GLM TEAM 
The subtropical climate, natural beauty, and highest number of Blue Flag beaches make the KZN South Coast a top seaside destination. One of the most budget-friendly ways for families to enjoy this natural splendour is by camping in the great outdoors, with easy access to the ocean and nearby activities to keep the whole family engaged.
“We’ve seen a number of families choosing to camp or caravan on the KZN South Coast the past few years, not just because of the cost, but because it allows families to really disconnect and engage in nature,” explained CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “The region is home to Blue Flag beaches, world-class dive sites, tidal pools, coastal forests, and more, with some of the best campsites – including many award-winning campsites – for families looking for the ultimate destination to embrace summer.”
1. Happy Wanderers Holiday Resort
Location: Kelso
Website:Â www.happywanderers.co.za
Description: Choose from one of 86 sites nestled under a canopy of indigenous Milkwood trees with the Indian Ocean just metres away. The campsites are varied with grass, sand and concrete options as well as shady, partial shade, and full sun sites. For families storing caravans (at a monthly rate), Happy Wanderers will also place the van and erect the tent before arrival.
2. Scottburgh Caravan Park
Location: Scottburgh
Website:Â www.scottburghcaravanpark.co.za
Description: A popular destination, there are 260 caravan park sites with great facilities on offer. Children will enjoy the supertube, play park, volleyball, trampolines and organised entertainment. The site is well located with nearby nature reserves and dive sites for the adventurous. There’s also the popular and affordable Scotties Coffee Shop within the campsite situated right on the beach.
3. Rocky Bay Resorts
Location: Park Rynie
Website:Â www.rockybay.co.za
Description: For a seaside holiday, head to Rocky Bay Resorts caravan park and campsite, surrounded by coastal bush with several beach-facing sites. With pilot Blue Flag beach status, Rocky Bay is a great family holiday destination, with the resort boasting several on-site facilities including a restaurant and dive charters.
4. River Valley Nature Reserve
Location: Margate
Website:Â www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za
Description: The small campsite, with just 5 sites, is situated in a shady section on the banks of the iVungu River, with plug points, ablution facilities, and hot showers. Campers can explore the different ecosystems within the nature reserve, home to abundant birdlife, antelope, and small mammals.
5. The Characters Garden Park
Location: Pennington
Website: www.charactersgardenpark.co.za
Description: This scenic park, where indigenous coastal forest and unspoiled sandy beaches meet, is ideal for caravanners and campers. Despite its incredibly tranquil setting, shops and restaurants are all within a short walk. The beautiful Pennington Beach, just a few steps away, has a sandy beach, tidal pool, crystal clear rock pools, and some of the best fishing in the area.
6. Mac Nicols Caravan Park
Location: Bazley Beach
Website:Â www.macnicol.co.za
Description: This resort is just 90 metres from the beach, located on the banks of the Ifafa Lagoon. All ablution blocks are spotless and modern, with laundry facilities at each one, and eight private ablution stands. The campsites are mostly shaded, with two swimming pools, one of which is heated for the winter months, and an entertainment programme in season. Children will enjoy the trampolines, jungle gym, TV room, Bazley Trails, and canoeing on the lagoon.
7. Marlon Holiday Resort
Location: Sunwich Port
Website: www.marlon.co.za
Description: This stunning resort has 48 large, lawned caravan and camping sites in shady, semi-shady, or sunny sites. Families will enjoy the on-site pool, children’s play park, trampoline, and even a half-pipe for skateboarding. There’s also a large games room with a TV, table tennis, pool table, and darts.
8. Untu Palms
Location: Anerley
Website:Â www.untupalms.co.za
Description: This is a beautiful seaside holiday resort where picture-perfect family holidays are made. It offers direct access to the beach from its 52-stand tent and caravan park, with beautiful coastal forests surrounding the venue. There is a swimming pool and games room available for everyone to use.
9. Shelly Caravan Park
Location: Shelly Beach
Website:Â www.shellycaravanpark.com
Description: This is a peaceful campsite in the countryside just five minutes from the ocean. There are 36 campsites on a flat, grassed area, all with braai facilities and plug points. The campsite has a recreation hall with table tennis, pool table, and darts. There’s also a small dam for bass fishing, row boats, and canoes, as well as a swimming pool.
10. Oasis Holiday Resort
Location: Uvongo
Website: www.holidayresort.co.za
Description: This caravan park, camping ground, and chalet resort is the ultimate getaway experience. Situated in the seaside village of Uvongo, there’s a great beach just 600 metres away as well as top leisure facilities. The campsite is located under large, shady trees with a nearby waterfall and Uvongo River Nature Reserve the ultimate place for exploration.
11. Fairhills Caravan Park + Camping
Location: Ramsgate
Website:Â www.fairhillspark.co.za
Description: Just over a kilometre from the beautiful Ramsgate Blue Flag beach and lagoon are 44 camping and caravan sites in a variety of sizes and types. Each site has an electrical power point and a demarcated braai area, with sunny and shady sites available. There are three ablution facilities supplied by borehole water, as well as a swimming pool, trampoline, jungle gym, nature trails, sports and games area.
12. Paradise Holiday Resort
Location: Southbroom
Website: www.paradiseholidayresort.co.za
Description: Located just 10 minutes south of Margate and 2.5km from the Blue Flag Marina Beach, the resort is set on a hill among indigenous trees with great sea views. The caravan park has 40 grassed sites with electrical points, and a 3-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
13. Port o’ Call Caravan Park            Â
Location: Trafalgar
Website: www.portocall.co.za
Description: Located along the Trafalgar beachfront midway between Margate and Port Edward, this caravan park has two beach paths accessing 5km of uninterrupted beach with Marina Beach and San Lameer to the north and Mpenjati Nature Reserve and Palm Beach to the south.
14. Leisure View Caravan Park
Location: Leisure Bay
Website: www.leisureview.co.za
Description: For more than 45 years, Leisure View Caravan Park has been successfully operating, welcoming visitors to the beautiful coast. The tranquil campsite also has access to a swimming pool and games room, with a laundry service on site.
15. The Pont Holiday & Water Sport Resort
Location: Port Edward
Website:Â www.oldpont.co.za
Description: Nestled in the Umtamvuna Valley next to the Umtamvuna River Estuary, The Pont is a beautiful heritage site and the gateway between KZN and the Transkei. It’s the ideal venue for family fun and relaxation for holidaymakers, campers, caravanners, water sports enthusiasts and day visitors. Choose from 45 campsites offering great facilities including a swimming pool, kids’ playpark, and braai areas, as well as a bar and restaurant on the river’s edge.
Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!
The incredible KZN South Coast continues to lead as a destination of choice because of its diverse and unmatched tourism offerings. Head inland for hiking, biking, and 4×4 adventures in the great outdoors with the many nature reserves ideal sites for picnics and birdwatching.
Up the speed with some motorsports action at Dezzi Raceway, or indulge in the many cultural and heritage experiences found here. Discover the region’s farming gems with an agri-rural outing that includes sampling fresh produce and adventure activities. And, for the business sector, there is no better place than the KZN South Coast which is considered a top MICE (Meetings | Incentives | Conventions | Events) destination.
Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn; and downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app. Click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here.
Follow the hashtags #visitkznsouthcoast #sctie #kznsouthcoastfamily #embracesummer #nowsthetime #sctie
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