Winter Camping in the Cape: Campsites to Consider

Winter is coming, but the colder weather won’t stop die-hard campers from enjoying some of the benefits of winter camping. In the Western Cape, the winter months offer fresh cool air, less wind, beautiful snow-capped mountains, and even more reason to get cosy around the campfire.

Here are some campsites worth visiting during the Cape’s winter months…

Cederberg 

While evening temperatures can drop considerably, daytime temperatures in the Cederberg can often be substantially warmer, and nothing beats a sunny winter’s day in the Cederberg. Dramatic, burnt orange rock formations contrast beautifully with greener landscapes in winter, and make for some picture-perfect views from wherever you decide to set up camp. Milder temperatures make this an ideal time for hikers to head out and explore, while full-flowing waterfalls and streams can be found along many of the trails after the rain. 

Kromrivier 

Kromrivier’s campsite is located on a farm and along the banks of the Krom River. Each campsite has its own private ablution facility with a toilet, shower, kitchenette, braai pit and power points. There is plenty to keep kids occupied at Kromrivier, from horse riding and bike riding to fishing and feeding the farm animals, making this a great family-friendly spot to set up camp.

Apart from it being home to the Cederberg’s first microbrewery, Kromrivier also has a selection of wines available for tasting, including the ‘Kromriviver Shiraz’ – ideal for a winter’s night by the fire. 

Enjo Nature Farm

Enjo Nature Farm offers rustic, pet-friendly camping in the heart of the Biedouw Valley. Its campsites are situated under trees next to the Biewdouw River where campers can relax and enjoy quality time in nature at an affordable price.

Enjo’s well-marked hiking trails with views of the valley and surrounds can be even more beautiful on a winter’s day, while cooler, cloudless evenings offer some of the best star-filled skies in the Cape. 

Montagu

Known for its popular hot springs, hiking trails and wine farms, Montagu is just a 2 – 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town, making it ideal for a quick camping getaway in winter. There are a number of campsites from which you can explore hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as some well-known rock climbing routes. If winter rainfall prevents you from exploring outdoors you can visit a variety of wine farms, art galleries, museums and restaurants in the general area.

De Bos Campsite

Located in the heart of Montagu, De Bos Campsite offers family and pet-friendly camping under beautiful pecan nut trees with great views of the Langeberg mountains. Each campsite offers a braai place, and picnic table and although these are all non-powered stands there is a large, shared kitchen facility equipped with everything you need, as well as plug points to charge up your phones and other devices.

De Bos is a popular campsite for avid rock climbers wanting to explore some of the excellent crags around Montagu such as Legoland, the Steeple and many others. 

Glen Eden Farm

Glen Eden Farm is situated along Route 62 and about 14 km from Montagu. Its campsite, known as ‘Little Eden Campsite’, offers 6 sites, each with its own wood-fired hot tub for you to soak in.

Although it is not pet-friendly, Glen Eden Farm has much to offer families with children, from fishing and kayaking in the dam to a touch farm with donkeys, alpacas, sheep, goats and more. An archery school, ‘Archers of Eden’, is expected to open soon. 

Franschhoek

Even in the winter months, Franschhoek has plenty of reasons not to go into hibernation. Known for its extensive range of award-winning wine farms, coffee shops and restaurants, boutique stores and museums, Franschhoek has something for everyone to experience. Although it may be colder, camping is a great way to enjoy the Winelands without the worry of driving home on the same day. 

Franschhoek Camping

Exclusively for motorhomes and vehicles with rooftop tents, Franschhoek Camping is located on a working farm just 5 km outside of the town, between La Motte and Leopard’s Leap wine farms. It offers 10 campsites, individually designed to provide privacy for campers who wish to enjoy the amazing views of the Franschhoek Valley without disruption. Each site has its own modern, private ablution with the option to enjoy a KolKol hot tub. 

This small, boutique-style campsite is perfect for a winter’s weekend break and a great base from which to explore the many attractions in and around the town. 

Click here and check out our Camping Map for more campsite inspiration.

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