A Riverside Retreat Near Rawsonville

Camping Bliss at Bergenwater

Camping Bliss at Bergenwater

With rising fuel prices, finding campsites close to home is essential—especially for passionate campers like me, Rikus Truter from LekkeR Kampplekke, who start feeling restless without a camping fix every week or two.  Rawsonville camping called my name.

Fortunately, there’s a gem just an hour’s drive from Cape Town: Bergenwater. This intimate campsite, situated on Altus and Monique Smith’s working wine farm, offers more than just a spot to pitch your tent. With its riverside views, mountain backdrops, and thoughtful facilities, Bergenwater is the perfect destination for a quick escape.

Arrival and Experience

One of the standout features of Bergenwater is its generous check-in and check-out times—arrive at 10:00 on Friday and leave as late as 17:30 on Sunday, ensuring you make the most of your weekend away.

We arrived at this riverside haven and selected a prime spot beneath a sprawling tree, overlooking the river and surrounding mountains. Listening to the gentle rumble of water over smooth stones and birds chirping overhead was pure bliss. By the time we packed up, we felt completely recharged.

Facilities and Features

  • Campsites: The spacious, unmarked stands operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Each stand is grassy and equipped with electricity, while central water points ensure convenience.
  • Swimming: A natural beach area with a shallow swimming hole provides safe fun for kids, while adults relax nearby.
  • Ablutions: Clean, well-maintained facilities with ample hot water ensure comfort for all campers.
  • Braais: Plenty of braai drums are available for your evening barbecues.

Activities for Everyone

There’s no shortage of activities at Bergenwater:

  • Mountain Biking and 4×4 Trails: Bring your bike or tackle the farm’s scenic 4×4 route, featuring a mountaintop picnic spot with panoramic views.
  • Fishing: Cast a line into the river and enjoy some peaceful angling.
  • Hiking and Birdwatching: Explore trails and tick off sightings from a list of over 100 bird species.
  • Lookout Point: The elevated platform offers breathtaking views of vineyards and mountains—perfect for sundowners and Instagram-worthy sunsets.

I spent a lazy afternoon on the lookout platform with a good book, snacks, and coffee. The sunset painted the mountains and clouds in vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow—a magical way to end the day.

Our Camping Experience

We visited Bergenwater on a Thursday and Friday, enjoying the peace and quiet before the weekend buzz began. By Friday evening, the campsite was bustling with returning campers eager to relive the Bergenwater experience.

Altus guided us on the 4×4 route, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. We couldn’t resist recommending this adventure to fellow campers. With its picturesque setting, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent facilities, one visit to Bergenwater is simply not enough!

Essential Information

  • Nearest Town: Rawsonville (10 minutes away)
  • Accommodation Type: Campsite
  • Number of Stands: 21 (unmarked, first-come, first-served)
  • Pet-Friendly: No (exceptions possible between May and August)
  • Fishing: Yes (river fishing available)
  • Accessibility: Combination of tar and gravel roads, suitable for all vehicles and road caravans
  • Cell Phone Reception: Yes
  • Rates:
    • Adults: from R150 per person per night
    • Children (3–10 years): R90 per child per night
  • Contact:

Rates and facilities are subject to change.

In Summary

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or an adventure-filled getaway Rawsonville camping , Bergenwater delivers on all fronts. Its convenient location, stunning scenery, and thoughtful amenities make it a top pick for campers in the Western Cape. I’ll certainly be back—this is one campsite that deserves multiple visits!