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20 Fun and Relaxing Camping Sites Near Johannesburg

20 Fun and Relaxing Camping Sites Near Johannesburg

| Last Updated: March 2024

Surrounding Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, are numerous camping sites offering diverse experiences and activities. Camping lets you reconnect with nature and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.

Here are the top camping sites nearby Johannesburg that you should check out.

Bass Lake

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Website: https://basslake.co.za/ 

Address: Sontnell St (North ext of Ewelme Rd, entrance adjacent to Glen Douglas, Afrimat Mine entry, GATE 1), Henley on Klip, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 45-minute drive

Phone: +27 76 335 1896 or +27 62 491 9427

Bass Lake Camp is a campground situated around a 10-hectare lake that’s spring-fed and has drinking quality water. The lake is perfect for water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. 

The campsite has basic amenities such as bathrooms, barbecue areas, and power outlets. It’s also home to an abundance of birdlife and small game species, such as monkeys, mongoose, and duiker.

Pro Tips:
If you’re looking for some adventure and fun, you should definitely try the 4×4 course. It’s a world-class track that will challenge your driving skills and thrill your senses. 

You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant onsite, which serves dishes like beef prego roll, juicy porkchop, and beef strips. The restaurant is open for day visitors and campers and has a scenic view of the lake.

Malonjeni Guest Farm

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Address: Vaal Triangle, R42, 1441, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 45-minute drive

Phone: +27 82 309 8075

Malonjeni Game Farm offers both luxury and family-friendly camping options. Guests can enjoy various facilities, such as a swimming pool, a sports bar, and a BMX track.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between the main camp and the bush camp. The main camp offers convenient access to facilities and family bathrooms, while the bush camp allows for tent pitching in a secluded area. 

Pro Tip:
If you have little ones, you should definitely swing by Malonjeni’s farmyard. They’ll love meeting and feeding the goats, sheep, donkeys, and horses while learning all about them.

Bush Willow Tented Camps

Website: https://guvonhotels.co.za/bush-willow-tented-camp/ 

Address: Komdraai Road, Muldersdrift, 1747, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 49-minute drive

Phone: +27 11 668 1600

The Bush Willow Tented Camp provides a unique outdoor retreat with two tent styles: open-plan and partitioned. Each tent features 6 camper-style beds, a kitchen, a toilet, and a shower, ensuring a comfortable stay.

One of the highlights of staying at the camp is the Boma area where you can have a braai and watch the sun set over the savanna. Another attraction of the camp is the variety of activities that it offers, such as game viewing, fishing, and hiking.

Pro Tip:
A visit to Bush Willow will also give you the opportunity to explore The Cradle of Humankind, a world-renowned site where many fossils of ancient people have been discovered.

Soetdoring Vakansieplaas

Website: https://www.soetdoringvakansieplaas.co.za/ 

Address: Helena Van Zyl St, Sonland Park, Vereeniging, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 52-minute drive

Phone: +27 16 556 6154

Set in a peaceful forest, Soetdoring Vakansieplaas Caravan Park is a great destination for city dwellers needing a break. The park offers a variety of activities, such as holiday entertainment, a 4×4 track, and wildlife viewing. 

You can enjoy a comfortable stay at their spacious campsites, which have water and power hookups and paved areas for setting up your tent. You can also access a heated pool, clean bathrooms, and a shop for essentials.

Pro Tip:
Soetdoring Vakansieplaas offers early morning or late afternoon game drives for families who reserve in advance. 

Nkwe Camp

Website: https://www.nkwepark.co.za/2.Caravan-Camping-Accommodation.htm 

Address: Nkwe Rd, Pretoria East, Tierpoort, 0056, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour drive

Phone: 27 12 811 5231

Nkwe Camp is a tranquil and beautiful spot with many trees and a stunning waterfall that flows into a spectacular rock pool. The campsite offers shaded areas with electricity, hygienic bathrooms, and a handy tuckshop on the premises. 

