We are fortunate enough that Maxi has been camping with our family since he was just a small pup. Nearly every year we holidayed in the Cedarberg Mountains with family and friends, so we have experienced both the good and the bad of camping with your pet.
All it takes is a little planning and knowing whether your pup will like the experience and whether they will behave in a public area where others come to relax. The owners of these resorts and caravan parks very often have their own dogs, so they understand how leaving man’s best friend at home – is like leaving a part of the family behind. And that means many of these areas welcome canine companions.
So…. To camp, or not to camp?
Before you even start looking for a pet-friendly campsite, take a moment and put yourself in your dog’s shoes – would be as rewarding for your dog – as it is for you?
We know it’s tough to leave your pet behind, but be considerate of your pup’s needs. With a little research and planning, you can ensure a better experience for you, your dog, and your fellow campers.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in the Western Cape
Montagu Caravan Park is serenely situated in the quaint and peaceful village of Montagu in the heart of the Winelands. Ideally located midway between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn on the famous Route 62, where you can visit several Farm Stalls, arts and craft stalls, antique furniture galleries, hot mineral springs, savour sweet fruit and visit the excellent wine tasting cellars in the area. Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement.
Details:
Website: montagucaravanpark.co.za
Email: montagucp@gmail.com
Cell: 082 920 7863
Physical Address: 4 Middel St, Montagu, Western Cape
High up in the Olifants River Mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins in a secluded 5 000 hectare valley. With big grassy areas, spacious sites, and the ability to accommodate up to 800 people, a stay at Beaverlac won’t feel overcrowded, especially if you go during the off-peak seasons.
Besides the basic camping fees, campers also pay R50 per night per dog. Campsites are capped at two dogs per site.
Details:
- Cost: From R75 per person per night for camping, as well as a R30 vehicle entrance fee
- Location: Just off the Dasklip Road, Porterville
- Contact: Call 022 931 2945 or email beaverlac.campingrequest@gmail.com.
Fill in the online booking form. - Website: beaverlac.co.za
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.
Details:
- Cost: From R170 per night per person for camping
- Location: R399 Road, 15 km West of Piketberg
- Contact: Call 084 206 3190 or email info@kleineparadys.co.za
- Website: kleineparadys.co.za
Rivierplaas is situated on the banks of the Breede River, only an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town near Worcester.
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 camp site and date
- Location: Rivierplaas, Scherpenheuwel, Worcester, 6849
- Contact: Call 084 710 0139, email info@rivierplaas.co.za, or book online
- Website: rivierplaas.co.za
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 ideal for enjoying fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, swimming and hiking or horse-riding in the area.
They offer 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 cabin accommodation.
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 info@rivierzicht-resort.com
- Website: rivierzicht-resort.com
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.
The resort caters for the campers, as well as the glampers and somewhere in the future for off-the-grid nomads. 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: Call 021 100 3689 or 079 760 0247, or book online
- Website: rondeberg.com