Traveling with a dog can become a problem it’s not that easy to find dog-friendly places and even if you do some of them allow only small breed dogs. It was our first camping with a dog experience and we absolutely loved it! Due to our nomadic lifestyle, we don’t spend as much time as we’d like with our beloved borador (border collie + labrador) Chile. We decided to spoil her a little bit and took her for a camping trip with the idea to visit the best dog-friendly campsites around Cape Town. Here is the result of our trip.
Chile absolutely loved camping, and being a very social and friendly dog she made many people and dog friends. Except for dog-friendly campsites, we stopped at some dog-friendly restaurants/coffee shops on the way which are listed here as well.
Table of Contents
Need to remember when camping with a dog
- Even though all the listed campsites are confirmed dog-friendly, inquire when booking about bringing dogs.
- Bring poo spade and bags and clean after your dog.
- Make sure your dog doesn’t bother other campers, not everybody is a dog owner some people may be not very impressed if your dog comes and jumps on them or their children.
- All the campsites are welcome friendly and well-behaved dogs don’t bring an aggressive and unsocial dog with them.
- We camped in all the campsites offseason, in the peak season (Christmas, Easter, school holidays) it might be different as the campsites are very full probably your dog won’t have that much freedom and space to run around.
- If camping in September-October remember about ticks especially if your dog sleeps in a tent with you.
If your dog likes being active and enjoys walking there are some great pet-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town that you might like to explore.
Best dog-friendly campsites near Cape Town
Rivierplaas, Worcester
- Distance from Cape Town – 127 km
- Driving time – 1h30min.
It’s a big campsite on the farm at Breede river, 25km from Worcester. Spacious and grassy area, Chile liked running around and exploring the place. Absolutely dog-friendly, dogs are as welcome as people. Located far from main roads in a beautiful tranquil area. Note! It’s a running farm at the river there are many insects at night and early morning (small flies, mosquitoes, etc.) bring repellent with you. You can combine camping with wine tasting at the Breedekloof wine route.
- Price ZAR 430 for a site (up to 8 people), ZAR 30 per dog.
- Phone for booking 084 710 0139
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes, from a donkey there is free wood to make a fire
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – no
- Power outlets – no
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes
- Other – playgrounds for children. The farm shop at the reception where you can buy cool drinks, wood, snacks, ice.
Things to do
- Swimming in the river
- Hiking, short trails.
Secret Falls, Tulbagh
- Distance from Cape Town – 130 km
- Driving time – 1h40min.
This beautiful place is the only campsite on the list we didn’t go to. The main reason is the road is very steep, you need a proper 4×4 with a low range which our Terios doesn’t have. Apparently an awesome campsite with just 10 spots. Confirmed dog-friendly (on phone), max 2 dogs per site. Very busy and popular in October it was fully booked for weekends till April. No day visitors allowed.
- Price ZAR 130 per person, ZAR 70 per child, ZAR 80 per dog.
- Booking Online booking only secretfalls@mweb.co.za 50% payment needed to confirm the booking. Note! The campsite is closed until June 2021.
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – no
- Power outlets – no
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – no
Things to do
- Hiking
- 4×4 driving
- Swimming in the natural pools.
Oewerzicht Farm, Greyton
- Distance from Cape Town – 146 km
- Driving time – 1h50min.
A nice campsite at the river bank with many things to do. Spacious grassy spots (25 sites) some facing the river. Good facilities, clean and well maintained. Chile loved swimming and playing in the water. Note! The campsite is dog friendly but all dogs must be on a leash. Inform about bringing a dog when making a booking, bring poo spade.
- Price ZAR 390 for a stie up to 4 people, ZAR 90 for an extra person (up to 6 people per site), dogs stay free.
- Phone for booking 028 254-9831
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – no
- Other – each site has a wooden shade shelter.
- Wood ZAR20 for a bag.
Things to do
- Hiking, there several hiking trails. Dogs are not allowed on the trails
- Mountain biking, 25km trail
- Fishing
- Kayaking.
