Are you considering camping in Namibia and looking for where to stay in Namibia? Would you like to have a stunning experience to camp in the country and stay at the best campsites in Namibia? Then this Namibia camping guide is for you.

We love to go camping. It is our preferred way of travelling if possible, which we intercept with a random stay at a luxury hotel or cruise journey. One of our most favourite countries to go camping in is Namibia. With its dazzling landscapes, diverse wildlife, vast open spaces and beautiful nature, Namibia is a great country for everyone to go camping. Also, the campsites in Namibia are often quirky and spectacular at the same time. Even for non-experienced campers, going camping in Namibia will be a unique experience that you need to try. Don’t forget to read our best tips about travelling in Namibia and our Namibia Travel Guide. 

Namibia is a great destination for camping. It is one of those places where people who are not used to camping or who will never even consider sleeping in a tent, will typically rent a 4×4 with a rooftop tent and camp at least a few times on their Namibian road trip, and most will absolutely love it. 

So when you are you planning a visit and want to add some extra wow to your upcoming road trip in Namibia?  Look no further. We have compiled a list of our favourite camping sites in Namibia and reasons why we recommend them. This Namibia camping guide is based on our personal experiences of having travelled in the country extensively during the past 13 years.  We will go back to the campsites we describe in this guide any time, either because of their location, the setting, or the activities they offer. There are quite a lot of beautiful campsites in Namibia, so it’s practically impossible to list them all. This guide can be used as a basis to give some extra places to consider during your trip. 

Disclosure: We have not been sponsored to stay at any of the places mentioned in this post. We paid to stay at all of them, just like everyone else on a normal holiday. This post serves to highlight our favourites. All opinions are our own.  

What makes camping in Namibia so special?

Camping in Namibia is a wonderful experience because most of Namibia is arid desert with some of the most surreal, breathtaking scenery on this planet. Staying in a luxury lodge is really nice, but in my opinion, the best way to experience Namibia is to camp in the desert as there is no light nor noise pollution and you will see the stars like nowhere else on earth. And you can be sure to be able to take the most beautiful pictures in Namibia. It is also important to know when you go camping, what is the best time to visit Namibia.

 10 Stunning campsites in Namibia

Click on the red pins to get the exact locations of the various campsites.

Canyon Roadhouse Campsite, Fish River Canyon

One of our favourite Namibia camping sites is Canyon Roadhouse. Over the years, we have stayed here numerous times.  Located on the gravel road D601 en route to the Fish River Canyon, The Canyon Roadhouse provides a unique and authentic ambience with a flair of Route 66 nostalgia.

There are 10 camping sites in a fairly large area, giving each campsite enough privacy from its neighbours. Each campsite has enough shade provided by at least 1 large tree. The sites are large, neat and private and each comes with a braai place and a water tap.

The main area as well as the restaurant are worth a visit. A collection of vintage cars and various authentic memorabilia from a bygone era decorate the main building. You can easily spend quite a bit of time going through this stunning collection while having a drink at their bar. And do try their famous Roadhouse Burger for lunch, it’s delicious.

The campsites at Canyon Roadhouse are quite spacious

• • Shared ablutions with plenty of flushing toilets and hot showers
  • Washing area for laundry and crockery at the ablutions
  • 230V AC Electrical point in the campsite
  • Private barbeque area
  • Running drinkable water – a tap in the campsite
  • Restaurant / Bar
  • WiFi (100MB free) Be advised that getting the internet out to these remote areas is not cheap. In this case it’s satellite.
  • Swimming Pool

• • Fish River Canyon: the viewpoint from the canyon is only 25 km away which is great if you want to stay at the canyon for watching the sunset and not to drive too far anymore on the gravel roads in the dark.
  • Watch the sunset / sunrise: There is a hill just behind the campsite, which is not difficult to climb with 360° views, so it’s perfect to watch both the sunrise as well as the sunset from here. Do take a flashlight with you when walking up or down in the dark.
  • Hiking trails around the camping grounds. Ask the reception for more info about these trails.
  • Stargazing

Campsite Rates:

Prices for camping are N$ 215 per person (rates for 2019). More detailed price info on their website.

