Camping was always a no-no for me. But then I married a camper and agreed to one camping trip a year. My general view is that camping is camping, copy and paste. However, even I must admit that not all campsites are the same. It’s almost like some of the newer sites we’ve been to recently, like the one in Outdshoorn, were designed with people like me in mind. Private ablution facilities, electric ports and shady lapas make it all the more bearable and ultimately enjoyable for people like me. And although camping would never be my first option, I would still consider it.
Bass Haven River Campsite
Over the summer holiday, we visited Bass Haven River Cottages and Campsites near Wolseley. We booked one of the campsites overlooking the Breede River for three nights. The campsite is pet-friendly, so we brought our dog along for an adventure. The campsite has a raised lapa with a washing up sink, gas geyer, electrical outlet and a table. So it forms a great place to gather around for meals. You can braai and sit around a fire until late into the night. The campsite can accommodate up to 20 people, and at the time, costs R700 per night.
We spent our days taking in the tranquil surroundings: walking through the farm, lounging in a hammock, fishing, and, of course, swimming in the river. Our friends came with their fishing rods and bait (which our dog found very intriguing), and we blew up our lilos to catch up while floating along the water. It was the perfect start to the summer holidays and the end of a long year. We encouraged everyone to disconnect as much as possible, but the site does have Wi-Fi.
Although we mainly had fantastic weather while camping, part of the camping adventure is weathering the elements, and the wind on some nights ensured we got the full experience. The wind, it felt, was blowing from all directions and just meeting in the centre of our tent. But then, watching the lovely sunrise from the tent makes up for it.
On one of the days, we drove the short distance to Calabash Bush Pub for lunch, away from the searing heat. This spot is also pet-friendly and has a small splash pool in the centre for the kids to cool off. I suppose anyone can cool off there, but the kids enjoyed it most. There are many outdoor and shaded seating areas here, so everyone can get a reprieve from the scorching sun.
Dog-friendly camping
Our dog Ahsoka loves the outdoors. Walking in the neighbourhood, hiking in the mountains and running on the beach is her jam. So, from the moment she arrived, she was in her element. The campsite is not fenced off but was large enough for her to run and play within eye view. Our friends came with their puppy, who Ahsoka played with here and then. We joked that she definitely has more of an only-child vibe because she could only manage small bouts of play with that puppy.