The camp also provides spit and braai facilities. Additionally, it ensures a safe and delightful experience for children and welcomes pets as long as you give them advance notification by phone.

Pro Tip:
The best time to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of Nkwe Camp is during the weekdays or off-peak seasons (June to August). The campsite is less crowded and noisy then, and you can have more privacy and space to relax. 

Westvaal Holiday Resort

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Website: https://westvaalresort.co.za/ 

Address: Vlakfontein, N1, Parys, 9585, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-8-minute drive

Phone: +27 73 489 1647

Westvaal Holiday Resort has a mix of places to stay, from campsites by the Vaal River to tents, cabins, and caravans. It’s super family-friendly, with space for kids to ride bikes and a playground.

You get to enjoy the outdoors, watch the sunset, and birdwatch (spot the fish eagle!). Plus, there are farm animals, including especially friendly donkeys that love munching on carrots.

Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the scenic Vaal River, you should definitely try the barge trips offered by the resort. You can book a private or a shared barge and cruise along the river for an hour or more. 

Kaia Manzi Camp

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Website: https://kaiamanzi.co.za/ 

Address: 75 Kilomanjaro St, Bronkhorstspruit, 1020, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-9-minute drive

Phone: +27 71 851 1346

Kaia Manzi is a versatile resort with different accommodations, from tents to rooms in their guesthouse. It’s located by the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, so if you’re into camping, you can chill by the dam, do some boating, and maybe catch some fish.

Speaking of fishing, the dam here is one of the cleanest in South Africa. People from bass-fishing clubs even come here for competitions.

Pro Tip:
One of the best things about staying at Kaia Manzi is their restaurant, which serves delicious local dishes and fresh seafood. You won’t regret dining in their cozy and friendly setting where you can enjoy the views of the river and the wildlife. 

Warthogs Bush Camp

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Website: https://www.warthogs.co.za/ 

Address: R560, 1 Doornspruit Road Hekpoort, Magaliesburg, 1790, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-9-minute drive

Phone: +27 82 416 1340

Warthogs Bush Camp is a great spot for a laid-back retreat. With six tents and two tented stands, it’s perfect for family get-togethers, conferences, and even weddings. 

You can enjoy meals in the hut-shaped dining area, unwind with fireside drinks in the boma, and cool off in the pool. For some adventure, you can choose from activities like an elephant experience, hiking, game drives, and a petroglyph hike.

Pro Tip:
You can also visit African Hills Safari Lodge and Spa, just a short drive away. There you can relax in luxury, pamper yourself with spa treatments, and admire the stunning views of the savanna. 

Ruah Park Camping & Outdoor

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Website: https://www.ruahpark.co.za/ 

Address: Plot 68 Leeukloof Street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-11-minute drive

Phone: +27 87 164 0639 

Ruah Park Camping & Outdoor offers 38 camping stands with private ablution facilities, washing-up areas, electrical points, taps, and scenic portable braai spots. The camp is close to Dinokeng Nature Reserve and the Bobbejaansberg Valley.

You can enjoy beautiful views of the dam or mountainside from the camping stands. Anglers can test their skills at the farm’s dam, stocked with Blue Kurper and Karp for catch-and-release fishing.

Pro Tip:
If you love a challenge, you can hike through the forested hills overlooking the dam at the campsite. 

Beka Idube Bushveld Retreat

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Website: http://www.bekaidube.co.za/ 

Address: R573, 31 De Wagensdrift, 1002, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-20-minute drive

Phone: +27 74 437 0881

Beka Idube Bushveld Retreat offers the ideal setting for a luxurious safari experience in its comfortable tents. Plus, there are three tent choices, each offering a different level of convenience.

Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the African bush, surrounded by free-roaming game and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Pro Tip:
To make the most of your stay, don’t forget to bring these essentials: a torch, binoculars, a camera, towels, a hat, sun protection, a tabard to repel the mosquitoes, and warm clothing for the winter evenings.

