5 Coastal Escapes & 5 Inland Hidden Gems
Camping in the Western Cape is one of the best ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time with family. Whether you love fishing, beach walks, mountain views, or quiet riverside stays, the Western Cape offers some of South Africa’s most beautiful campsites.
We are campers ourselves, and we especially enjoy fishing and peaceful weekends away. Recently, we spent a weekend at Rivierplaas on the banks of the Breede River near Worcester.
It is a pet-friendly campsite, so we took our little dog along. We enjoyed fishing, relaxing by the river, and simply unwinding in nature. It was peaceful, quiet, and exactly what we needed. We had an amazing weekend and returned home refreshed and already planning our next trip.
If you’re also looking for great camping destinations, here are 5 coastal campsites and 5 inland campsites worth visiting in the Western Cape.
5 Best Coastal Campsites in the Western Cape
1. Ebb and Flow Rest Camp
Located in Wilderness, this campsite is part of the beautiful Garden Route National Park.
Why it’s amazing:
- Lagoon and river access make it a win-win for fishers and swimmers.
- Fishing opportunities
- Canoeing and hiking is a plus for the more adventures campers.
- Beautiful forest surroundings
Perfect for:
- Families
- Nature lovers
- Fishing enthusiasts
You can enjoy long walks along the beach, paddle on the lagoon, or simply relax under shady trees.
2. Buffels Bay Camping
Near Knysna, Buffels Bay is a favourite among campers who love the ocean.
Why campers love it:
- Beachfront camping
- Great fishing spots
- Safe swimming areas
- Relaxed coastal atmosphere
Perfect for:
- Families
- Fishing trips
- Beach lovers
This is one of those campsites where you fall asleep to the sound of waves.
3. Dwarskersbos Camping
Located along the West Coast, Dwarskersbos offers peaceful coastal camping.
Why visit:
- Quiet and uncrowded
- Beautiful sunsets
- Fishing opportunities
- Long beach walks
Perfect for:
- Couples – Great honeymoon spot.
- Quiet getaways
- Fishing weekends
The West Coast has a slower pace, making it ideal for relaxing.
4. Victoria Bay Caravan Park
Located near George, this small coastal bay is one of the Garden Route’s hidden gems.
Why it’s popular:
- Small sheltered bay
- Family-friendly
- Good fishing
- Beautiful scenery
Perfect for:
- Families
- Weekend camping
- Relaxed coastal holidays
Victoria Bay is small but incredibly beautiful.
5. Struisbaai Caravan Park
Located near Cape Agulhas, this campsite offers long white beaches and relaxed holiday vibes.
Why it’s great:
- Long sandy beaches
- Fishing opportunities
- Safe swimming areas
- Family-friendly environment
Perfect for:
- Beach lovers
- Families
- Fishing trips
Struisbaai is known for its peaceful coastal charm.
5 Best Inland Campsites in the Western Cape
6. Rivierplaas
Our recent stay at Rivierplaas was exactly what we needed. Located on the banks of the Breede River, it offers peaceful camping surrounded by nature.
Why we loved it:
- Pet-friendly campsite
- Great fishing
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Spacious campsites
We took our little dog with us, enjoyed fishing, and spent time relaxing by the river. It was quiet, beautiful, and perfect for a weekend getaway.
Perfect for:
- Families
- Pet owners
- Fishing lovers
- Relaxing weekends
7. Bonnievale River Lodge Camping
Located along the Breede River near Bonnievale, this is another great riverside campsite.
Why visit:
- River access
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Peaceful surroundings
Perfect for:
- Families
- Fishing enthusiasts
- Weekend getaways
8. Beaverlac
Located near Porterville, Beaverlac is a nature lover’s dream.
Why it’s popular:
- Mountain views
- Natural rock pools
- Hiking trails for the adventures campers
- Beautiful scenery
Perfect for:
- Adventure campers
- Families
- Nature lovers
This campsite is especially popular in summer.
9. Kleinplaas Holiday Resort
Located in the Little Karoo in Oudtshoorn.
Why it’s great:
- Family-friendly
- Mountain views
- Quiet surroundings
- Great facilities
Perfect for:
- Families
- Karoo lovers
- Road trip stops
10. Tweede Tol Camping
Located in Bainskloof Pass near Wellington.
Why it’s popular:
- River swimming
- Mountain scenery
- Hiking trails
- Quiet nature escape
Perfect for:
- Families
- Day trips
- Weekend camping
Why Camping in the Western Cape is So Special
The Western Cape offers:
- Rivers and mountains
- Beaches and forests
- Fishing and hiking
- Quiet and peaceful locations
Camping allows you to:
- Relax
- Spend time with family
- Enjoy nature
- Slow down
Final Thoughts
From coastal escapes to peaceful inland retreats, the Western Cape offers incredible camping destinations. Our recent stay at Rivierplaas reminded us why we love camping so much — the quiet, the fishing, and the simple joy of being outdoors.
If you’re looking for your next camping destination, these 10 spots are a great place to start.
I add a few sites on the map that don’t feature in my post. There is just to many beautiful sites to cover so be on the lookout for the next post. Please tell me in the comments when you are looking for something specific. Or just share your experience at an amazing site.