Charlesford River Camp Site is situated 15km from Knysna, in a secluded tranquil tree rich environment on the Knysna river banks with amazing birdlife. Most times of the day (depending on the tides and recent rainfall) boats can traverse 5km up and down the river. The starting point is from the Riverside Camp. This makes it an ideal spot to book a Day Visitor’s camp site and relax afterwards with a braai and scenic views of the river and cliff. The campsite provides grassy stands that are ideal for off-road camp trailers and tents for camping.
Charlesford Farm is a working dairy farm and piggery. We have a butchery on the farm where we sell our famous beef and pork products, and we serve tea & coffee with a variety of goodies both sweet and savoury to enjoy under our large Pin Oak Deck.
River Activities offered:
Paddle boating (4 seater) R250.00 per hour
Single canoe R100.00 per hour
Double canoe R150.00 per hour
While enjoying the outdoors there is also:
– Bird watching
– Charlesford Farm hiking trails
– Camping – Riverside Camp
– The Butchery / Deli at the Riverside Campsite sells top quality hormone free meat and
other tasty snacks.
We also have 2 luxury cabins – Hide Away Cabin and Hillside Hideaway Cabin on
our adjoining Spurwing Farm. Visit www.spurwingfarm.co.za for more information.
Location
Open:
Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm
Sat – 9am – 12am
Closed Sundays and public holidays
Situated:
Charlesford Farm,
Phantom Pass Road
Knysna
Co-ordinates:
-34.00501 / 23.00708
Header and gallery images supplied by Charlesford Farm. © Charlesford Farm. All rights reserved.
Camping in Our Home-Built Teardrop Camper at Charlesford Farm
There is something incredibly special about heading off on a camping trip in a camper that you built with your own hands. That’s exactly what we did when we set out for a weekend of relaxation and adventure at Charlesford Farm for the first trip in our tiny wood cabin on wheels. With our home-built teardrop camper in tow, we were excited to immerse ourselves in nature, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and engaging in some of our favourite outdoor activities.
As we arrived at Charlesford Farm, we were immediately taken in by its charm. The open fields, towering trees, and the gentle sounds of nature set the perfect backdrop for a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The main camp ground has 6 stands in a clearing between the trees close to the Knysna river with ablutions, running hot water and solar lights. There is also a ‘ wild side’ with an additional 8 spacious stands for those who like to camp self sufficiently. We found a cosy spot to set up camp, parked our teardrop camper, and took a deep breath of the fresh countryside air. The beauty of teardrop camping is the simplicity—within minutes, we were settled and ready to enjoy our stay.
One of the highlights of our trip was paddling on the river. The calm waters made for a peaceful and enjoyable experience as we drifted along, soaking in the scenic views. The gentle ripples, the occasional bird sighting, and the rustling of the trees along the riverbank created an atmosphere of pure serenity. Such a relaxing experience.
Hiking was another adventure we eagerly embraced. As we trekked along the paths, we were greeted by breath taking views and a variety of flora and fauna. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves beneath our boots, and the distant calls of birds added to the immersive experience.
Speaking of birds, birdwatching turned out to be an unexpected delight. Equipped with binoculars and a guidebook, we spent hours observing the rich variety of birdlife that called Charlesford Farm home. We spotted everything from small songbirds flitting through the trees to majestic birds of prey soaring overhead. It was a reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the area and made us appreciate the farm’s natural beauty even more. A treat was the call of a pair of African Wood Owls in the camp ground at night.
Of course, no camping trip is complete without some well-deserved relaxation. After our outdoor adventures, we took full advantage of the peaceful campground. Whether it was reclining in our camp chairs with a good book, sipping coffee as the sun set, or simply enjoying the quiet stillness of the night, these moments of tranquillity were just as rewarding as our activities. As darkness fell, we sat by the fire, watching the flames dance and sharing stories under a starlit sky.
Our trip to Charlesford Farm in our home-built teardrop camper was truly a memorable experience. The combination of adventure and relaxation made for the perfect getaway. Whether paddling on the river, hiking through the trails, birdwatching, or simply unwinding at the campsite, every moment was a reminder of why we love camping. We returned home refreshed, grateful, and already dreaming about our next teardrop camping adventure.
Please preserve our environment for our posterity by not littering.