Campfires allowed: Campgrounds in East South Africa

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

Marlu Farm Stays

• Friendly working farm by the Groot River in South Africa's Karoo
• Three renowned nature reserves within just over an hour's drive
• Fishing and 4x4 trails on site; home-cooked meals and fresh bread

Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort

• Stunning family resort located in a slice of Drakensberg paradise
• Mountain bike hire and trails on site for running and cycling
• Spectacular mountain views, large open spaces and park-like grounds

Pabala Private Nature Reserve

• Private game reserve 15 minutes' drive from the N2 Garden Route
• Half an hour's drive from the beach and watersports at Jeffreys Bay
• Pool, bar, braai area and organised excursions on 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

Baviaanskloof Uitspan

• Smart and spacious bush site 45 minutes’ drive from Willowmore
• Hiking trails and four-wheel drive routes by the site
• By the Baviaanskloof river, with a rope slide and swimming pool

La Belle Esperance Adventure Farm

• Peaceful, safe and secure farm site in the KZN mountains
• A 20-minute drive from Volksrust and 45 minutes from Newcastle
• Simple pitches by a river for birdwatching and swimming

Solitude on Somerset

Mac Mac Forest Retreat

• Peaceful forest camp with trails to Mac Mac Falls
• Within 25 minutes of God's Window and Mount Sheba Nature Reserve
• An hour's drive from the Kruger National Park's Phabeni gate

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

Baviaans Lodge

• Peaceful, rural site in the Kouga Mountains and Baviaanskloof reserve
• A 55-minute drive from Joubertina; woodland walks straight from site
• Stone swimming pool, pub and dining room, meals and drinks available

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

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

Rubicon Camping

• On the grounds of a historical sandstone school with mountain views
• A 10-minute walk to Rhodes; a 50-minute drive to Tiffindell Ski Resort
• Shop, restaurant and barbecue facilities on site; brewery nearby

Wellvale Resort

• Peaceful bush resort half an hour's drive from KwaDukuza/Stanger
• An hour's drive from game reserves and half an hour from Dolphin Coast
• Great spot for birdwatching and fishing in the Mvoti river