Hardstanding or gravel: Campgrounds in East South Africa

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Futululu Caravan Park

• Site in a wildlife-filled area next to coastal Futululu Forest
• On iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s edge and 20 minutes’ drive to St Lucia
• Game drives and boat trips available to see elephants and whales

Sabie River Camp

• Family resort on the Sabie River and the famed Panorama Route
• A 10-minute drive from Sabie Falls; an hour from Kruger National Park
• Heated rock pool, cold-water pool, open-air bar and playground

Hluhluwe Bush Camp

• Spacious KwaZulu-Natal site on the edge of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• A half-hour drive from Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, a Big Five park
• Open-air pool, braai facilities and farmstall with fresh food

Pearson Park Resort

• Family resort in Colchester with stunning views of the Sundays River
• Less than 10 minutes' drive from the entrance to Addo Elephant Park
• Cruises, canoeing and fishing trips organised from the site

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

• Private nature reserve with direct access to the Joubert Spruit river
• A five-minute drive to Elands River Falls and 15 to Emgwenya town
• Campfires and barbecues allowed; natural water supply on site

Pumlani Caravan Park

• Safe and secure site 800 metres from award-winning south coast beaches
• Between Margate and Uvongo, an hour and a half from Durban
• Pool, gardens, playground, trampoline, TV room, tuck shop and braais

Merry Pebbles Resort

• Friendly resort in Mpumalanga province, by the Sabie River
• Waterfall walks and mountain biking trails within 15 minutes' drive
• Heated and cold pools, restaurant, liquor store and mini market

Woody Cape Nature Lodge

• Rural camping a few minutes' stroll from a spectacular sandy beach
• Access the famed Alexandria Trail straight from the grounds
• Bar, restaurant, braai facilities and two pools

Kiaat Caravan Park

• Family-friendly site 10 minutes from spectacular Kruger National Park
• Big Five safaris, horseback tours, outdoor activities within 15 mins
• Swimming pool, playground and braai facilities for guests

Arendsnes Holiday and Conference Centre

• Family-run resort in Chintsa, 200 metres from an 8km-long beach
• 8km from game drives and outdoor activities at a private game reserve
• Hiking trail, tractor rides and cable car on site

Margate Caravan Park

• Peaceful family site 20 minutes’ walk from the beach
• Surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving within 15 minutes’ drive
• An hour and a half’s drive from Durban city centre

Nguni Moon Tepee Camp

• Glamping site five minutes' drive from Underberg
• Close to day trips through the Sani Pass to Lesotho
• Well-equipped kitchen plus braai area and firepit with firewood

Valley View Backpackers

• Family-friendly site on the stunningly scenic Panorama Route
• A 50-minute drive from Kruger National Park, 75 minutes from Nelspruit
• Hot showers, kitchen facilities, bike rental, free tea/coffee, parking

A Day in Africa

• Small, friendly site 20 minutes' walk from the beach in Sodwana Bay
• Linked to a well-established scuba diving centre
• Excellent restaurant and bar with top-notch local meals and drinks

Geckos Place

• Peaceful site next to a five-kilometre beach on the Agate Terrace
• Half an hour's drive from whale watching in Port St Johns
• Close to popular hiking, fishing and birdwatching spots

Kouga Wilderness

• Bush camp on a family farm 40 minutes' drive from Joubertina
• In the Baviaanskloof nature reserve for hikes, climbing and fishing
• Outdoor swimming pool, playground and communal braai areas

Amapondo Backpackers

• Stunningly scenic hillside site on South Africa’s Wild Coast
• Five minutes’ walk from a sandy beach; 10 minutes’ drive from town
• Sundowner trips, guided excursions, bar, restaurant and music events

Panorama Chalets and Rest Camp

• Well-maintained, peaceful site five minutes' drive from Graskop
• A short walk from Graskop Gorge glass lift, zipline and Big Swing
• Stunning Lowveld views from the pool, hiking trail and restaurant