10 top campsites in Cape Town and surrounds

A selection of the best places to go camping in Cape Town and surrounds

What could be better than a holiday right in the middle of nature – just you and your tent, sleeping bag, campfire and all the trimmings? Cape Town's beautiful natural surroundings are the perfect setting for a camping holiday, according to your wishes, of course. We help you to find the most attractive campsites in the Western Cape, if not the world, so you can say “back to basics” rather than “back home”.

1 - Beaverlac
In the south of the Cederberg Beaverlac is a very good camping spot for beginners with a well-equipped shop where you can buy everything you need for a holiday in the great outdoors.Facilities include campsites, picnic areas, showers and toilets (some with hot water) and a shop.              

Cederberg | +27 (0) 22 931 2945

2 - The Beach Camp
The Beach Camp is situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve near the small fishing village of Paternoster. Bury your feet in the sand, sip on your favorite drink, enjoy the sea view by day and a toasty fire by night. With comfortable, bedded tents, A-shaped huts, fresh sea food dinners and kayak tours you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Transport from the bus station in Vredenburg Elwierda can be arranged.

Paternoster | +27 (0) 82 926 2267

3 - Tweede Tol
The Tweede Tol campsite is located in beautiful Bainskloof Pass and offers 25 shady spots. The facility has a picnic spot for over 120 picknickers and short, fun hikes with breathtaking views are easy to reach. If you're after a quiet get away visit during the week or outside of the school holidays. In 2009 Tweede Tol was put back on track with a new parking area, a new climbing frame, paved roads and much more.

Tweede Tol | + 27 (0) 21 483 2949/5

4 - Palmiet Caravan Park
This caravan park offers 136 pitches (of which 90 have electrical outlets) and clean washing facilities. Kleinmond is one of Cape Town and Surround's top locations for whale watching between June and November and the area contains many paths where you can observe exotic birds, lagoons from the Wetlands and much more.

Kleinmond | +27 (0) 28 271 8458

5 - Clanwilliam Bulshoek Dam Camping Accommodation
Just two hours from Cape Town Clanwilliam is situated in the Cederberg Mountains and you'll find Clanwilliam Bulshoek Dam Camping Accommodation about 23km outside of Clanwilliam. The camp site is equipped with washing facilities (showers and toilets separated), electricity, braai facilities, fresh water, firewood and ice on request and canoeing is an optional activity.

Clanwilliam | +27 (0) 82 533 3995

6 - River Goose Camp Site
Located on the banks of the Breede River the camp site offers a wealth of activities including swimming, fishing, bird watching and boating.

Bonnievale | +27 (0) 82 759 5727

7 - Parow Caravan Park
Just 20 km outside of Cape Town this camping spot can be reached quickly on the N1. With views of the Cape Flats and Table Mountain each pitch is ideal for tents and caravans and features a bathroom and cooking space.

Parow   | +27 (0) 21 92 1913

8 - Imhoff Park - Kommetjie
Located in Kommetjie (Wireless Rd) on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula this camp site is ideal for those who want to get away from the bustling city for some delightful walks on the beach (500 m from the beach). 40 km from the city centre of Cape Town the site is also home to small chalets, tents and caravans and is very well maintained. Please note that motorcycles are not allowed.

Kommetjie | + 27 (0) 21 783 1634

9 - Oatlands Holiday Village
Just south of the center of Simon's Town in Froggy Pond the camp site features huts, tents and caravans. Just 40 km from Cape Town the camp site is one of the most beautiful places on the Indian Ocean with stunning views of False Bay.

Froggy Pond | Somin´s Town | + 27 (0) 21 7861410

10 - Allandale Holiday Resort & Cottages
Located close to Tokai Forest and the Constantia wine estates and over 20 km from downtown Cape Town Allandale Holiday Resort accomodates campers and offers mountain bike rentals,a  tennis court and a swimming pool.

Tokai | +27 (0) 21 715 3320 | +27 (0) 83 444 9426

Summer time is the best time to indulge in picnics, hiking and beaches. Be sure to read our Best of Cape Town Section.