Many of us regard our dogs not just as pets but rather as furry companions. As pet owners, we want to make the most of the seven to fifteen years we have with our furry friends by including them in our daily activities and on special occasions like weekend camping trips.
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Because not all campsites allow dogs, we did the research and made a list of places that do, so that your furry friend can come with you on your next camping trip.
Here are some of our top choices for dog-friendly campsites in the Western Cape.
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 tranquillity 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 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, making it 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 campsite.
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.
Details:
- Cost: From R75 per person per night for camping, as well as R30 vehicle entrance fee
- Location: Just off the Dasklip Road, Porterville, 6810
- Contact: 022 931 2945 | [email protected]
- Website: beaverlac.co.za
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 kid’s 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 tonne 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 campsites are spacious and lined up along the Berg River, and you don’t feel crowded by neighbouring holiday goers, which is ideal if your dog 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 14 x 18-metre lot, while Rivierpark is slightly smaller at 11 x 15-metres. Both sites have their own ablution blocks and electricity.
Details:
- Cost: From R170 per night per person for camping
- Location: R399 Road, 15 km West of Piketberg
- Contact: 084 206 3190 | [email protected]
- Website: kleineparadys.co.za
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, south 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.
Details:
- Cost: From R380 per night, depending on campsite and date
- Location: Rivierplaas, Scherpenheuwel, Worcester, 6849
- Contact: 084 710 0139 | [email protected]
- Website: rivierplaas.co.za
Rivierzicht River Resort
In the heart of the Robertson Valley between vineyards and orchards lies Rivierzicht River Resort on the Breede River, 13 kilometres before Robertson. This resort is the ideal natural premises for the 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 quiet 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.
Details:
- Cost: From R100 per night for camping, depending on the date
- Location: R60 Rivierzicht Farm, Riverside Road, Robertson, 6705
- Contact: 023 626 2013 | [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 metres 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 relax and recuperate.
The resort caters to both campers and glampers, and in the future, off-the-grid campers will be accommodated. 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.
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: 021 100 3689 | 079 760 0247
- Website: rondeberg.com
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