Aerial view of the Canyon Roadhouse campsite

Okaukuejo Campsite, Etosha National Park

Going on a safari in Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of a visit to Namibia. 

Even though there is plenty of great accommodation outside the park, staying over inside the park is a whole different experience. All of the campsites within the park have their own floodlit waterholes where wildlife can come to drink. Okaukuejo is also the administrative headquarters of the park, located in the middle, on the western bank of the Etosha pan and about 17 km from the central Anderson gate. This central location makes it a great base to explore various sections of the park from, including the Etosha pan itself.

Okaukuejo campsite is the most popular campsite and can get really busy during peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended to make sure you get a camping spot secured.

While we have every intention of going back there many more times, we also need to make you aware that the campsites are quite close together with not much privacy compared to many other campsites in Namibia. It’s also frequented by larger tour groups which means it might be more noisy than other places.

But what makes us choose Okaukuejo campsite as one of the best places to stay in Namibia is it’s famous floodlit waterhole which is visited very frequently by wildlife day and night. It’s very common to see the rare black rhino, in fact it’s very common to see lots of rhino’s during the night, as well as lions and plenty of other animals. It’s really like a live show of National Geographic at night. The waterhole is about 50 meters from the campsite fence and the surrounding area is wide and open which means you can see animals approaching from a far distance. Every time I visited Okaukuejo, which has been plenty, the waterhole has been the highlight of my visit to Etosha.

Read also: Top 25 things to do in Namibia

View of the waterhole in the Okaukuejo campsite with plenty of space to sit and enjoy the wildlife

• • Shared ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • Washing area for laundry and crockery at the ablutions
  • 230V AC Electrical point in the campsite
  • Private barbeque area
  • Running water – a tap in the campsite
  • Restaurant / Bar
  • Large Swimming Pool and relaxing area
  • Shop with basic items
  • Fuel station

Main attractions: 

• • Self-drive safari in Etosha National Park
  • Game drive options to be organised with the park (morning, afternoon or night drives)
  • Observing wildlife 24 hours at the flootlit and spectacular waterhole within the camp

Campsite Rates: 

Rates for camping until June 2019 are N$ 300 per person. Bookings have to be made via Namibia Wildlife Resorts website, where you can also find up to date information about camping and accommodation rates as well as prices for game drives.

El Dorado campsite, Anderson Gate by Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park has limited camping space availability which can be a problem during high tourist season. So when visiting Etosha National Park, there are quite a few options for accommodation just outside the park. El Dorado campsite is located on the C38, which is the main road between Windhoek and Etosha, only 10 km from the Anderson entrance gate and 37 km from the Okaukuejo campsite.

El Dorado is one of the few campsites in Namibia with lush grassy campsites, which can be a relief from all the sand, especially during the hot summer months. The campsite is part of a private game farm and they are running a program to re-home animals, like cheetah’s who sometimes escape from Etosha National Park. 

El Dorado campsite has nice grassy sites

• • Shared ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • 230V AC Electrical point in the campsite
  • Private barbeque area at each campsite
  • Running water – a tap in the campsite
  • Picnic table
  • Bar
  • Dinner and breakfast in the restaurant available on request
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wood for sale
  • Limited Wifi in the bar area

Main attractions:

• • Safari at Etosha National Park
  • Guided visit of the animals within the farm

Campsite Rates:

 More info about campsite rates and contact details on their website.

Duwisib Castle restcamp, Hardap area

Standing in the shadows of two major touristic highlights, the Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei, the often overlooked Duwisib Castle is a bit off the beaten track. Located on the gravel road D826 between Helmeringhausen and Sossusvlei, Duwisib Castle is a surprise to see. It was built in 1909 by Baron Captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf and is since 1970 transferred to the Namibian state who opened it to the public. The adjacent campsite is great for an overnight stay after visiting the castle or even as a stop-over. 

