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10 Best Pet-Friendly Camping Sites in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

By July 30, 2026August 5th, 2026No Comments

KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline, mountains & Midlands give pet owners more room to roam than almost anywhere else in South Africa, & more camping sites across the province now welcome dogs alongside their owners than ever before.

This guide ranks the ten best pet-friendly camping sites in KZN, from riverside stands & beachfront resorts on the South Coast to Durban’s dune forest, Drakensberg mountain views & a Midlands hideaway, so you can find the right spot for your next trip with your dog.

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Key Takeaways:

  • This list spans KZN’s South Coast, the Zululand coast at Richards Bay, Durban’s Bluff Eco Park, Drakensberg views at Dragon Peaks & a Midlands hideaway at Glensheiling, so there’s a pet-friendly campsite within reach of most of the province.
  • Nearly every site on this list offers braai facilities & a safe, secure environment with communal ablutions as standard, but pet conditions differ widely, from safely fenced roaming to strict on-leash rules, size limits or seasonal restrictions. Always check the current pet policy directly with the site before booking.
  • Camping in unfamiliar outdoor environments carries its own risks for dogs, so ensure vaccinations & general preventative care are up to date before you go; many owners also consider a MediPet pet insurance plan for added peace of mind on the road.

10 Best Pet-Friendly Campsites in KZN

KZN’s pet-friendly campsites span the South Coast, Zululand/North Coast, Durban, the Drakensberg & the Midlands, covering most of the province within a manageable drive of Durban or Pietermaritzburg.

This variety of camping sites offers an array of options to suit different preferences, from riverside stands & beachfront resorts to dune forest camping & a Midlands hideaway, with outdoor activities from fishing to hiking waiting to be explored amid some of KZN’s best nature.

Every campsite on this list welcomes pets in some form, but conditions vary, so it is worth confirming before booking.

1. Characters Garden Park

Location: 35 Impathle Dr, Pennington, 4184, KZN South Coast

Terraced into a hillside of indigenous coastal forest just 90m from Pennington Beach, Characters Garden Park is one of the KZN South Coast’s most loved caravan & camping sites. Shaded stands descend in terraces down through the forest canopy, giving the site a green, sheltered feel that’s rare so close to the beach, while Pennington’s shops & restaurants sit just a short walk away.

Dogs are welcome on request, & the owners’ own love of dogs sets the tone for a genuinely pet-friendly stay, with small dogs a common & happily received sight winding between the shaded stands. Evenings tend to settle around the braai, with the sound of birdlife drifting down through the forest canopy, & the short stroll to Pennington Beach makes for an easy morning walk with your dog before the day heats up.

Visit the Characters Garden Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Terraced, shaded caravan & camping sites set under indigenous coastal forest, 90m from Pennington Beach
  • Three ablution blocks on site; the middle block includes washing machines & tumble dryers
  • 220V electricity at each site; Wi-Fi available in the communal area
  • Braai areas throughout the park; security fencing & regular patrols
  • Pets are welcome on request; small dogs are a common, happily received sight around the site
  • Close to Pennington’s shops, restaurants & the wider South Coast

  • Camping costs R240 per adult, R130 per child (age 4-16), & R190 per pensioner per night in low season, rising to R295/R180/R240 in mid-season (school holidays & long weekends), & R430 per adult/R220 per child in high season (12 December 2026-10 January 2027)
  • Dogs cost R45 per night in low and mid-season; long-stay pensioners pay R360 per dog per month, & the park’s long-stay pensioner accommodation rate is available on enquiry
  • Glamping units are available from R860 per couple or R1,120 per family tent in low season, fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen appliances, crockery, braai & bedding
  • Long-stay pensioner rates are available from R4,500 per couple per month

