Campgrounds near a lake or mountain in South Africa

Pafuri Rivercamp

• Secluded bush camp on the banks of the Mutale River
• A 15-minute drive from Kruger National Park
• Fishing, tubing and birding walks from site; bar, restaurant and pool

Mutale Drift Pafuri Gate

• Quiet off-grid rural cabin just outside the village of Bende Mutale
• A 10-minute drive from the Pafuri Gate into Kruger National Park
• Covered deck area with braai overlooking the Mutale river

Highover Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rural site on a 3,000-hectare nature reserve a half-hour from Richmond
• 11km of river frontage for fishing, swimming and canoeing
• Trail maps available for hikes, mountain biking and game drives

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

River Cottages Caravan and Camping

• Peaceful spot on the banks of the Vaal River with fishing and canoeing
• Parys half an hour’s walk; Johannesburg one hour and 20 minutes’ drive
• Three swimming pools; barbecues and lapas; cafés and shops in Parys

Eagle Falls Country Lodge and Camping

• Remote site above the Molen River Gorge in the Kammanassie Valley
• Hikes from site; half an hour's drive from Kammanassie Nature Reserve
• Bar, restaurant, 4x4 driving trails, horse treks and air rifle range

M'kama

• Secluded riverside bush site in the Western Cape mountains
• Kammanassie Reserve 15 mins; Knysna Forest and Elephant Park 1.5 hour
• 40 minutes to shops and pubs in Uniondale

De Bos Guest Farm

• Scenic site at the foot of the spectacular Langeberg mountains
• In the town of Montagu, famed for its rock climbing routes
• Swimming pool, playground, shared kitchen and braai drums on site

Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary

• Small site with pool and mountain views in Witvinger Nature Reserve
• Adventure camping within 50 minutes' drive of Polokwane Game Reserve
• Half an hour from hikes and biking trails in Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve

Riverbend Chalets and Campsite

• Peaceful site on the banks of the Mtentweni river
• A few minutes' drive from the beach resort of Umtentweni
• Fishing, braai facilities and canoe hire available on site

Dimalachite River Lodge

• Well-maintained private park on the banks of the Vaal river
• A 20-minute drive from the towns of Parys and Vredefort
• Fishing, outdoor pool, kayak hire and site-organised rafting trips

Numbi Caravan Park

• 10-hectare site set in subtropical garden surrounds
• A 15-minute drive to Kruger National Park; 45 to Blyde River Canyon
• Outdoor pool, bar-restaurant, shared kitchen and 24-hour security

Molalatau Lodge and Campsite

• Spacious, well-kept bushveld site 10 minutes' drive from Lephalale
• Open-sided wooden bar with views over the Mogol river
• Two swimming pools, baby pool, volleyball court and putting course

Elundini Backpackers

• Eco-friendly rural site in Elundini, high in the Amatola mountains
• Half an hour's drive from Hogsback
• Community activities including bread baking and Xhosa language lessons