The Free State is wide open spaces, big skies, and genuine silence. Rolling hills, working farms, and the majestic Maluti Mountains. The camps on this list are the quiet ones. Here are the quiet campsites I’ve found – no prices, no fluff, just the places where peace is the main attraction
- Meiringskloof Campsite – Fouriesburg
- Golden Gate Highlands Campsite – Clarens
- Soetdoring Nature Reserve Campsite – Bloemfontein
- Donkiekraal Farm Campsite – Fouriesburg
- Armmansvlaktes | Bothaville
- Lesoba Guest Farm – Clarens/Fouriesburg
- Imla Guest Farm – Eastern Free State Highlands
“Quiet” in the Free State means wide open spaces, big skies, and genuine peace.
Meiringskloof Nature Park is located just 1.7 km from Fouriesburg and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, thick indigenous bush, and abundant birdlife . Guests have access to a communal swimming pool and braai areas, and can enjoy hiking trails, exploring nearby caves, bird watching, and spectacular stargazing . The camp is pet-friendly by prior arrangement .
Golden Gate Highlands National Park sits in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, with the imposing Brandwag rock keeping vigil over the rest camp . Glen Reenen Restcamp has 15 campsites with power points . Hiking trails vary from 1-hour strolls to 5-hour treks . The camp also has a shop and petrol station . No pets are allowed .
Soetdoring Nature Reserve is 45 km from Bloemfontein and covers 7,500 hectares, including the Krugersdrift Dam and the Modder River . The reserve is home to gemsbok, eland, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, zebra, and red hartebeest. The Krugersdrift Dam attracts many water birds, and the reserve has over 290 bird species recorded . Activities include game drives, bird watching, angling, and hiking. The reserve has a rustic bushcamp available .
A few things to know before you go:
Soetdoring has no shop – bring your own provisions
Meiringskloof is pet-friendly – but only with prior arrangement
Golden Gate does not allow pets
Golden Gate has power points – 15 campsites with electricity
Soetdoring is 45 km from Bloemfontein – accessible via the R700
FAQs About Quiet Camping in the Free State
Which Free State campsites are the quietest?
Meiringskloof Nature Park is described as having a peaceful and quiet atmosphere [citation:5]. Soetdoring Nature Reserve is appreciated for its tranquility and open spaces [citation:3].
Do these campsites allow pets?
Meiringskloof: Yes, pets are allowed by prior arrangement [citation:5][citation:6][citation:7]. Soetdoring Nature Reserve: Pet policy is not specified in official documentation – contact them directly.
Do I need a 4×4 for these campsites?
No. Meiringskloof is accessible via a gravel road suitable for sedans. Soetdoring and Golden Gate are also accessible to standard vehicles [citation:10].
Are there any facilities at these campsites?
Meiringskloof: Swimming pool, braai areas, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities [citation:5][citation:7]. Soetdoring: Rustic bushcamp with basic facilities – no shop available, bring your own provisions [citation:1]. Golden Gate: 15 campsites with power points, a shop, and petrol station [citation:10][citation:11].
Do these campsites allow generators?
Meiringskloof’s generator policy is not stated in the search results – contact them directly. Golden Gate has power points at most sites, making a generator unnecessary [citation:10]. Soetdoring’s policy is not specified.
What’s the best time of year to camp in the Free State?
April to May and September to October offer the most pleasant weather. Winters are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing; summer is hot with afternoon thunderstorms.
Quiet Campsites free state Map