  • Characters Garden Park is approximately 90 minutes south of Durban via the N2, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.
  • Book at least a month ahead if you’re aiming for a school holiday or long weekend, as sites fill up quickly during these periods.
  • The nearest vet & larger shopping centre are in Scottburgh, about a 15-minute drive away, which is worth knowing if you’re travelling with a pet.
  • Couples, families & small groups travelling with a well-behaved dog will feel most at home here.
Characters Garden Park camping site

2. Riverbend Chalets & Campsite

Location: 32 Bend Rd, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, 4235

Tucked into a bend of the Mtentweni River just two kilometres upriver from the ocean, Riverbend Chalets & Campsite is a small, peaceful retreat in a quiet corner of the KZN South Coast. Surrounded by indigenous bush alive with birdsong, it offers a rural alternative to the busier beachfront resorts further along the coast, with the river as its calm, natural centrepiece.

Dogs are welcome at Riverbend, provided they’re sociable & obedient & happy to leave the resident birdlife, ponies & other wildlife well alone. Guests regularly mention how safely their dogs roam the property’s fenced gardens, & the relaxed, spacious setting makes Riverbend a firm favourite with owners travelling alongside their four-legged friend.

Visit the Riverbend Chalets & Campsite website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 11 grassed, flat camping & caravan sites, each with its own electric plug point
  • Self-catering wooden chalets (Loerie Lodge, Eagle Lodge, Duiker Chalet & Otter Bungalow) & Mongoose Cottage, for guests wanting a bit more comfort than camping
  • A single ablution block with showers, a bath & a double-sink scullery area for washing up
  • Braai facilities & a kids’ play area on site
  • Canadian-style canoes are available to hire for paddling the two kilometres downriver to the ocean when the river is full; fishing for mullet in the river or smaller fish in the on-site dam

  • Camping starts from R135 per person per night
  • Chalets & the cottage start from R750 per night
  • Long-stay rates from R2,800 per month are available for stays of 25 nights or more, popular with pensioners
  • Confirm current pet conditions with the campsite before booking, as arrangements can vary

  • Riverbend is about 80 minutes south of Durban via the N2, with check-in from 11 am & check-out by noon
  • Port Shepstone, the nearest town, is a few minutes’ drive away & has the closest shops, supermarkets & vet
  • Book well ahead for the December & Easter school holidays, when sites fill quickly
  • A strict no-noise & no-music policy keeps things calm, making Riverbend well-suited to anyone after a genuinely peaceful stay with their dog
Two dogs wading into the river at Riverbend chalets & campsite

3. Happy Wanderers Beachfront Holiday Resort

Location: 1 Abrams Drive, Kelso, South Coast, KZN 

Operating on Kelso’s coastline since 1963, Happy Wanderers Beachfront Holiday Resort is a long-standing family favourite on the KZN South Coast. Its shaded pitches sit under a canopy of indigenous Milkwood trees, just steps from 500m of private beach, giving the resort an established, old-school seaside holiday feel that many South Coast families have been returning to for generations.

Dogs are welcome on the camping & caravan sites only, outside of peak season, with a maximum of two small dogs per party kept on a leash at all times & cleaned up after; they aren’t permitted in the resort’s apartments or log cabins. It’s a solid choice for pet owners looking for a proper beach holiday with their dog, rather than a quiet countryside escape.

Visit the Happy Wanderers website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Grass, sand & concrete pitches across 86 camping & caravan sites, each with its own power point
  • Communal braai stands at the sites, though you’ll need to bring your own grid
  • Clean ablution blocks throughout the resort
  • An on-site restaurant, bar & shop, plus a swimming pool for cooling off between beach trips

  • Camping starts from R300 per person per night in low season, rising in medium & high season
  • Dogs cost R45 per night per dog, up to a maximum of R470 per month
  • A deposit of 50% of your accommodation cost is required within 72 hours of booking to secure your site
  • Confirm current pet conditions with the resort before booking, as arrangements can vary