The campsites are well-shaded by thorn trees, are fairly large, and provide enough privacy from your neighbour. The ablutions are clean. There is no electricity provided in the campsite, but the ablutions have solar powered lights to provide enough light during the night. 

We loved this campsite, because when we stayed in the campsite it was almost empty, so it was really quiet. From your tent you can get the most wonderful views over the landscape of the Namib desert. 

Amazing view from our campsite in Duwisib Castle Restcamp

• • No electricity
  • Clean ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • No wifi
  • Stone table and chairs
  • Private barbeque area

Main attractions:

• • A visit to Duwisib Castle
  • Going back to the basics 

Campsite Rates:

Rates in 2019 is N$ 150 per person. The campsite is part of Namibian Wildlife Resorts and should be booked via NWR. More info here. 

Who would expect to see a castle in the middle of the desert in Namibia?

Sossus Oasis Restcamp, Sossusvlei

A trip to Sossusvlei is highly recommended when visiting Namibia. Sossus Oasis restcamp is located just outside the entrace gate to Sossusvlei. It’s a lovely campsite in a beautiful setting against the spectacular landscape of the Namib desert and the Naukluft mountains in the distance. The colours during sunrise and sunset are just jaw-dropping.

Sossus Oasis offers 12 campsites, each at a relative distance from one another to guarantee some privacy. The pool is located in the central part of the campsite and is a really nice place to de-sand and cool down during the hot summer months and to get refreshed after spending a day at the red dunes of Sossusvlei. There is also a separate overland group campsite a fair distance away from the private areas which makes the campsite really quiet at night without having large groups in the site right next to you.

Since Sossus Oasis is located just outside Sossusvlei park, you will only be able to enter the park at sunrise, which makes watching the sunrise at Dune 45 impossible (this is what many people want to do). In my humble opinion, I really like driving through the park past the different dunes after sunrise instead of in the dark. The famous Dune 45 is coincidentally exactly 45 km drive from the entrance and the landscape is really surreal with high red dunes on both sides of the road. Seeing these dunes changing colours while driving is as beautiful as watching the sunrise from the top of Dune 45.

• • Shaded sites
  • Private ablutions with flushing toilet, hot showers, kitchen basin
  • Private barbeque area
  • 220V AC electrical point
  • Common swimming pool
  • At the entrance: Small convenience store, fuel station with tyre workshop and internet cafe
  • Credit card facilities available

Main attractions:

• • Visit Sossusvlei area with Dune 45, Deadvlei, Big Daddy
  • Visit Sesriem canyon: this small canyon often gets overlooked, but it’s really worth a visit down into the canyon. It’s only a short 4 km drive from the campsite.

Campsite rates:

Rates are N$ 210 per person in 2019. Special rates for children apply. More info here.

Spitzkoppe Community Restcamp

One of my favourite campsites in Namibia is the Spitzkoppe campsite. It is large area with huge granite boulders, peaks and caves, which gave it the name the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’. Centuries ago, the Spitzkoppe used to be inhabited by the Bushman tribe, who were the first inhabitants of southern Africa. You can still see San rock art in various places between the rocks. At the moment, the Spitzkoppe Rest Camp is run by the local Spitzkoppe community.

What makes camping in Spitzkoppe Rest camp so unique? First of all, the campsite is spread over a big area which will feel like you have the whole place to yourself. It is really quiet, especially at night, and with no light pollution at all. The night sky is mesmerising and is perfect if you love taking photos of stars or just sitting by the campfire and enjoying the captivating beauty of the billions above you.

The campsites have no electricity, no water, no showers and only basic pit latrine toilets, aka ‘long drops’. There are showers available at the reception area, but I would not really count on this, since your campsite can be a few kilometres away from the reception.

