South Africa is known for its lovely beaches, great summer weather and national parks where you can get up close and personal with the big five.

Deciding on the camp site that is most suited to your needs is a crucial aspect of any successful camping trip.

If you are looking for a holiday close to the beach in summer there is a bunch of camping spots in and around Cape Town that is known for its long summer days and clean beaches.

Top Camping spots in Cape Town

The Beach Camp – The Beach camp is located in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve near Paternoster. What makes this campsite special is the fact that accommodation takes the form of either intimate wooden huts or comfortable bedded twin tents (All you need to bring is your own sleeping bags). They have a communal fireplace, licenced bar, well stocked kitchen and ablutions with hot water, although the camp site has no electricity.

Apart from spending days lazing on hammocks and lavishing the spectacular sea views, guests can also hike, mountain bike or horse ride through the reserve, go for seasonal wild flower walks or partake in guided sea kayak tours. Remember to book well in advance as this is a very popular campsite.

Palmiet Caravan Park – Located in the picturesque coastal village Kleinmond, it has 142 Stands (108 of these has electricity outlets), with 4 communal ablution blocks. The scenic seaside region is known for its spectacular views and is a hub for whale watching from August to November. The site is also close to the lagoon (perfect for swimming or canoeing) and has lots of nearby hiking trails from which wildlife and birds can be observed.

Oatlands Holiday Village – Oatlands features a number of different camping levels sporting both tent and caravan sites. On-site facilities include public bathrooms, a private swimming pool for campers, a designated play area for children, and a recreational room with dart boards and a pool table. It is situated near the beach, a golf course and Simon’s Town’s many historical museums. If you are looking to camp close to the beach in the winter months Durban would be better suited because of its tropical weather, that stays warm year round, and the sea water is warm for year round swimming.

Top Camping Spots in Durban

Dolphin Holiday Resort – Situated on the Kwazulu Natal North coast in the small town Ballito, where schools of dolphins are frequently seen in the warm Indian Ocean. Dolphin Holiday Resort has an activity for everyone: Play a game of Outdoor Chess in the Resort, a game of Pool in our games room is part of every holiday, and meet new friends here. Table Tennis and darts in the Games Room, let the kids jump on our trampoline. We offer a sparkling pool with hours of crystal clean fun. For those needing a challenge play volley ball in our park on beach sand. The TV Room offers M-Net. Watch the Natal Sharks take on the world. Chicken Shack and Candy Cabin is a must for snacks and drinks, and then there is also the Tea Terrace tea garden.

Caravan Cove – This resort is situated on the beach at Rocky Bay, about 6 km from Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The resort offers bird watching, table tennis, chalets, kid’s playground, swimming, and fishing. Is close to Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve, crocodile farms, tidal pools, game viewing, hiking trails, scuba diving, golf, tennis, shops, restaurants, public telephones, laundry and scullery facilities.

Tugela Mouth Resort – This is perfect for people that are looking to get away from the noise of urban life, this resort offers you a change to get to nature by going for long walks on their untouched beaches. Take the opportunity to fish at one of the most productive spots on the north coast. Apart from having affordable rates, this resort offers guaranteed value for money. If you are looking to get up close to the big five and Nature, South Africa has ample Nature reserves with world class camping facilities.

Top Nature Reserves for camping

Kruger National Park – Kruger Park is one of South Africa's most exciting African safari destinations. It is known as the home of Africa's Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo, you will discover unique wildlife on a real safari in Africa. There is a wide variety of camping locations within the park with Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, Lower Sabi, Punda Maria and Crocodile Bridge. Most of these camping spots have ablution blocks, electricity, restaurants and Curio Shops.

Borakalao National Park – Borakalalo is situated 60 km north of Brits. It consists of 13 000 ha of woodland and open bushveld – in a remote and peaceful area of unusual beauty and diversity set in Kalahari veld and woodland country, along the banks of the Moretele River and the 800 ha Klipvoor Dam. You can expect to see a wide range of bird species, Leopards, white Rhinos, giraffe and antelope. Accommodation is on a self-catering basis in two tented camps and a camping site.

Thanda Private Game Reserve – The tented camp has been designed in comfortable safari-style, best suited for guests who are searching for a genuine safari experience and who do not require all the bells and whistles. The 14 tents each have viewing decks and en-suite canvas bathrooms and provide rustic yet comfortable accommodation from which to enjoy the wildlife in one of South Africa’s most beautiful reserves. Public facilities at the tented camp include an attractive reception area, a curio shop, new lounge area for guests to relax in, an enhanced dining tent, a 10×5 metre rim-flow pool and a new boma. Spa treatments by Africology can be enjoyed in the privacy of your tent.

South Africa is one of the top camping destinations in the world with world class beaches and nature reserves. Start planning your next camping trip today.