  • Happy Wanderers is about 65km (roughly an hour) south of Durban
  • The resort & wider Kelso area get little to no cell signal, though free WiFi is available at reception
  • All noise must stop by 10 pm across the resort, including on camping sites
  • Book well ahead for school holidays, as the resort is popular with families & larger groups
Happy Wanderers Beachfront camping site

4. Marlon Holiday Resort

Location: 11 Twist St, Sunwich Port, Port Shepstone, 4230

Marlon Holiday Resort sits in a peaceful valley on the banks of the Dumba River on the KZN South Coast, surrounded by lush subtropical trees & ferns that make it a haven for birdwatchers, with the murmur of the river rarely out of earshot. Tucked inland & away from the busier stretch of coastline, it has a green, sheltered feel that’s rare for a South Coast holiday resort.

Dogs are welcome at Marlon by prior arrangement; small, well-behaved dogs can be brought along with advance notice to management, & additional charges may apply. It’s the kind of resort where a friendly, sociable dog will fit right in among the regular holidaymakers, provided owners have squared away the details beforehand.

Visit the Marlon Holiday Resort website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 50 large, level camping & caravan sites, choose from shady, semi-shady or sunny spots, each with 220V electricity, water points & the resort’s own borehole supply
  • Self-catering log cabins, cottages & chalets available too, each with a private patio or deck for outdoor dining
  • An adventure playground, splash pool, trampoline & games room with pool tables, table tennis & darts keep kids entertained
  • A communal Lapa area with braai facilities & plenty of seating, perfect for a rainy day

  • Camping sites cost from R270 per night for 2 people in low & mid season, rising to R520 in high season
  • A 4-person site costs from R390 per night in low season, R450 in mid season & R790 in high season, with extra adults, children & cars charged separately
  • Long-stay pensioner rates are available from R2,800 per month
  • Confirm current pet arrangements with the resort before booking

  • Marlon Holiday Resort is about 110km (roughly 1.5 hours) south of Durban, just off the N2 at the R102 Hibberdene offramp
  • The resort sits about 700m from a shark-netted, lifeguarded beach with a tidal pool, safe for swimming
  • Shelly Beach, Port Shepstone Country Club & Oribi Gorge are all within a short drive for day trips, with the Wild Coast Sun about 30 minutes away
  • A good pick for families with kids & a well-behaved dog wanting a resort with plenty to do on-site
Marlon Holiday Resort campsite

5. Richards Bay Caravan Park

Location: Cnr Krewelkring & Hibberd Dr, Meer en See, Richards Bay, 3901

Richards Bay Caravan Park sits within the coastal dune forest of Meer en See on the Zululand/North Coast, with private, direct access to the beach. It’s a subtropical, laid-back setting surrounded by picturesque coastal scenery & within easy reach of the region’s game reserves, suiting both a quick weekend away & a longer annual holiday.

Dogs are welcome by arrangement, with a maximum of two small lap dogs allowed per site; they must stay on a leash at all times, & proof of vaccination is required on arrival. Dogs aren’t permitted during December’s high season, so this spot suits an out-of-peak trip with your pet, & owners travelling with anything bigger than a small lap dog should check in advance.

Visit the Richards Bay Caravan Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Shaded, level, grassed camping & caravan sites with electrical points & on-site braais, catering for up to 288 guests
  • 8 ablution blocks with hot water, scullery & laundry facilities
  • 24-hour patrolled, gated security with electric fencing around the park
  • Shared access next door to Imvubu Lodge Resort’s swimming pools, restaurant/bar, paintball & mini adventure golf course

  • Camping costs from R180 per adult & R125 per child per night in low season
  • Rates apply per person rather than per site, so total costs scale with your party size
  • Pensioners & long-stay guests can ask about seasonal specials, which the park advertises via its Facebook page
  • Confirm current pet conditions with the park before booking

