My husband and I love camping. Recently, our fur friend has also developed a love for camping after his first experience. The first time I took Foxy (my fur friend) camping, it was a delight. It was as if he had arrived in heaven and couldn’t believe the freedom and all the new friends. He behaved like a kid. We only saw him when he was hungry or thirsty, and the rest of the time, he was off somewhere living his best life.
Story time. When we arrived, I was a nervous wreck. It was his first time camping, and I didn’t let him off the leash anywhere because he has this tendency to take off running without looking back. I followed him around like a hawk. At one point, I lost sight of him for a bit, and the last I saw, he ran through another camper’s area. When I found him, he had mistaken the green slush on the water for grass and ran onto the grass, falling into the water. Oh my word, he stunk for the whole weekend. He smelled like those lizards you find in dirty water. However, he became more cautious, and I was a bit more relaxed as he did not wander far from us for the rest of the weekend. The second time we took him camping, it went much better.
I wanted to create a quick reference list of camping sites (both visited and on our list to visit) where our fur friend is welcome. This would be handy in case someone asks, ‘Do you know of a pet-friendly camping site?’.
I also asked our friends, who have 2 fur friends, about the places they have visited and for some feedback and suggestions.
Some camping sites mentioned in our recommendations have been visited either by ourselves or our friends. These will be clearly marked to distinguish personal experiences from general suggestions. However, it’s important to note that personal experiences may not reflect the current conditions or amenities at these sites.
Please take note of the following disclaimer:
You need to arrange with every location beforehand. Do not just arrive and assume. Even though it says pet-friendly, almost all camping grounds request that you make prior arrangements. You do not want to arrive and then be turned away.
The links provided on this platform are intended for informational purposes only. We want to emphasize that these links are not affiliated with us, and we do not receive any form of payment or compensation for featuring them.
We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided on external websites. Users are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion when exploring these links.
It’s crucial to understand that the absence of affiliation or compensation does not constitute an endorsement of the content or services provided on the linked websites. Users are advised to conduct their own research and, if needed, seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on external sites.
By accessing and utilizing the links on this platform, users acknowledge and agree to do so at their own risk. We shall not be held liable for any damages or losses incurred as a result of using the information or services available on external sites.
With the legalities out of the way, let’s move on to the good stuff.
Van Puttens Vlei Camp: - Pets are welcome with prior arrangements.
Location: R364, Clan Williams Road, Lambert’s Bay
Rivierplaas: - PET POLICY: Only friendly pets that get on well with other animals and people, especially children, are allowed. Loud and annoying pets will not be allowed. Clean up after your own pet!! Easy access to walks. Please consider other campers and their pets, and always remember that Rivierplaas is a working farm with farm animals and dogs roaming. Consideration must also be given to resident dogs, farm animals & wildlife.
Location: Rivierplaas, Scherpenheuwel, Worcester, 6849
Feedback/Experience: This is a lovely camp site. This was where my fur friend had his first camp experience. They have the whole area to free roam. It would be good if your dog has a call command to return to camp if needed. The sites are not fenced and it is working farm as well. It is on the bank of the Breede River. There are short walking trails and a play park for the children. We will definitely return soon. Remember to pack your mosquito repellent.
River Goose - Pets allowed by arrangement only.
Location: Farm Eureka, Gelukshoop Road, Bonnievale, 6730
Feedback/Experience: We had a very nice weekend at Rivergoose. You have different camp sites ie. open and sheltered with nice shade. Fishing is a bit of a mission. You need to be at the banks early morning. They have kayaks you can use on the river and the dogs have a lot of space to roam. The camp sites are not fenced – a good idea to have dogs trained when visiting. Make sure you have warm blankets, we visited in April and it got very cold at night.
Beaverlac - 1 Rule: Keep your dog(s) under control and ensure that your dog(s) do not pose a threat or become a nuisance to other campers. This includes barking. Dogs on heat are not allowed at Beaverlac. Dogs are not allowed to swim in the rock pools.
Location: Porterville
Feedback/Experience: We have not been with our fur friend yet, but I have been before with my parents. This is a very nice camping site for a quick getaway.