Greyton
The campsite is just 9km away from the town. Greyton is a dog-friendly lovely little town with many cafes and craft shops. Quite a few mountain bike and hiking routes start from the town. Dogs in Greyton are everywhere and all are very friendly even street dogs are in good condition.
We had late breakfast at Pure cafe they have good coffee and great breakfasts. Dog friendly if sit outside. On the main street, there is a charity shop where you can buy old books and other second-hand stuff the money goes to the dog rescue fund.
Silwerstrand caravan park, Robertson
- Distance from Cape Town – 157 km
- Driving time – 1h50min.
It’s a very popular campsite quite full on weekends and holidays at the river bank just outside of Robertson. Very social campsite ideal for a weekend with a family or friends offers many different water activities; skiing, paddling, kayaking, etc. Dog-friendly only for small and medium breed dogs, no big dogs, small dogs can run around without a leash, medium size dogs as well if they’re well-behaved and don’t bother other campers.
- Price ZAR 90 per person, dogs stay for free.
- Phone for booking 076 199 4085
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes
- Other – playground for children.
Things to do
- Water skiing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing.
Affie Plaas
Just before the turn to Silwerstrand, there is a big coffee/craft shop Affie Plaas where you can buy pies, rusks, fresh-squeezed juice, coffee, etc. There are tables outside where you can sit with your dog.
Khomeesdrif campsite, Riviersonderend
- Distance from Cape Town – 160 km
- Driving time – 2 hours
A beautiful campsite at the river bank just 5 km away from Riviersonderend between the wheat fields and the mountains. It has a stunning deck where you can have breakfast, enjoy the sunrise, read, or watch birds. The campsite is a nice place for a weekend getaway from Cape Town.
The place is a real bird lovers’ paradise they will wake you up every morning! Check for a hidden swing under the deck. Chile really liked it here nearby river and a small sandy beach were a real treat she played and jumped in the water like crazy. We even took her for a short kayak trip.
- Price ZAR 320 per site up to 4 people, ZAR 80 for an extra person (max 6 people per site), ZAR 20 per dog.
- Phone for booking 082 9370053 or 082 558 1594
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – no
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – no
- Other – free to use plastic kayaks and sups. Tables and benches at the deck. Small playground for children.
- Wood ZAR40 for a big bag.
Things to do
- Swimming in the river
- Kayaking, paddling
- Bird watching.
Riviersonderend
A nice little town with an Ou Meul coffee shop/bakery (dog-friendly if you sit outside) that has a big variety of pastries, omelets, and delicious sandwiches as well as fresh juices and shakes. There are a biltong shop and a craft shop in the same building. If you’re like us a big coffee junkie, check out our recent post on the best coffee shops in Cape Town.
Klondyke cherry farm, Ceres
- Distance from Cape Town – 170 km
- Driving time – 2h10min.
A beautiful farm surrounded by the mountains can be a perfect summer weekend escape from Cape Town’s heat. Other than in summer it’s quite cold to camp here. We camped in October it was below 0°C at night even Chile was very cold, she didn’t stay for braai outside and went straight to the tent as soon as it got dark. In spring the farm looks stunning with all the fruit trees in blossom and in good cold winter, there is a lot of snow here so you can come just as a day visitor unless you want to experience camping in the snow.
The best and the busiest time to come here is November – December – cherry harvest season, you can pick cherries yourself in this case you pay ZAR 75 per 1kg. If you just want to pick cherries without staying here overnight you can visit the farm as a day trip from Cape Town, it’s not that far to drive to and back in one day. On the way from Cape Town you can drive over Bainskloof Pass, it’s one of the most scenic drives in Cape Town.
Price ZAR 75 pp per night, dog stay free.
Phone for booking 087 550 0232
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes but it was not hot, in summer it may not be a problem but we were very cold
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes, at the office building
- Other – all sites have wooden benches and tables.
- Wood ZAR20/crate.
Things to do
- December – picking cherries
- September – October – enjoying trees in blossom
- Summer – a nice escape from the heat of Cape Town here the temperatures are 6-7 °C lower.