  • Richards Bay Caravan Park is about a two-hour drive north of Durban
  • The park’s operating status has been inconsistent in recent years following a municipal dispute; confirm current opening hours & that bookings are being taken before you travel
  • Richards Bay’s shops, restaurants & vet are just minutes away in the town centre
  • Well suited to campers & caravanners after a laid-back coastal base with plenty of on-site extras, ideally with a sociable dog who’s comfortable around other guests
Richards Bay Caravan Park

6. River Valley Resort

Location: Corner of Cod Crescent & Dolphin Drive, Kelso, 4184, KZN South Coast

River Valley Resort is a family-run holiday spot set in a sunny, sheltered valley on the KZN South Coast. It has a relaxed, old-school camping atmosphere with an easy-going, unpretentious charm that comes from years of hosting the same holidaymakers, offering plenty of grassy space to unwind away from the busier resorts further along the coast.

Dogs are welcome at River Valley, though only small breeds are permitted; this applies both on the camping sites & in the resort’s self-catering chalets, unlike many neighbouring resorts that restrict pets to camping only. It makes River Valley a rare option along this stretch of coast for owners wanting a self-catering stay with their dog, rather than being limited to a tent or caravan.

Visit the River Valley Resort website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 22 shaded caravan & camping sites with 16-amp electrical points & nearby water points, plus 5 self-catering chalets with private patios & braai areas
  • A swimming pool, children’s playground & games room keep the whole family entertained
  • Communal braai areas & a laundrette down at the ablutions, alongside scullery facilities for washing up
  • Electric fencing & an automatic gate secure the resort

  • Camping costs from R165 per adult & R110 per child per night out of season, rising to R350 & R190 in high season
  • Self-catering chalets start from R820 per night out of season, up to R1,850 in high season
  • Dogs cost R30 per night on the camping sites
  • A 30% deposit is required on booking; confirm current pet conditions & any chalet pet fees with reception before you pay it

  • River Valley Resort is about 68km south of Durban, 12km from Scottburgh & 3km from Pennington
  • The beach is a ten-minute walk away, but a river cuts off direct access, so most guests drive the 2km to the nearby skiboat club or another beach instead
  • All noise must stop by 10 pm, & bicycles are only permitted on the resort’s roads before 6 pm
  • Reviews of the resort are mixed, with some guests noting inconsistent maintenance, so it’s worth reading recent reviews before booking
River Valley Resort camper van area

7. Bluff Eco Park

Location: 55 Grays Inn Rd, Bluff, Durban, 4052

Bluff Eco Park sits in a pocket of subtropical dune forest on Durban’s Bluff peninsula, surrounded by indigenous coastal greenery. Despite being tucked into the Bluff’s quiet residential streets, it feels like its own self-contained world once you’re through the gate, with birdsong drifting through the trees & setting the tone for a proper break from routine. True to its name, the park leans into an eco-conscious, back-to-nature style throughout its grounds & accommodation.

Dogs are welcome at Bluff Eco Park by arrangement only, with an additional pet fee applying on top of your accommodation cost; it’s worth mentioning your dog’s temperament & size when you enquire. The same arrangement applies whether you’re camping, staying in a cabin or booking into the dormitory.

Visit the Bluff Eco Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Caravan & camping sites with newly renovated, porcelain-tiled ablutions
  • Self-catering rustic cabins ranging from 2 to 6 sleepers with shared or private ablutions, plus an eco-dormitory sleeping up to 32 guests with its own private ablutions & kitchen
  • An entertainment area with a pool table, dart board, DSTV & board games
  • On-site extras including the Oasis swimming pools & braai area, the Masterchef Coffee Shop, Revitalize Day Spa & the park’s own car wash

  • Camping costs from R110 per adult & R70 per child per night in mid-season (minimum 3 nights)
  • High season (15 December to 3 January) is priced per site: from R300 for 1-2 people, up to R600 for 4, or R120 per person for 5-6 people (minimum 5 nights)
  • Self-catering cabins range from about R470 to R1,325 per night depending on size, & the eco-dormitory is available from R4,800 per night
  • Confirm current pet conditions & fees with the park well ahead of arrival

