Free State

Gilshort, on Harmony gold mine, Virginia.

A large camping ground with thorn bushes, trees and open veld. Roofed accommodation. No additional facilities, no swimming or camping equipment. Transport: Virginia train station 5 km. Booking: Tel & Fax 057 352 5149

Gauteng

Arrowe Park, Benoni

This 20 acre camp ground has some developed camp sites on the shore of Homestead Lake. It is mainly rough veldt grass but has a large area of mowed Kikuyu grass for games etc. The bay which extends into the site is used for water activities. No fishing.
Arrowe Park website

Delta Park, Randburg

This 10 acre sloping camp ground adjoins the Girl Guide’s Trefoil Park, Delta municipal park and the Florence Bloom bird sanctuary in the northern Johannesburg suburbs. It is mostly an open area of mown veldt grass, suitable for activities and camping. Facilities include: an ablution block with hot & cold showers, electric lighting and a kitchen with refrigerators attached to a small hall. Close to shopping centre. Transport: 26°07’38.0″S 28°00’46.0″E. Camp Delta website

Gilwell, Hamberg Rd, Florida

This training ground has both indoor and camping facilities. It has 23 beds & 4 bedrooms, all camp site -, catering and adequate ablution facilities with hot & cold showers, electric lighting and kitchen. Being so popular it is booked for weekends up to a year in advance, but normally has vacancies during the week. Nearest train station is 1.5 km. 55 km to Johannesburg airport. No bus service. Gilwell website

KwaZulu Natal

B-P Camp, Burman Drive, Morningside, Durban

Rustic camping ground in bushy nature reserve almost right in the heart of Durban. Indigenous trees and bushes as well as a wide range of birds, some small animals and plenty of monkeys! Facilities include: 7 patrol sites, two camp fire circles, parade ground, outdoor chapel, ablution block with hot & cold showers, kitchen with gas and electric stoves and fridge. No camping or cooking equipment available. Patrons must supply own equipment. Camp site fenced and secure. Supermarkets nearby. Nearest bus stop 2 km and 5 km to Durban beachfront and Durban centre. Contact KZN Regional office on 031 305 50 84 for bookings, costs & directions.

Lexden Camp Site, Hosking Road, Pietermaritzburg

Park-like camp ground with plenty of trees and a dense bush area in suburban Pietermaritzburg. It is the premier Scout campsite in KZN and is fenced off and secure. Facilities include: modern ablutions and a historic hall. Two campfire circles, open air chapel and lots of room for outdoor activities. Close to town at 3 km from city hall and other attractions in and around Pietermaritzburg. Ideal for Troop and patrol camps, hikes and other activities. For more information about Lexden please email lexdenscoutcamp@gmail.com

1st Hillcrest Grounds, 16 Shortlands Avenue, Hillcrest

The home to the 1st Hillcrest Scout and Guide Group this 3 hectare scout ground joins the 12 hectare Springside Nature Reserve. It has camping facilities for five campsites, a kitchen with stove and hot gas showers, a wonderful campfire circle and a large hall and smaller meeting room. There is also an outdoor cabin the can sleep 30 people. It is fenced off and secure. Hillcrest is 35 km inland from Durban. 031 305 50 84 for bookings, costs and directions.

North West

The SCENE in Mafikeng

Mafikeng, the birth place of Scouting in South Africa hosts Africa’s first Scout Centre of Excellence in Nature and the Environment (SCENE). The Mafikeng SCENE offers programmes and accommodation. More details are available on the Mafikeng SCENE website

Western Cape

Appleton Scout Camp, Signal Hill Rd, Signal Hill

Small campsite in magnificent location on top of Signal Hill overlooking Cape Town and the Atlantic coast. Facilities: small camp ground, a bunk house with 15 beds, kitchen with stove and fridge, ablutions and electricity. No swimming or equipment hire. Attractions: mountain hikes, cable car to summit of Table Mountain, close to Cape Town and the Atlantic beaches. Transport: Kloof Nek bus, 2 km (uphill). Booking WC Regional Office on 021 685 84 20. Appleton Page

Gilray, Prince George Drive & Klip Rd, Grassy Park

Large campsite & training ground surrounded by trees and bushes with big open grass area. Facilities: ablutions, hall and water and electricity. No swimming. Some tents for hire. Resident warden. On Prince George Drive, which leads to Muizenberg and South Peninsula beaches. Transport: Plumstead train station 6 km, Southfield Station 6 km. On M5 from Cape Town. Gilray Page

Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre, Wellington

This 200 ha former farm on the mountainside below du Toit’s kloof hosts an abundance of trees and natural fynbos. Facilities include: Multiple camp sites and 7 indoor accommodation venues ranging from the Rondavel with 2 beds up to the Ole House with over 20 beds. There is a well equipped kitchen, ablution blocks, water and electricity. Hire of camping equipment possible. Attractions include hiking trails and swimming in mountain pools. Transport: Wellington rail station 1h30 hike. Approximately 7 km from Wellington. Booking WC Regional Office on 021 685 84 20.Hawequas Page

Scout Mountain Club Hut, Table Mountain

Stone hut for Scouts overnighting on Table Mountain. Facilities: accommodation for 18 people in 3 rooms, fireplace, sink and toilet. Booking is essential, WC Regional Office on 021 685 84 20. Scout Hut page

Sea Scout Base, Lakeside

Beautifully located small site on Sandvlei lagoon. Facilities: Camping & indoor accommodation, hall, kitchen, ablutions, electricity and water, swimming. Attractions: Active Sea Scout base and close to major False Bay beaches. Excellent facilities for water activities. Sea Scout Base page