Beaverlac campsite, Porterville
- Distance from Cape Town – 170 km
- Driving time – 2h10min.
This beautiful campsite is hidden in the mountains between the orange tree plantations – a place of tranquility near Porterville. Big grassy area, spacious sites, can accommodate up to 800 people. One of Chile’s favorite campsites she really enjoyed running around on the grass (the area is really big) and swimming in the pools. A good place for bird lovers and night sky watching. You can easily stay here for a week or longer exploring, the area and relaxing. Note! No more than 2 dogs per site. The last 5km drive is on a bumpy gravel road.
- Price ZAR 75 per person, ZAR 45 children (4-17yo), ZAR 50 per dog, ZAR30 per car.
- Booking is required, it can be done over the phone 022 931 2945.
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes, bring your own toilet paper
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – no
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – no
- Other – there is a shop at the reception where you can buy everything you need for braai (meat, wood) as well as wine, bread, cool drinks, snacks etc. The prices are almost the same (maybe 1 or 2 Rand more) as at SPAR in Porterville.
Things to do
- Swimming in the natural pools
- Hiking, there are two short trails to the pools and two longer trails
- Mountain biking
- Rock climbing.
Porterville
There are two dog-friendly restaurants on the main road in front of each other. Koppikoffi has a big outside terrace where you can sit with a dog, great variety of food; pizzas, breakfasts, Boboti, sandwiches, lunches, etc. They have good coffee and cakes. We loved their breakfast wrap with bacon and boerewors. The second-place 51 on main is very nice; friendly people, immediately brought water for Chile, they have a breakfast menu, sandwiches, and some other food. The big disadvantage for us they have only instant coffee, but their cake was really good. For shopping, you can go to SPAR.
Matroosberg Private Nature reserve and campsite, Ceres
- Distance from Cape Town – 174 km
- Driving time – 2h15min.
A beautiful camping spot in the forest between pine trees. Again the best time to camp here in summer when it’s nice and warm. Our camping experience in October was quite freezing but it’s something different to experience. If you want to test your cold-weather gear e.g. sleeping bag, it’s the right place to come. There is a lot to do here for outdoor sports lovers the area is big and beautiful.
- Price ZAR 70 per person, ZAR 50 per child, ZAR20 per dog (this money goes to SPCA). No one-night bookings over the weekend.
- Phone for booking 023 312 2282
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – no
- Power outlets – no
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – no
- Other – can buy wood at the reception.
Things to do
- Hiking, there is a long hike to one of the highest peaks in the Western Cape you can do it in one or two days. There are shorter hikes as well.
- Abseiling
- 4×4 driving
- Mountainbiking
- Skiing, snowboarding (winter).
Ceres
Quite a big town with a couple of restaurants, coffee places and big supermarkets (SPAR and Pick and Pay). We stopped at Deja Brew coffee shop just outside the town nice dog-friendly restaurant/brewery with a breakfast and lunch menu as well as sandwiches, cakes, and good coffee. They have a big grassy area around so your dog can stretch its legs and walk around a bit. For good take away coffee check Tremor Coffee Bar.
Citrus Creek caravan park, Citrusdal
- Distance from Cape Town – 176 km
- Driving time – 2 hours
The campsite is situated on the edge of the town on a farm. It is a nice place for a family weekend. Good facilities, well-maintained area, spacious grassed sites. The swimming pool is a nice addition in summer for both children and adults, dogs are not allowed in the pool. Note! Some farm animals (geese, chickens, horses) walk around the campsite, so make sure your dogs won’t chase them. Chile was quite excited about roosters especially when they came close.
- Price ZAR 150 per person, ZAR 100 per child (under 10), dogs stay free.
- Phone for booking 022 921 3145
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes
- Other – wi-fi, swimming pool, inside area with braai, table tennis, pool, tables and benches.
Things to do
- Horse-back riding
- Swimming in the pool
- Gold playing (golf course next door).