  • Bluff Eco Park is about 10 minutes from central Durban & 3km from a shark-netted beach with paddling pools & a natural tidal pool
  • The on-site Oasis pools are sometimes reserved for private functions, so they may not always be available to accommodation guests
  • Deposits of 50-100% are typically required to confirm a booking, depending on the season
  • A convenient pick for Durban-based pet owners after a quick nature escape with their dog; pair your stay with MediPet’s guide to the best pet-friendly restaurants in Durban for more ideas nearby
Camper van in Bluff Eco Park

8. Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Location: R600 Cathkin Road, Champagne Valley, Cathkin Park, 3331, Central Drakensberg

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort is a family-oriented estate set deep in the Champagne Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site, with sweeping views of Cathkin Peak & Champagne Castle. It’s a proper change of scenery from KZN’s coastal campsites, trading sea breezes for genuine mountain air & easy access to nature, with mornings that often start with mist still sitting over the peaks.

Dogs are welcome at Dragon Peaks, though only on the caravan & camping sites, not in the self-catering units; they must be kept under control at all times & aren’t permitted to chase the estate’s poultry or livestock. Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs, in keeping with the resort’s shared, communal grounds.

Visit the Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 140 shady, grassed & paved caravan & camping sites, some now with private ablutions, all with electrical points, a brick braai stand & TV connection
  • Self-catering units sleeping 2 to 12 guests, fully equipped with TV, alongside three ablution blocks (heated in winter), sculleries & coin-operated laundries
  • Two swimming pools, a children’s paddling pool with water slide, tennis courts & a playground with trampoline
  • Horse riding, mountain biking, hiking trails & fishing across the resort’s thousand-acre estate

  • Camping on private-ablution sites costs from R365 per adult & R182.50 per child per night in low season, rising to R470 & R235 in high season
  • Dogs cost R45 per night, or R450 per month for pensioners on the long-stay tariff, with a maximum of two dogs per site
  • Self-catering unit rates vary by size & season; ask the resort for a quote based on your group
  • Confirm current pet conditions with the resort before booking

  • Dragon Peaks is about 2.5 hours from Durban & 4 hours from Johannesburg, making it an easy weekend trip from either city
  • Helicopter rides over the valley are available for guests wanting a bird’s-eye view of the Drakensberg, on top of the resort’s more grounded activities
  • The Oaks Superette, a restaurant, & pub, are all on-site, so you don’t need to leave the resort for essentials
  • A great pick for pet owners wanting a proper mountain break with an active edge
Dog walking on a trail at Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

9. Lalanathi Caravan & Camping Park

Location: Melville Station Rd, Port Shepstone, 4230, KZN South Coast

Lalanathi Caravan & Camping Park is a family-run spot on the KZN South Coast, tucked close to an unspoilt stretch of beach with the sound of the waves drifting through the campsite. Run by long-time hosts Charlotte & Barry, it has the kind of personal touch you don’t always get at bigger resorts & a relaxed, back-to-nature feel that keeps regulars coming back year after year.

Lalanathi is officially recognised as pet-friendly by Ugu South Coast Tourism, with dogs allowed out of season provided owners get the go-ahead from management first. That official backing is fairly rare among South Coast parks, most of which only offer pet-friendly stays informally, & approval still typically comes down to your dog’s size & temperament.

