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Many of us view our dogs not just as an animal that shares the same house, but rather as a furry companion or even as a child. And we may want to involve our pups as much as possible in our lives within the seven to fifteen years they are with us, and that includes the experience of camping together. Unfortunately, not all campsites are dog-friendly, but we’ve found a good few that will allow your doggy companion to join your next camping trip.

Here are our top choices for dog-friendly campsites:

Beaverlac

Tucked high up in the Olifants River Mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins to maximise your enjoyment of nature. Situated in a secluded 5 000 hectare valley surrounded by mountains, Beaverlac is blessed with two rivers, the Ratel and the Olifants. Enjoy this getaway with your furry companion, filled with hiking, swimming and the tranquility that Mother Nature brings.

With big grassy areas, spacious sites, and the ability to accommodate up to 800 people, a stay at Beaverlac won’t feel overcrowded if you go during the off-peak seasons. Your pup will be allowed to roam without disrupting or reacting to other campers too much.

The area is a sanctuary for several wildlife species, including the Rhebok, Klipspringer, Caracal, Grysbokkie, Honey Badger and the African Wild Cat, and sometimes you can hear the cries of Baboons as they forage in the mountains. Beaverlac’s rich diversity of birds includes the majestic Black Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and colourful sunbirds and is truly a paradise for bird lovers. Therefore, make sure that your dog is not reactive to wildlife, and will be safe during your stay at the camp site.

Besides the basic camping fees, campers also pay R50 per night per dog. To avoid any potential problems, campsites are capped at two dogs per site.

Picture: Beaverlac / Facebook

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Kleine Paradys

Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has campsites, glamping options in fully equipped caravans, as well as cottages, with guests able to enjoy fishing, a heated pool, a kids play area, and farm animals. But best yet is their ability to accommodate visitors who travel with their dogs.

Besides a large part of their premises being a dog-friendly zone, they also have certain fenced-off campsites that help a ton with dogs who love to roam. They have two sections for accommodation: Bloekompark and Rivierpark. While Bloekompark doesn’t allow dogs, Rivierpark is ideal for camping with your four-legged friend.

The camp sites are spacious and lined up along the Berg River and you don’t feel crowded by neighbouring holidaygoers, which is ideal if your dog child is reactive to people or its environment.

But better yet: Rivierpark 2 and Rivierpark 8 are two sites that are entirely fenced off from neighbouring sites, meaning you can let your dog wander within the spacious enclosure. Rivierpark 2 is a 14x18m lot, while Rivierpark is slightly smaller at 11x15m. Both sites have their own ablution block and electricity.

Picture: Supplied

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Rivierplaas

Rivierplaas is situated on the banks of the Breede River, only an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, nestled in the area of Scherpenheuwel, outh of Worcester. A tranquil and beautiful setting, the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and its suburbs.

The entire campsite is a dog-friendly zone, but Rivierplaas reminds visitors that dogs must be friendly and get along well with other animals and people. Loud or unruly pets will not be allowed. If your pup is well-trained and won’t pester the other campers, or the resident dogs, farm animals and wildlife, then they are just as welcome as the humans are.

They charge an extra R150 per dog per booking.

Picture: @heartmamablog / Instagram

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Rivierzicht River Resort

In the heart of the Robertson Valley between vineyards and orchards lie the farm Rivierzicht on the Breede River, 13km before Robertson. This resort is the ideal natural premises for luxury of camping or enjoying fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, swimming and hiking or horse-riding in the area.

They offer you a choice of accommodation: self-catering cabins, bush camp tent units or traditional camping sites on the Breede River from which you can enjoy the quite and peaceful surroundings of nature.

They are fully dog-friendly, but pups must be well-behaved and be kept off beds and furniture if you opt for the cabin accommodation.

Picture: Ané Visagie / Facebook

Details:

  • Cost: From R100 per night for camping, depending on date
  • Location: R60 Rivierzicht Farm, Riverside Road, Robertson, 6705
  • Contact: Call 023 626 2013 or email [email protected]
  • Website: rivierzicht-resort.com

Rondeberg Resort

This award-winning destination is one of those perfect spots for a getaway. Easily accessible from the N7, and after the 500 m of good quality dirt road, it is located close enough to civilisation, but far enough off the beaten track, to get away from it all and to relax and recuperate.

The resort caters for the campers, as well as for the glampers and somewhere in the future for off the grid campers. There are plenty of activities for everyone, whether your interest is in adventure and adrenalin, or relaxing, recharging and silence. And best of all, dogs are also welcome!

They do have some rules regarding dogs, but as long as you keep a close eye on your pup and clean up after them, everyone will have a good time.

Picture: Rondeberg Holiday Resort, Clanwilliam / Facebook

Details:

  • Cost: From R300 per night, depending on campsite and date
  • Location: Along N7 Cape Namibia Highway 22 km north of Clanwilliam, Clanwilliam, 8135
  • Contact: Call 021 100 3689 or 079 760 0247, or book online
  • Website: rondeberg.com

Also read:

Dog-friendly hiking trails for you and your furry companion

Picture: Unsplash

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