ATKV Buffelspoort 

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Website: https://buffelspoort.co.za/home/ 

Address: R104, Rustenburg, 0284, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-24-minute drive

Phone: +27 14 572 1000

ATKV Buffelspoort is known for the crystal-clear Buffelspoort Dam, a prime spot for fishing Carp and black bass. The resort offers diverse accommodation options, including villas, rondavels, tent houses, flats, and a caravan and camping site. 

You’ll find plenty of activities and entertainment to keep you busy and relaxed. You can enjoy warm and cold water swimming pools, a jacuzzi, water slides, trampolines, horse riding, and sports facilities. 

Pro Tip:
The villas at ATKV are spacious and comfortable, but they are also quite far from the swimming pools and other amenities. Don’t expect a shuttle service to take you around the campsite; you’ll have to walk or drive yourself.

Willem’s Rus Camp

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Website: http://willemsrus.co.za/ 

Address: Patrys Road, Ged 26 Welgevonden, 93 JR, Dinokeng

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-34-minute drive

Phone: +27 81 702 2989

A private caravan park in the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve, Willem’s Rus offers a break from the city in a natural bush-veld setting. The reserve is home to the Big Five, which can be seen roaming freely.

Willem’s Rus Camp is a campground with 24 stands, each with its own braai pit and unique features. Some stands have exclusive access to bomas, waterholes, ponds, or forests, while others are close to the ablution blocks or the pool.

Pro Tip:
Injabulo Restaurant is a hidden gem of a restaurant near Willem’s Rus Camp in Dinokeng. From traditional African cuisine to burgers and pizzas, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds at this cozy and friendly place.

Dinokeng Bush Camp

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Website: https://www.dinokeng-bushcamp.co.za/web/ 

Address: Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal, Gauteng, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-42-minute drive

Phone: +27 79 811 6029

Dinokeng Bush Camp is a cozy campsite for off-road enthusiasts. It’s a getaway where you can immerse yourself in nature without modern distractions.

The camp opened in 2020 and offers a unique opportunity to interact with wildlife in their natural habitat. It has two areas surrounded by historic stone walls from the 1900s, which were built by local farmers to protect their crops and livestock.

Pro Tip:
Dinokeng Bush Camp is a great place to enjoy nature and wildlife, but it also comes with some risks. One of them is the presence of snakes in the area. 

Follow these steps to avoid any unpleasant encounters:

Do not touch, play, or agitate any snakes. They may bite you in self-defense or release venom.

If you see a snake, do not panic or run away. Stay calm and still until the snake leaves you alone. Most snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened.

Inform management of any snake sightings. They will take appropriate measures to ensure your safety and the snake’s well-being.

Mountain Sanctuary Park

Website: https://www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za/ 

Address: Magaliesburg, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 1-hour-and-46-minute drive

Phone: +27 14 534 0114

Mountain Sanctuary Park is up in the Magaliesberg mountains, giving you awesome views of the nearby farmland and dam. The park offers 30 stands for camping, with electricity at 15 of them, and you can cook up a good BBQ with their braai facilities.

The camping area has partial tree cover and grassy ground, but sorry, no pets allowed. You can explore a 7-km hiking trail, climb a nearby ridge, or take a short walk to natural pools. 

Pro Tip:
Mountain Sanctuary Park has a swimming pool near the campsite, perfect for a relaxing dip. You can also explore the natural rock pools around the park, where you can swim in crystal-clear water and enjoy the scenery.

Forever Warmbaths Camping

Website: https://www.foreverwarmbaths.co.za/accommodation.php 

Address: 1 Chris Hani Way, Bela-Bela, 1240, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 2-hour drive

Phone: +27 (0)14-736 8500

Forever Warmbaths Camping is a great place to enjoy a relaxing holiday with your family or friends. The camping sites are spacious, well-equipped, and close to clean ablution facilities.

You don’t have to worry about food, as there are many restaurants and shops nearby. You can also have fun at the warm and cold water pools, spa, jacuzzi, water slides, and tennis courts. 

Pro Tip:
You don’t have to worry about bringing food with you because there’s a Spar supermarket right opposite the resort where you can buy anything you need. 

