas
This campsite is located in Scherpenheuwel near Worcester. The banks of the beautiful Breede River, a mere one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, this secluded campsite near Worcester is a dream come true for those seeking a peaceful weekend away with a string of wonderful activities.
Facilities
- 37 campsites on the lawn
- communal ablutions with hot-water showers
- no electricity
- braai facilities
- small shop stocking select basics (ice, wood, cold drinks and mosquito repellent)
Things to do
- children’s play areas
- swimming and canoeing in the river
- river rafting and tubing
- foefie slide
- fishing
- hiking
Pet friendly? Yes, but it depends.
Also see: Family friendly and fun places to visit this festive season
