Hartbeespoort Dam Camping
Camping sites close to the water at Hartbeespoort Dam—ideal for fishing, boating and family getaways. Send us your dates and we’ll confirm availability quickly (WhatsApp or email).
- Waterfront camping
- Electrified sites
- Clean ablutions
- Boat launch + mooring
- Family-friendly
- Prior booking only
Overview
We have camping sites close to the water at Hartbeespoort Dam, perfect for fishing, boating and family getaways. Our camping sites are spacious and comfortable, many in the shade. The Hartbeespoort Camping Site is perfect for week ends or extended holidays at the water where one can enjoy activities around the Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding areas.
From the Hartbeespoort Camping Site, you can fish, cycle, follow hiking trails and do birdwatching, boat cruises or just simply relax in the peaceful camping site on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Key highlights
- Camping sites close to the water
- Fishing, boating and family getaways
- Spacious sites (many in the shade)
- Good base for hiking trails, cycling and birdwatching
Send your dates + number of people and whether you want a camping site or a fisherman’s cabin. We’ll confirm availability fast via WhatsApp or email.
Hartbeespoort Dam Camping Facilities
Hartbeespoort Dam Camping facilities include:
Grassy, clean Camping SitesCamping sites close to the water
Electrified Camping Sites
Clean ablution facilities in the Camping Site
Play area for children
Boat Launching area close to the camping site
Boat Mooring area close to the camping site
6 people per camping site
1 caravan per camping site
Camping sites available only by prior booking
Only reserved guests may be in the camping area
Camping area strictly reserved for camping guests
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Fisherman's Cabins
Small fisherman's cabins are available by prior booking and include 2 sleeper units, 4 sleeper units and 5 sleeper cabins. Contact us for more details .What to send us on WhatsApp
- Dates
- Number of people
- Accommodation style (camping site or fisherman’s cabin)
- Budget range (optional)
WhatsApp: +27 76 197 1818 |
Rates / Availability
Send dates + number of guests for options. Camping sites are available only by prior booking. Peak weekends can fill early—message us to check your dates.
Getting There
If you need directions and arrival details for your booking, message us your dates and we’ll send the correct route info and check-in notes by WhatsApp or email.
Things to do while camping at the Hartbeespoort Camping Site
There is so much to do in the Hartbeespoort Dam area, the perfect place for fishing trips, family camping holidays, boating week ends, hiking trails, birdwatching or simply getting away from the city for some time out in our relaxing camping site close to the water.Hartbeespoort Dam Fishing
The Hartbeespoort Dam Camping site is an excellent fishing destination where anglers target big Carp, Bass, Kurper and Barbel. Best Carp baits include flour dough, miellies and worms. For barbel, chicken livers, crabs, worms, small fish and fish heads. Kurper baits include worms and spinners.Quick planning tip: tell us whether you’re bringing a boat, need electrical power, and how many people are in your group—then we can confirm the best-fit site or cabin.
Rules of the Hartbeespoort Camping Site
Camping in by prior reservation only, no casual arrivals at the camping site will be allowed to camp.All payments of camping bookings must be done before arrival at the camping site
No load noise, load music or revving of car or boat motors allowed in the camping site.
No trespassers allowed in the camping site, including "extra guests" who have not payed before arrival.
All facilities at the camping site are used at your own risk.
No weapons are allowed in the camping site.
No littering will be tolerated in the camping site or in the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Only people with prior bookings will be allowed to camp in the camping site.
No pets will be allowed into the camping area or any other part of the resort
Camping arrivals only from 10h00 to 17h00. Departure time on your last camping day is at 10h00.
Only 6 people allowed per camping site
1 caravan allowed per camping site.
The Hartbeespoort Dam - History & Interesting facts
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The Hartbeespoort Dam collects water from the catchments of the Magalies River, 10% of the water supply, and the Crocodile River, supplying the bulk of the water, 90%.. The total catchment area is more than 40 000 square kilometers. There are also 9 smaller rivers which also form part of the catchment of the Hartbeespoort Dam, including the Jukskei River, the Hennops River, the Bloubank River and the Skeurpoort River.