Mabalingwe Game Reserve

Website: https://www.mabalingwegamereserve.co.za/ 

Address: Mabalingwe Game Reserve, R516, Rooiberg Rd, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, 0480

Distance from Johannesburg: 2-hour-and-1-minute drive

Phone: +27 14 001 7010

Mabalingwe Game Reserve, close to Bela-Bela, is a big family-friendly spot with 12,500 hectares of bushveld.

The spacious caravan park offers 77 shaded stands, each equipped with electricity. It also features well-maintained roads accessible even by regular sedans for convenient game viewing.

On top of that, there are braai facilities, lots of shady trees, and fun stuff to do like game drives, horseback riding, walks, and putt-putt.

Pro Tip:
Prepare for potential power outages by bringing extra lights for load shedding; note that there is only one emergency light in the unit. Additionally, ensure plenty of insect repellents to ward off bugs. 

Rametsi Eco Lodge Game Farm

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Website: http://www.rametsi.co.za/ 

Address: Patrys Road, Ged 26 Welgevonden, 93 JR, Dinokeng

Distance from Johannesburg: 2-hour-and-15-minute drive

Phone: +27 81 280 0638

Rametsi Private Game Reserve is a place where adventure, nature, and relaxation meet. The reserve has a variety of wildlife and birds as well as the stunning Lindleyspoort dam, which is ideal for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts.

Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay at the campsites with electricity and choose from various activities such as 4×4 trails, hiking paths, and canoeing.

Pro Tip:
Rametsi has a restaurant and bar that serves delicious home-style meals in a scenic outdoor setting. It caters to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly options.

Manyane Resort

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Website: https://www.manyaneresort.co.za/ 

Address: Pilanesberg National Park, Mogwase, 0300, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 2-hour-and-25-minute drive

Phone: +27 14 717 3969

Manyane Resort, part of Golden Leopard Resorts, has comfy accommodations like chalets, tents, and caravan sites. The chalets are great for groups, while studio rooms and safari tents offer more private spots. 

Their studios are simple and clean, and their safari tents fit two with different booking choices.

Amidst enjoyable amenities like mini golf and pools, the highlight of the camp is experiencing the diverse wildlife at Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Pro Tip:
Aside from being a perfect base for wildlife adventures, Manyane Resort is also near some of the most attractive destinations in South Africa, such as Sun City, a luxury and entertainment resort, and Rustenburg, a culture and history destination. 

Glen Reenen Rest Camp

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Address: Off the R712, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Phuthaditjhaba, 9869, Free State

Distance from Johannesburg: 3-hour drive

Phone: +27 58 255 1000

Glen Reenen Rest Camp is a perfect choice for those who love nature and want to stay close to it. You can choose from different types of accommodation, such as rondavels, longdavels, and cottages, which can accommodate 2 to 6 people.

You can also camp or caravan in some of the sites with braai facilities, scullery, ablutions, and power points. Additionally, the rest camp has a shop, a filling station, a curio shop, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bar.

Pro Tip:
Visit the shop at Glen Reenen, right across the reception building. You’ll find everything from essentials to souvenirs, including food, charcoal, alcohol, and memorabilia.

Matamba Bush Camp

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Website: https://www.matambabushcamp.com/ 

Address: D1882, off, R33, Vaalwater, 0540, South Africa

Distance from Johannesburg: 3-hour drive

Phone: +27 (0)83 653 1287

Matamba Bush Campsite offers an authentic bush camping experience on a 400-hectare game farm. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, such as giraffes, sable, and a resident brown hyena.

You can choose between two camping options at the site. Tau Camp has four spots that are spaced 150 m apart from each other, while Mara’s Camp is a more private option in the middle of the land for those who want more solitude. 

Pro Tip:
The camp offers well-marked and easily navigable walking routes. One of these routes is the Impala Trail, which showcases diverse wildlife such as sable, eland, impala, giraffe, wart hogs, and zebra. 
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