Rivierplaas Campsite

While being in South Africa, we have made the commitment to be in nature more. Our jobs involve being on technology almost exclusively so we need some green space to relax. Luckily we found some friends who like to camp as well which is great!

Traveling to Rivierplaas Campsite

Rivierplaas is near Worcester in the Western Cape. If you are traveling from Cape Town, it is only about an hour and half drive. Take the N1 out of Cape Town which will go through the Huguenot Tunnel. We were then directed to take the Old N1 to the R43 (at Worcester). At Aan de Doorns, continue to go straight on R101 and then there will be signs for Rivierplaas. You will know when you are getting close because there are a few small, single lane, bridges over a river.

The best part is this drive is through the Paarl wine region. We would recommend stopping at a vineyard on your way out to the campsite-like we did!

Rivierplaas Accomodations

Rivierplaas is unassuming from the outside as it just looks like a house, but there are signs! The main building at the entrance is actually the store as well. Call the number that is listed on the door and you will get checked in! Do note the limited store hours listed on the website. They have the camping basics in the store. We just needed to buy wood!

At regisration, you are given a map that is easy to follow. We found a perfect campsite tucked away in the trees. It was not at full capacity the night that we stayed, so we were able to take over 2 campsites! There are no chairs or tables at the campsites, but there is a braai. Bring a grate for the braai as there is not one provided. The bathroom facilities are adequate and open air. If you would like to take a shower, put some wood on the fire to heat up the water!

Rivierplaas Activties

Though this is a small campsite, there were plenty of activities! Our personal favorite was a zip line (foofy slide as they called it?) that started up in trees and dropped you in the river! The river is great for swimming but they also have canoes, rafts, and other flotation devices for free use. If it is available, you are able to use it! This created a community vibe especially with the zipline because it was too funny!

There is also a 2.5km hike on the property. This is a very easy hike that leads you through the woods. If you want to see even more nature and want to get some exercise in, this would be great!

Overall thoughts on Rivierplaas

We really enjoyed Rivierplaas! It is a goal of ours to get a catalog of campsites close to Cape Town for just one-night trips. We were happy that the boring process was much easier than Beaverlac as well! With the activities and the remoteness of this place, we would definitely go back!

Take a peek at some of our pictures from the site!

Our tents nestled into the woods at Rivierplaas.

Camping chairs and braai for the night.

The zipline and the river

Running through fields at Rivierplaas

Trying to get in place for the golden hour

Max doing his best to squat Leeann at Rivierplaas

Hiking around Rivierplaas

A gorgeous tree on the hike!

The small river that gives this place its name