On the way to Citrusdal about 20 km before there is a big restaurant/shop Kardoesie. They have many outside tables where you can sit with a dog, the area is nice and spacious so your dog can stretch its legs a bit. Big menu; sandwiches, breakfasts, mains, coffee, and desserts.
Umshanti, Swellendam
- Distance from Cape Town – 230 km
- Driving time – 2h40min.
This campsite is an incredibly beautiful place on the banks of Buffeljags dam surrounded by mountains just 12km from Swellendam. It’s a perfect place for a family holiday or romantic getaway. The campsite is quite small can accommodate only 20 people if you’re a big family you can basically have it all for yourself.
The place is very cozy and gives you a bit of a fairy tale feeling. There are stairs that lead to the water, Chile liked running down and jumping into the refreshing water. Note! Not easy to find, no sign to turn off from the main road, follow the GPS coordinate (S3401’12 E2032’37) or ask the owners to send you a pin (as we did). It’s a great place to stop if you’re heading to the Garden Route.
- Price ZAR 320 per site (up to 6 people), dogs stay free
- Phone for booking 028 512 3787
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes
- Other – all sites have a wooden shade shelter, wooden benches, and tables. There is quite a big freezer at the ablution building. Playground for children. Kayaks and boats free of charge to use.
Things to do
- If you have a boat you can bring it with, launching fee ZAR60
- Water skiing
- Kayaking, paddling
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Paid activities: boat cruising, micro lighting
On the way
Dog-friendly cheese shop on the way, about 20km away, where you can buy different cheeses from the area, sweets, jams, preserves, etc. Complimentary fresh made coffee, dogs are allowed in the shop and at the terrasse. Opened 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.
Rondeberg holiday resort and camping, Clanwilliam
- Distance from Cape Town – 250 km
- Driving time – 2h40min.
An absolutely stunning place at Bulshoek Dam. Chile loved this place; warm water, big grassy area, sandy beach all you need to make your dog excited. Great for swimming and playing in the water as well as for fishing, water skiing, kayaking, etc. The campsite is a nice stop on the way to Northern Cape and its main attractions.
The scenery is breathtaking; mountains, dam, vineyards a perfect family holiday place far from the noisy and bustling city. Note! There are some ducks and geese walking and swimming around make sure your dog won’t hunt them. It’s a great place to camp during the spring to see the flower season in Namaqualand.
- Price ZAR 330 weekdays per site up to 6 people, ZAR 400 weekends per site up to 6 people, dogs stay free.
- Phone for booking 021 100 3689.
Facilities
- Hot water shower – yes
- Flushing toilets – yes
- Electricity – yes
- Power outlets – yes
- Braai place – yes
- Cell phone reception – yes
- Other – playground for children, small shop at the reception where you can buy cool drinks, snacks, wood etc.
Things to do
- Swimming
- Water skiing, wake-boarding
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Bird watching
Clanwilliam
The campsite is 22km away from the town you can always go there to fill your supplies. There is a nice food place Velskoendraai Farmer’s Market & Restaurant at the entrance to Clanwilliam where you can order breakfast, sandwiches, roosterkoeke, vegetarian dishes, etc.
If you have a small dog like yorkie you have more options some campsites allow to bring tiny dogs with even if officially they are not dog-friendly.
Thank you for reading this article we sincerely hope it’ll help you to have a great camping holiday with your dog. By the way even if you don’t have a dog these campsites are totally worth of visit with friends and family.
If you know any dog-friendly campsites in the area that are not listed here, please, let us know in the comment section we with Chile will go and check them out.
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Suzette Grobler
Thursday 16th of February 2023
The information you provide is so interesting! I am looking for pet-friendly campsites along the Garden Route, but really battling to find anything in or around Witsand, Mossel Bay and St Francis Bay. Not along the Garden Route - Somerset East also seems to be a problem. Could you kindly assist? Thought to ask just in case you know.
