Top 10 Eastern Cape camping sites for the summer holidays

Eastern Cape has much to offer with its long stretch of coast and broad natural inland terrains, ranging from mountainous terrains to hills, rivers and savannas. With these types of landscapes and biodiversity, tourists or locals will often seek an outdoorsy experience to appreciate the natural environment around us and there is no better way to accentuate that appreciation through outdoor camping.

Herewith is the top 10 camping sites in the Eastern Cape, all of which were collaborated from tourist forums such as Travelstart and Getaway. These will be ideal for a sneaky camping getaway for the December/January summer holidays that is just around the corner.

10.) Rendezvous Caravan Park, East London- This is a lush campsite that has access to a spectacular beach near to East London. Campers can go bird watching, fishing, as well as horse riding at this resort.

9.) Gecko’s Place, Port St. Johns- This site is in a secluded setting along the beautiful Wild Coast coastline. Campers are able to walk or hike for miles without stumbling upon civilization in unspoilt surroundings and perhaps even visiting the nearby Poenskop Beach. 

8.) Mdumbi Backpackers, Wildcoast- This site will make most people feel like a local, as they can camp on a grassy hill that extends down onto a deserted Wild Coast beach. Campers can take surfing lessons on the beach, go kayaking on the river or hike to the nearby caves and cliffs.

7.) Gariep Dam- Camping site is situated next to the largest dam in the country, where a huge nature reserve is also bordered where many buck species and zebra roam free. Campers can enjoy various water sports, fishing, sunset cruises and astounding game viewing by boat.

6.) Yellowwood Forrest Campsite, Morgan Bay- Site is situated on the banks of the Inchara River and is peacefully shaded and is near to the beautiful Morgan Bay beach. This campsite offers a quiet, intimate place for nature lovers in a bird watching paradise. Campers are also able to relax in a tea garden, where children can play while you enjoy wood-fired pizzas, other light meals and refreshments.

5.) Coffee Shack Backpackers, Coffee Bay- Very social environment situated at the mouth of the Bomvu River, where campers can connect with many other local and foreign travellers in the beautiful Coffee Bay region. Campers can hike to Hole in the Wall, take surf lessons at the backpackers, go on a three-day drumming course or tour to explore the region’s caves.

4.) Buccaneers, Cintsa- Site is hemmed in behind the giant sand dunes of the Cintsa Beach, which is bordered by giant guava trees overlooking the lagoon on the West. The campsite is thus, stones-throw-away from the beach and campers can enjoy their experience with available chalets, a restaurant, lively bar, swimming pool, canoes and booze cruises.

3.) Bruintjieskraal Campsite, Baviaanskloof- Site is an ideal base from which to explore the Baviaans region in one of the most idyllic settings upon which to roll out your tent. Campers can explore the surroundings from scenic walks, swimming, fishing and game viewing and is best suited for families and couples.

2.) Spekboom Tented Rest Camp, Addo Elephant Park- Located in one of South Africa’s most famous national parks, this site offers some glamorous camping in the bush. Tents are already set up in cabin-like features with wooden floors; therefore there is no need to bring your own. Site has its own watering hole where campers can see buffalo, elephants, warthogs, as well as other nocturnal animals at night time up-close when they come to drink. This campsite is best suited for couples.

1.) Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Tsitsikamma National Park- Situated on the Garden Route in one of the most breathtaking regions of South Africa, this site offers an unbeatable setting stretching five kilometres toward the seashore. In the nearby seaside, campers can see dolphins frolic in the waves and Southern Right whales making their presence known. Much birdlife, otters and many other native animals to the area can be discovered in the forests and on the shores in a campsite that offers the best of each world. On site, there is also a communal ablution block, Laundromat, kitchen facilities, a restaurant and a store.