Camping along the Garden Route is a wonderful solution for those seeking nature, space, and simplicity. One thing the pandemic has done is encouraged more South Africans to pack their bags, get in their vehicles, and explore their country. Avoiding air travel when the virus was rife was a decision made by many, however the choice to stay grounded did not necessarily mean holidays were put on hold. South Africa is a country known for vast and diverse landscapes that patiently wait to welcome the eager traveler. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at five family-friendly camp sites along the Garden Route and what they have to offer.
Victoria Bay Caravan Park (Just outside of George)
Behold Victoria Bay, a well-known surf spot and popular holiday destination among locals that has several types of holiday accommodation that overlook the rolling waves within this small cove. For those bringing their own accommodation along, the Victoria Bay Caravan Park is in prime position offering beautiful beach views at two of its campsites.
Things to do: Golf; snorkeling; fishing; surfing; nature trails
Accommodation: Tents and caravans allowed
Electricity available: Yes
On-site facilities: Scullery; braai facilities; ablutions with hot and cold water; restaurant; security.
Cost: From R355 per site (rates dependent on low, middle, peak season)
Pet-friendly: No
Opening and closing times: Arrival time is from 14:00 and departure time is 10:00
Teniqua Treetops – Sedgefield (Between George & Knysna)
We had to throw in some glamping along the way and Teniqua Treetops is a special find. This family-friendly, three-star resort is tucked away in the Knysna Forest with views over the Karatara Gorge. Totally immersed in nature, the treetop family suites offer simple luxuries such as two large bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and a deck.
Things to do: Forest walks; rock pool swimming; birding; children’s petting zoo; nearby beaches.
Accommodation: Eco-friendly, timber, tree top suites with free parking available
Electricity available: Gas, solar & electricity
On-site facilities: De Adder Padda bush bar that serves drinks and refreshments; swimming pool; reception with WIFI; jungle gym; game room; optional DIY Menu.
Cost: From R2025 unit rate per night (based on 2 people sharing/ 4 pax maximum occupancy per suite)
Pet-friendly: Behaved dogs allowed; leads required in public areas.
Opening and closing times: Check in 14h00pm-18h00pm/ Check out 10h00am
Diepwalle Forest Camp (Knysna)
Diepwalle Forest Camp allows happy campers to pitch their tents on camping decks located in a natural environment in the Knysna Lake Section of the Garden Route National Park. This camp is about a thirty-minute drive from the Knysna Heads, where there are plenty of things to do from whale watching to sunset cruises on the estuary.
Things to do: Hiking trails; cycling trails; Tea Garden; Forest Legends Museum in Diepwalle; Kayaking; Knysna Heads.
Accommodation: Tented (bring your own or you can hire tents and mattresses from the Diepwalle Forest office)
Electricity available: Electrical points available on each deck
On-site facilities: Braai and dining areas; communal ablutions with hot showers; access to communal fridge, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Cost: From R240 per deck per night (based on 2 people/ 4 pax maximum occupancy)
Conservation fees: R42 per adults per day/ R21 per child per day (South African visitors) R168 per adults per day/ R84 per child per day (International visitors)
Pet-friendly: No
Opening and closing times: 07h30am-16h00pm
Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park (Plettenberg Bay)
A Garden Route hotspot, Plettenberg Bay, offers a fantastic camping site on the Keurbooms Lagoon. This is the place to kick back and relax and enjoy the slower pace that comes with holidays.
Things to do: Beach walks; boating, sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddling and water-skiing; fishing and bird watching.
Accommodation: Tents and caravans allowed
Electricity available: Yes
On-site facilities: Modern ablutions with hot and cold water; freshwater points; washing up scullery for dishes; laundry facilities; free-standing braais; children’s playground; tennis courts; canoe hire.
Cost: From R160 per person per night (more expensive over school and public holidays)
Pet-friendly: No
Opening and closing times: Unknown
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp (Tsitsikamma)
Tsitsikamma is one of our favourite places on the Garden Route and being able to camp right near the waters edge is a special kind of luxury. Duikers, pods of dolphins, porpoises, the Knysna Lourie and the Cape Clawless Otter are the wildlife you may spot during your time staying here and while exploring the area.
Accommodation: Tents and caravans allowed
Electricity available: This is optional so make sure you select the option you prefer as there is a difference in cost.
On-site facilities: Shop with basic amenities; restaurant; laundry and washing up facilities; communal ablutions.
Cost: Tent site from R390 per night (based on 2 people sharing/ 6 pax maximum occupancy per site)/ Caravan site with view from R420 per night (based on 2 people sharing/ 6 pax maximum occupancy per site).
Conservation fee: R68 per adult per day/ R34 per child per day (South African rate)/ R272 per adult per day/ R136 per child per day (International rate)
Pet-friendly: No
Opening and closing times: 07h00am-19h00pm
Safari bonus: Addo Rest Camp (Addo Elephant Park)
Visiting the third largest national park in South Africa is a great addition to your Garden Route road trip. Addo has a huge population of elephants (over 600), which visitors can look forward to along with other members of the Big Five and animal species. A brilliant safari experience not to be missed.
Things to do: Safari game drives; guided walks; holiday programmes for children; bird watching; Addo Indlovu Spa; marine eco tours.
Accommodation: Tents and caravans allowed
Electricity available: Yes
On-site facilities: Picnic, braai and ablution facilities; swimming pool; lookout platform and underground hide with views over the waterhole; shop selling basic amenities; fuel station; restaurant.
Cost: Tent site from R350 per night (based on 2 people sharing/ 4 pax maximum occupancy per site)/ Caravan site from R365 per night (based on 2 people sharing/ 6 pax maximum occupancy per site).
Conservation fee: R90 per adult per day/ R45 per child per day (South African rate)/ R360 per adult per day/ R180 per child per day (International rate)
Pet-friendly: No
Opening and closing times: Check in 14h00pm-17h00pm/ Check out 10h00am
Safaris for Africa Basic Tips and Advice when Camping:
Double-check you have all your camping gear before leaving on holiday
Check the weather ahead of your trip to ensure safety on the roads and to know what to pack
Know where food stores and fuel stations are along the way, so you do not run out of basic amenities
Spend less time on the roads and more time in one place exploring the area
Try book restaurants and activities in advance to ensure availability
Leave your camp site as you found it
Choose good company
Camping can be such a fun experience for the whole family, and it seems more and more people are getting adventurous and enjoying DIY holidays. We hope this article has given you some ideas for your next road trip and inspired the adventurer within!
For those looking for Garden Route itineraries, please contact us, we will gladly assist and know some great places to stay if you prefer a roof over your head!