One of the best things about owning a caravan is that you don’t need to travel far to have a great weekend away. Gauteng and the surrounding areas have some excellent caravan parks, from quiet spots on the Vaal River to nature reserves just an hour from the highway.
Here are our favourite caravan parks within easy reach of Gauteng.
Vaal River Area
Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark
A well-known spot on the banks of the Vaal River. The caravan park has powered sites with water and electric, braai facilities, and access to the resort’s amenities including restaurants, a water park, and the casino.
Best for: Families who want activities beyond the campsite.
Drive from Vereeniging: About 20 minutes.
Riviera on Vaal, Vereeniging
Right on the Vaal River with shaded caravan stands, power points, and river access. It’s close to home for us and popular with weekend campers.
Best for: A quick, no-fuss overnight getaway.
Drive from Vereeniging: 10 minutes.
Stonehaven on Vaal
A popular wedding and events venue that also has a caravan park section. Scenic setting on the Vaal with manicured grounds.
Best for: Couples looking for a more upmarket camping experience.
Dam Destinations
Vaal Dam (Various Camps)
Several caravan parks and municipal camps around the Vaal Dam offer waterside camping. Conditions vary from basic to fully serviced. The Vaal Dam is popular for watersports, fishing, and boating.
Best for: Water lovers and anglers.
Drive from Vereeniging: 30-60 minutes depending on which shore.
Bronkhorstspruit Dam
A quieter alternative to the Vaal Dam. The municipal resort has powered caravan stands, ablutions, and access to the dam for fishing and swimming.
Best for: Getting away from crowds.
Drive from Pretoria: About 45 minutes.
Nature Reserves
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Heidelberg
A beautiful nature reserve in the rolling Highveld grasslands. The caravan park has powered stands and clean ablutions. Game drives and hiking trails are available in the reserve, and you might spot zebra, wildebeest, and various buck species.
Best for: Nature lovers who want to combine camping with game viewing.
Drive from Vereeniging: About 40 minutes.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria
A small but well-maintained caravan park inside Pretoria’s oldest nature reserve. Powered stands, braai areas, and walking trails. You can spot giraffe, kudu, and smaller game.
Best for: Pretoria residents wanting a quick bush escape.
Drive from Pretoria CBD: 15 minutes.
Hennops Hiking Trail
Not a traditional caravan park, but worth mentioning. Hennops offers overnight camping with caravan-friendly areas along the Hennops River near Centurion. Stunning scenery and rock pools.
Best for: A rustic, adventurous experience close to Joburg.
Further Afield (But Worth the Drive)
Hartebeespoort Dam
Multiple caravan parks and resorts around Hartbeespoort. Popular weekend destination for Joburg and Pretoria residents. Water sports, restaurants, and the aerial cableway.
Drive from Joburg: About 1 hour.
Buffelspoort Dam, Rustenburg
A quieter dam experience west of Pretoria. Clean water, less crowded than Hartbeespoort, and some well-maintained caravan parks.
Drive from Pretoria: About 1.5 hours.
Parys, Free State
Just across the Vaal River from Gauteng, Parys has become a popular weekend destination. Several caravan parks along the Vaal offer good camping, and the town itself is full of coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants.
Drive from Vereeniging: About 1 hour.
Tips for Campsite Bookings
- Book ahead for school holidays and long weekends. Popular spots fill up months in advance.
- Check what’s included. Some sites include electricity in the rate, others charge per unit.
- Ask about site sizes. If you have a large caravan with a full tent, make sure the stand is big enough.
- Confirm check-in times. Most parks have a 14:00 check-in and 10:00 check-out.
- Bring your own firewood. Many parks sell it on site but it’s often cheaper to bring your own.
Get Camping-Ready at Caravan Center
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, we’ve got quality second hand caravans ready for the road, plus accessories, tents, and parts to complete your setup.
Browse our stock at caravancenter.co.za/caravans and start planning your next weekend away.