Visit the Lalanathi Caravan & Camping Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 45 well-spaced, level, grassed & shaded sites, all electrified with water close by, within a fully-fenced & secure area
  • Two ablution & scullery blocks with plenty of hot water
  • A swimming pool, trampoline, play area & volleyball keep younger visitors entertained
  • A teens’ lapa with a big screen TV, DSTV, pool table & darts, plus rock pools to explore & good fishing

  • Camping costs from R140 per adult & R70 per child per night out of season
  • High season (December school holidays) is priced per site: R600 for 2 people, R700 for 3, or R900 for 4
  • Confirm dog fees & current pet conditions directly with management well before you travel

  • Lalanathi is about 60 minutes from Durban & 15 minutes from Port Shepstone
  • Nearby attractions include Lake Eland Game Reserve’s 4.5km zipline (Africa’s longest), Oribi Gorge & the Wild Coast Sun & Casino, about 45 minutes away
  • Eight golf courses are within reach, including Port Shepstone, Margate, Selborne Park, Umdoni Park & Southbroom
  • Well-suited to campers wanting a simple, quiet South Coast stay
Lalanathi Camping Park

10. Glensheiling Caravan Park

Location: D2477 (off D744), 3km south of Nottingham Road Village, KZN Midlands

Glensheiling Caravan Park is a small, family-run country retreat nestled among indigenous bush & forest in the KZN Midlands, now run across three generations by matriarch Julie, her son Duncan & his young family. Abundant birdlife surrounds the property year-round, & after nine coastal & mountain stops on this list, it’s a genuinely quieter, inland finish for anyone wanting a proper Midlands escape. The land carries its own history too, from a Boer War-era hideout wall to grooves worn into the streambed where Zulu warriors are said to have sharpened their spears.

Dogs are welcome at Glensheiling by prior arrangement, in keeping with the family’s own pet-friendly outlook on the farm. Resident animals do roam the grounds, so keep a close eye on your own pet around them.

Visit the Glensheiling Caravan Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • 30 large, grassed sites for tents, caravans & motorhomes, each with an electricity point & nearby water taps; most overlook the dam
  • Immaculate ablutions with hot showers & dedicated scullery areas
  • A dam for boating, bass fishing & summer swimming, plus quiet nature trails across the property
  • Kids’ extras include a foofy slide, pony rides, a trampoline & a giant outdoor chessboard

  • Camping costs from R150 per person per night
  • Long-stay rates are available from R3,500 per month
  • No pet fee is published; dogs are accepted on a case-by-case basis, so confirm current conditions directly with the owners before booking

  • Glensheiling is about 1.5 hours from Durban, 3km south of Nottingham Road Village, & 11km from the N3
  • A 700m gravel access road off the R103 keeps the park tucked away from passing traffic & noise
  • Nottingham Road’s pubs, craft shops & restaurants are just a 3-minute drive away
  • Secure, gated farm access means added peace of mind if you’re travelling with your dog
Glensheiling Caravan Park

Final Thoughts on the Best Pet-Friendly Camping Sites in KZN

Pet-friendly camping across KZN stretches from river & beachfront stays on the South Coast, to the Zululand coast at Richards Bay, Durban’s dune forest at Bluff Eco Park, Drakensberg views at Dragon Peaks & a quiet Midlands hideaway at Glensheiling. 

Wherever you’re headed, there’s a pet-friendly site on this list perfect for pets of every size. Pet policies vary widely, so always confirm the details before booking. 

Some sites, like Lalanathi, are officially recognised as pet-friendly by local tourism bodies, while policies elsewhere range from seasonal restrictions (as at Richards Bay) to straightforward nightly pet fees. 

Popular spots like Dragon Peaks fill up well ahead of school holidays, so plan your dates early to ensure you & your dog get a spot.

Camping in KZN’s bush, coastal & mountain terrain brings its own risks for dogs, so make sure their preventative care is up to date before any trip.

MediPet is SA’s leading pet insurance broker, offering comprehensive, genuine & transparent cover. Compare our pet insurance plans & get an obligation-free quote online in seconds today.

As a pet owner in KZN looking to travel with your four-legged best friend, you may also enjoy our guides covering the best pet-friendly restaurants in Durban, dog-friendly beaches in Durban, and pet-friendly accommodation in Durban.

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