Panning of the Hartbeespoort Dam
The planning of the construction of
the Hartbeespoort Dam began 110 years ago when the
government at the time ordered the investigation of the
feasibility of constructing a dam in the Hartbees Gorge,
fed by water from the Magalies River and the Crocodile
River. Geologists drilled rock core samples from
throughout the Hartbees Poort / gorge to determine whether
the construction of such a large dam wall was
possible here.
The water catchment area of the future Hartbeespoort Dam was calculated and the feasibility of agriculture with irrigation systems was determined. All the reports were positive and the government gave to go ahead to start construction of the Hartbeespoort Dam in 1914. In August 1916, the construction of the Hartbeespoort Dam began, with many problems lying ahead for engineers and construction crews.
The water catchment area of the future Hartbeespoort Dam was calculated and the feasibility of agriculture with irrigation systems was determined. All the reports were positive and the government gave to go ahead to start construction of the Hartbeespoort Dam in 1914. In August 1916, the construction of the Hartbeespoort Dam began, with many problems lying ahead for engineers and construction crews.
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The Construction of the Hartbeespoort Dam
The construction of the
Hartbeespoort Dam was constantly delayed by 3 floods, one
caused by the failure of a dam wall further upstream. Huge
amounts of construction material were lost and never
recovered during these flood events and the costs began to
pile up. Then World War One began and the work stopped
again. Shortly afterwards the construction company went
bankrupt due to the delays and losses and the project was
taken over by another company.
The Hartbeespoort Dam was eventually completed in 1923, and in September of the same year, the road across the dam wall was opened to vehicles. The dam filled up to 100% capacity 2 years later in 1925. The wall of the Hartbeespoort Dam is 145.5m long and 59m high. The maximum depth is 45.1m and the total surface area is 20 square kilometers.
The Hartbeespoort Dam was eventually completed in 1923, and in September of the same year, the road across the dam wall was opened to vehicles. The dam filled up to 100% capacity 2 years later in 1925. The wall of the Hartbeespoort Dam is 145.5m long and 59m high. The maximum depth is 45.1m and the total surface area is 20 square kilometers.
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Agricultural benefits of the Hartbeespoort Dam
A canal system with a total length
of 532km were build to supply the surrounding arable land
where fruit, wheat, feed lucern, tobacco and cut flowers
were farmed. The canal systems transports 110 000 - 150
000 cubic meters of water per year the surrounding farms.
Water Quality
Since the mid 1980's, there have
been problems with water quality in the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The main problems include the inflow of too much nutrient
rich water and an imbalance of the dam's own ecosystem, a
made made ecosystem with many alien species of plants and
fish, including Water Hyacinth, Carp, Barbel and
Largemouth Bass.
The high nutrient levels of the water combines with the ecological imbalance causes high concentrations of algae, especially Blue-green Cyanobacteria. Litter loads were also increasing due to the increasing population in the catchment areas. Cyanobacteria release a substance called microcystin, which can be detrimental to ones heath if ingested. The bacteria also release unpleasant odors which. This is not conducive to the recreational users of the dam as well as nearby residents who can sometimes smell the water.
The high nutrient levels of the water combines with the ecological imbalance causes high concentrations of algae, especially Blue-green Cyanobacteria. Litter loads were also increasing due to the increasing population in the catchment areas. Cyanobacteria release a substance called microcystin, which can be detrimental to ones heath if ingested. The bacteria also release unpleasant odors which. This is not conducive to the recreational users of the dam as well as nearby residents who can sometimes smell the water.
Solution
In 2007, a water remediation program was begun by the Department of Water & Sanitation to improve the water quality of the Hartbeespoort Dam. Measures to improve water quality include the removal of litter, the management of waste in the catchment areas and the capture of unwanted fish species.FAQ
How do I book a camping site or cabin?
Message your dates, number of people, and whether you want a camping site or a fisherman’s cabin. We’ll confirm availability quickly via WhatsApp or email.
Do you allow walk-ins?
Camping is by prior reservation only—no casual arrivals.
What are the arrival and departure times?
Camping arrivals only from 10h00 to 17h00. Departure time on your last camping day is at 10h00.
Inquiries & Bookings
Message us your dates, number of people, and whether you prefer a camping site or fisherman’s cabin. We’ll confirm availability and the best option for your group.
WhatsApp link: https://wa.me/27761971818
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