Beaverlac Camp (South Africa)

Is Beaverlac the Right Campsite for Your Off-Grid Trip?

Choosing a campsite near Cape Town involves navigating a wide spectrum of options, from manicured resorts to wild mountain retreats. Beaverlac has earned its legendary status by firmly planting itself in the latter category. For us, it’s the perfect place to decompress after a long overland journey, serving as the final stop after our 18-day safari through Namibia. But is its rustic charm the right fit for your travel system? Let’s analyze the variables.

The Good: Why Beaverlac is a Cape Town Classic

• The Rock Pools: This is the main draw. The Ratel and Olifants rivers have carved out a series of incredible swimming holes and waterfalls, providing the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat.
• Strict No-Music Rule: For those of us who go camping to escape noise, Beaverlac’s absolute ban on music and musical instruments is a massive advantage. It preserves a tranquil, natural atmosphere.
• Dog-Friendly Policy: Finding quality campsites that welcome dogs can be a challenge. Beaverlac is famously dog-friendly, provided your pet is well-behaved and kept under control.
• Back-to-Basics Vibe: There are no power points at the sites and no demarcated plots. This “first come, first served” approach creates a relaxed, old-school camping feel that many, including myself, find appealing.

The Bad: Potential Deal-Breakers to Know

• It Can Get Crowded: Because sites aren’t marked, weekends and holidays can feel chaotic. Arriving early is critical to secure a good spot with shade and privacy.
• The Access Road: The final stretch includes the gravel Dasklip Pass. While a 4×4 isn’t required, low-clearance or heavily loaded vehicles can struggle. You drive this road at your own risk.
• Cash Only: There are no card facilities. You must bring enough cash to pay for your entire stay, plus any purchases from the shop. Forgetting this is a common and trip-ruining mistake.

A Practical Guide to the Beaverlac Rock Pools & Waterfalls

The swimming holes are Beaverlac’s star attraction. Knowing where they are and the effort required to reach them is key to planning your days. Here’s a breakdown of the main spots.

The Main Pool: The Social Hub

Just a 5-10 minute walk from the main camping area, this is the largest and most popular pool. It features a beautiful waterfall and a large rock face that people climb (with the help of a rope) to jump from. It gets busy, especially mid-day, but its size accommodates plenty of people.

The Secret Pool: A Quieter Option

A 15-20 minute walk in the opposite direction from the main pool leads you to this more secluded spot. It’s smaller but often much quieter, making it a great place to relax with a book. The path isn’t as obvious, which helps keep the crowds down.

Totem Pool via the Leopard Trail Hike

For those willing to put in some effort, the Leopard Trail leads to the Totem Pool. This hike takes about 1.5 hours each way and is quite exposed to the sun. Your reward is a stunning, deep pool that feels much more remote. It’s a proper half-day adventure, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen.

A System-Driven Look at Beaverlac’s Facilities

Beaverlac thrives on its rustic simplicity. Understanding the infrastructure is crucial for packing correctly and managing your expectations.

The Campsite: No Demarcated Spots

The camping area is a large, shaded space where you are free to find your own spot. There are fire pits scattered around, but no designated plots. This freedom is great, but it means you need to be mindful of your neighbors. The best spots under the trees are claimed quickly, particularly on long weekends.

Ablutions, Power, and Water

There are several clean ablution blocks with flush toilets and hot-water showers. However, there is no electricity at the campsites. You need to be self-sufficient with solar panels or power banks for charging devices. A freezer is available for camper use at the shop.

The Famous Shop (and the Cash-Only Rule)

The on-site shop is surprisingly well-stocked, selling essentials like firewood, ice, drinks, snacks, and even fresh bread at times. However, I repeat: it is cash only. It’s a lifesaver if you forget something, but it shouldn’t be treated as a full grocery store. As a matter of good practice, I always recommend checking out the weather forecast for Porterville before you go to fine-tune your packing list.

The Beaverlac Booking System: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a spot at Beaverlac Camp (South Africa) isn’t like booking a typical campsite. There’s no online payment or instant confirmation. It’s an old-school system that you need to follow correctly.

How to Submit Your Camping Request

1. Fill Out the Form: You must complete the official Camping Booking Form on their website for each vehicle in your group. You’ll need the names and ID numbers of every person, plus your vehicle registration.
2. Wait for Approval: After submitting, you’ll receive an email confirming whether your booking request has been approved. You must have this approval email (printed or on your phone) to gain entry.
3. Pay in Cash on Arrival: No deposit is required upfront. You settle your entire bill in cash when you check in at the reception office.

The Beaverlac Rules: The Non-Negotiables

Beaverlac’s unique atmosphere is protected by a few very strict rules. Understanding and respecting them is essential for a good experience for everyone.

The “No Music” Policy

This is the most important rule: No music or musical instruments are allowed. The aim is to maintain absolute quiet, especially from 11 PM to 7 AM. They are very serious about this, and offenders will be asked to leave. It’s the primary reason many people choose Beaverlac over other campsites.

The Dog-Friendly Rules

While dogs are welcome, they must be kept under control at all times and not become a nuisance to other campers (e.g., excessive barking). Importantly, dogs are not allowed to swim in the rock pools where people are swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beaverlac Camp