Location: TCB Wines, Goudyn Farm, Goudyn Road, Rawsonville
Experience/Feedback: The campsite are huge so there is loads of space for the furry ones to run and play. It is important to note though, that the sites are not fenced but hopefully your dogs are friendly and you have a recall command. There is also a jeep-track you can follow to hike into the kloof with seasonal water streams your dogs can enjoy – if they are into that kind of thing.- Louis S.
Location: Moreson Farm, Slanghoek Road, Slanghoek Valley
Experience/Feedback: Morning sun is nice. It is a working farm with probably about 20 camp sites all along the river. All along the river but not necessarily easy access to the river. Also 2 Chalets. Each pitch has its own bathroom. Quite windy at times, but they have shelter nets in strategic places. Lots of shade under trees. Nice short walking route on a path through a forest. – Louis S.
Rivierzicht - Dogs: Basjan, Diesel and Difflock are our dogs and walk freely on the premises. Pets are allowed, with prior arrangement.
Location: R60 Rivierzicht Farm, Riverside Road, Robertson, 6705
Experience/Feedback: You can read about my experience here
Doringlaagte - Only dogs allowed on our pet friendly plots! You may walk them outside the camping area.
Location: Derde Heuwel, Montagu, Winelands, 6720
Experience/Feedback: Another favourite and we would like to go back soon with our fur friend. The sites are not fenced and as mentioned, fur friends only on the designated camping sites. There are loads to do with children and some of the sites have their own Jacuzzis. A few walking trails to explore offers something for everyone. This is a very popular destination so book early if you want to visit.
Kleine Paradys - Dogs (or any animals) are only allowed on the 3 pet-friendly sites Rivierpark 1A,1B,2.
Location: R399 Road, 15 km West of, Piketberg
Experience/Feedback: Friends of ours visit annually and this is definitely on our list to go.
Location: Swartjiesbaai Velddrif, West Coast, South Africa
Knorvarkie - Pet friendly for trained animals by prior arrangement.
Location: R234 Hopefield Road, Velddrif, 7365
Mooiuitsig Holiday Accomodation - Pets With Arrangements
Location: Jongensfontein, Still Bay, WESTERN CAPE CAMPING
De Drinken - Pets With Arrangements
Location: Drie Heuwels Farm, Moorreesburg
Karoo Bush Camp - We are pet friendly!!
Location: Vanwyksvlei, Klein karoo, Bree Rivier
Nona Rosa Wegbreek - Pet Friendly. Rustic – no electricity/no signal.
Location: Heidelberg, WESTERN CAPE CAMPING, Witsand, Heidelberg 20km, Witsand 20km
River Edge Accomodation - Pet friendly.
Location: WESTERN CAPE CAMPING, Worcester
Rivers End Farm - Contact us for our PET FRIENDLY information
Location: Rivers End Farm Stanford, Wortelgat Road, Stanford, South Africa
DOG friendly.
Location: Robertson, WESTERN CAPE CAMPING
Montagu Caravan Park - Dogs allowed by prior arrangment
Location: Montagu, WESTERN CAPE CAMPING
Buffelsrivier Camping - ‘We are pet friendly!’
Location: Buffelsrivier Camping, Opzoek Farm,Moordenaars Karoo, Laingsburg, South Africa, 6900
Op die Plaas Camp - Pet Friendly Getaways – You are welcome to bring your dogs to Op-die-Plaas KAMP/Stone Cottage/Bergzicht Cottage, which is remote from the main farm, and share your holiday with your family’s best friends. They’ll enjoy the wide spaces, swimming in the dams and the wider farm.
Location: R323 Sandrivier Farm Seweweekspoort, Laingsburg, 6900
Citrus Creek – Dogs allowed by prior arrangment
Location: Western Cape, Olifants River, Citrusdal
Kleine Windpompie - Certain sites pet friendly. Pets only at the camping grounds, not in the lodge.
Location: Swellendam
Have you been to any of these sites? Please let us know in the comments!
E xx
The Travellingmind 