Best Camping Spots Near Cape Town

Plate tectonics. Now that’s a novel way to start a blog about the best camping spots near Cape Town, but hear us out.

If you draw a circle about two hours’ drive from the Mother City (in any direction that doesn’t involve swimming), you’ll find camping spots that’ll blow your mind.

How did this wonderland form? Plate tectonics, that’s how.

Over billions of years, this corner of Africa has smooshed up against other continents, crumpling into the Cape Fold Mountains before drifting off again like that girl who ghosted you on Bumble. Leaving behind breathtaking coastlines, valleys, and peaks.

For now (and for the next few million years), we’re lucky enough to call this paradise home. So pack your tent and explore some of the most incredible campsites near Cape Town and products to take on your mini-breakaway.

Danielshoogte Private Reserve – Aurora

You want to sleep in a natural cave? Of course you do! Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, this working Western Cape farm offers one of the most unique camping experiences you’ll ever have.

It’s far enough from the city that it feels like a proper holiday, but not so far that you’ll lose your mind halfway through the road trip. Perfect balance.

Sure, there are three comfy chalets available — but come on, you’re an adventurer! You want the cave.

Luckily, this cave camping spot isn’t all roughing it. There’s an ablution block with running water, solar-heated showers, and the ultimate luxury: flushing toilets.

Fortunately, the cave camping spot comes with an ablution block that has running water, solar heating, and the luxury of flushing toilets. 

The farm is alive with wildlife and offers a range of outdoor activities for the energetic. As for us? If you’re looking to unwind and relax truly, we strongly suggest trying the Hoot-Hooot Edible Combo!

After all, we’re sure you’ll be sharing this unforgettable experience with your closest friends.

Oewerzicht – Greyton

Two words: Hot. Tub.

And yes, this pet-friendly Western Cape campsite welcomes all your fur babies too. Can you think of anything better as the autumn chill sets in? Okay, maybe one thing… enjoying an epic dry herb vape under the stars.

This campsite near Greyton, along the Riviersonderend River, is a proper gem.

There’s something for everyone, from rustic camping to comfortable chalets. The site includes:
– Various accommodation options
– Facilities for outdoor activities
– Spaces for weddings and special events

Recently, these legends went the extra mile and installed hot tubs at several chalets. And they even added two right at the campsite! Imagine soaking in warm bubbles, surrounded by reeds and mountain views.

You’ve got 25 reed-shaded sites to choose from, each with a power point, nestled along the riverbank. (Try saying “Riviersonderend River” five times fast after a couple of gummies.)

The campsite is only 9 km from Greyton, so you can stock up at delightful local mom ‘n pop stores instead of doing the usual soul-crushing run to the Sea Point Checkers.

You can even rent mountain bikes in town and hit the farm trails. Honestly, that sounds like the perfect reason for a wake-and-bake session before exploring.

Slangkop – Kommetjie

This little gem sits quietly inside Table Mountain National Park, and most Capetonians don’t even realise there are overnight campsites hidden right in their backyard.

If you’re planning a proper hike, make this one of your stops along the Hoerikwaggo Trail, which runs all the way from Cape Point to the Table Mountain cable car station.

This is luxury camping done right. You’ve got flushing toilets (trust us, after some of the things we’ve seen, flushing toilets will forever be our favourite modern convenience we look forward to when returning home), hot showers, a braai area, and even an antique Dover stove to keep you warm on chilly evenings.

Nestled among fynbos and dramatic mountain views, this campsite proves you don’t need to leave the city to go off the grid. As this accommodation option is located in the middle of a nature reserve, we suggest bringing some non-flammable snacks to enjoy.

Tietiesbaai Campsite – Tietiesbaai

Listen, we know what we just said but sometimes no luxury IS luxury. There are days that lighting a fire to get your morning coffee just makes you feel alive! Or starting up the gas burner. Whatever. 

Tietiesbaai campsite offers you cold showers and no electricity. But you get to wake up next to the sea in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. 

It’s a mere 7km from Paternoster, should you urgently need a cappuccino after all your hard work making “moerkoffie”.

This campsite is apparently at the end of “good gravel roads” but all the photos show serious 4x4s. Take from that what you will.

Maybe leave the Fiat500 at home this time.

Beaverlac – Porterville

What list of Western Cape campsites would be complete without the OG Beaverlac? This place has it all: from family-friendly, electrified chalets for the comfort-conscious, to unserviced “campsites” (really you can just camp anywhere).

But we’re here for the camping!

Right, so as mentioned, there are no electrical points. However, there IS a little shop on site that offers campers the use of electrical outlets to charge stuff.

You get ablution blocks with showers and flushing toilets! You can even bring your dog if they’re a good dog. Please don’t bring any bad bois. 

Beaverlac is very strict about bad behaviour and loud music. So if raving the night away to dank techno is your jam, uh… don’t.

This writer is a regular at Beaverlac. But he doesn’t stay at the campsites. No, he and his friends go one step further. We stay at the Africa Hut, which is a full 6km from all the normal camping and chalets.

You MUST have a 4×4 to get there, and you have to cross a river by foot to access the “cabin”. There is no flushing toilet. There’s a hut with a long drop.

In fact, there isn’t much of anything except the ability to be your most extreme self. We in no way endorse ax-throwing contests but also… it’s a good spot for that.