Stingy Nomads
Saturday 18th of February 2023
Hello Suzette. Thank you for the comment. Unfortunately, we have never camped with our dog on the Garden Route. We stayed in many beautiful campsites in the area but none of them are dog-friendly. Cheers
Angora van Doorn
Monday 9th of May 2022
I travel all over East Africa with 3 dogs.. Border collie, wire haired terrier, small fluffball. I have a caravan canopy on my 1 ton bakkie.
I have found that mid-week and off season most parks are open to leniency. When in doubt.. Let dogs out for toilet stop near reception so they can see behavior. The exception is the municipal parks.
Montagu caravan park = really great place R160 pensioner. Dam, edge of town, washing machines, hot cold water pools
Bonnievale River Goose
N2 Kambati used to allow = on the river, grass, shade
Riversdale turn right at Engen = all private ablution per site.. Used to be dog friendly PS: I haven't been for a while
Great Brak river.. Pine Creek = grass on the river. Excellent place. R200pp
Wilderness Fairy Know backpackers = not really a camping site but they make a plan R160pp
Sedgefield Lake Pleasant = huge really good, shade, luxury ablution, washing machine, tennis/squash /pool. R350 site but you can negotiate down to R250
Buffelsbay turn off... Riverdeck on the river, backpackers. Kitchen, fridges, restaurant. R80pp
Knysna Monks... Used to allow dogs
Plettenberg Bay 10km before, just after Potters at Shabby Fufu restaurant... Right to Asti. Small, under pine trees, good ablution, washing machine, power points. There's always other dogs around. R100
Up into East Africa it's much easier as camps are way more lenient unless it's a game reserve. Learn to ask and be 120% sure you can vouch for your furkids behavior. Mine are never on leash... I taught them good behavior.. Even in restaurants. Let them smell around before you go in and teach them to toilet in garden beds.. Then under table.
Good luck and good camping to you all Angora
Morne
Friday 29th of April 2022
Hi
I have a male Rottweiler (a rescue) - and we think he's almost 2, but not the most social of dogs.
I want to take him camping, as I've done with all my previous dogs, but it would have to be somewhere quiet, and a place where the owners dogs wont come strolling in by any chance. I'm happy to do it during winter, and during the week to avoid the crowds. Can you recommend anywhere?
Angora van Doorn
Monday 9th of May 2022
@Morne, Rottweiler have a bad rap unfortunately. You may find it hard traveling with him. Also a male..... Any male dogs are not always easy going. Sorry not being critical
Stingy Nomads
Friday 29th of April 2022
Hello, Morne. I'm not sure how unsocial your dog is and if he is fine with other people and children. I believe you want to let your dog run free at a campsite not sit on a leash at all times. If so you should make sure nobody will be hurt. Our friends have a large dog (a Rottweiler and Doberman mix) and they've gone a couple of times to Khomeesdrif. They and their dog love it there but their dog is very friendly and gets along with other dogs and people. I guess if you go in winter on a weekday there won't be many people (maybe anybody) at the campsite. I'd suggest contacting the Khomeesdrif Campsite directly and confirming with them if you and your dog can camp there. Cheers
Christian Faber
Thursday 21st of April 2022
Hi Guys,
We were at Silwerstrand in March 2021. In your review for Silwerstrand you mention that little dogs may run free. This is however, now incorrect. As the owner specifies, all dogs, need to be on leash when walking around and need to stay on the dog owners camp site at all times. Also the dog owner is to clean-up after their pooch when a mess has been made.
Montagu Caravan Park, Montagu: owned by the same owner, will only allow little doggies, such as yorkies, dachshund, poodle, etc with a max of two per site. This again confirmed this April 2022. As we are presently staying at Doringlaagte Camp and Chalet, just outside Montagu. Whom do allow dogs of all sizes. Same rules apply - dog on leash when walking around and dog to stay on site at all times. This being our second visit and definitely worth many future visits.
Stingy Nomads
Thursday 21st of April 2022
Hello, Christian. Thank you very much for the update. We'll add your valuable information to our post. Cheers
Andrew Errington
Sunday 10th of April 2022
Great site about sites! Well done. I’ll be trying some of these.