Watching the sunset and sunrise is really a must in Spitzkoppe. You can climb on to one of the boulders and just sit there to enjoy the stunning colours of the sun setting or rising behind the horizon. Sitting a bit higher up will give you a better view of the whole area in and around the boulders.

Tip: When climbing the boulders or rocks in the evening to watch the sunset, do take a very good flashlight with you. Once the sun sets it gets really dark, really quick and you may have trouble finding your way back to your campsite. I’ve been there, done that and yes, got lost. So really keep that in mind (apart from taking care climbing down the rocks). What might be a good idea is to take a GPS with you, after marking the location of your campsite.

Tip: Since there is no water at the campsites, make sure to take enough with you for drinking, cooking and washing yourself and dishes. You’d be surprised at how little water we actually need to survive. The bushmen didn’t need much at all.

Camping in between the boulders in Spitzkoppe Restcamp

 Campsite facilities:

• • No electricity in the campsite
  • Dry compost toilets
  • No water in the campsite
  • Hot showers only available at the reception. Be aware that the area is huge and that some campsites are a few kilometres away from the reception area.

Main attractions:

• • Stargazing – there is no light pollution and the amount of stars you can see here is really amazing
  • Watch the sunrise and the sunset on top of the granite boulders. Do take your flashlight and a GPS to find your way back to your camp because there won’t be a point of reference in the dark
  • Enjoy the peace, silence, stars and the amazingly beautiful views
  • Bushman painting – San rock art. Be advised that it is currently not possible anymore to visit the rock art by yourself, you will need to go with a guide, which can be organised at the reception.

Campsite Rates:

Camping rates for 2019 are N$ 170 per adult. More detailed information about rates and guided tours can be found on their website.

Spitzkoppe

Quivertree Forest Restcamp, Keetmanshoop

Located on the farm Gariganus only 13 km north of Keetmanshoop, Quivertree Forest Restcamp provides a great overnight stop on the edge of a large quiver tree Forest. The quiver tree (also locally known as the Kokerboom) is endemic to the southern part of Namibia and certain parts of South Africa. In fact, the quiver tree not a tree, but a succulent. It received its name from the bushman who used to hollow out the tubular branches to use as quivers for their arrows.

What makes this quiver tree forest so unique? During your travels you may see lots of quiver trees dotted around the Namibian landscape. However, this quiver tree forest is the only place with over 250 trees. The place looks really magical, especially during sunset. Hence the reason why an overnight stop at the Quivertree Forest Restcamp is advised if you love taking photos during sunrise or sunset with the distinctive quiver trees in the background.

The campsite is rather basic, but has all the facilities to make it a comfortable overnight spot.

Quiver tree forest in Keetmanshoop.

• • Shaded sites
  • Shared ablutions with flushing toilet and hot showers
  • Barbeque area on each campsite
  • 220V AV electrical point
  • WIFI is available at the reception

Main attractions:

• • Visit the Quiver tree forest
  • Visit the Giant’s Playground a few kilometres north of the restcamp
  • Feeding the cheetah’s in the enclosure on the property
  • Practise your night photography in the Quiver tree forest (has to be pre arranged with the camp)
  • Enjoy watching, but don’t feed the meerkats running around the campsite

Campsite Rates:

All updated information about campsite rates can be found on this website. Keep in mind the cost for camping per person and added rates for car and entrance to the Giant’s Playground and the Quivertree Forest

Ai-Ais hot springs campsite, Fish River Canyon

Nestled between the rocky hills of the Fish River Canyon at the southern end, the Ai-Ais resort is beautifully located. The resort is famous for its natural hot springs which is really welcoming after spending time on the dusty gravel roads. Outside is a large swimming pool heated with the thermal waters from the hot springs, which is perfect for the cold winter evenings. The main building has some lovely indoor pools with varying water temperatures. It’s a great location to relax and enjoy the healing mineral water.

The resort has rooms available as well as a large camping area. The set-up of the campsite is a gravel oval shape around a large grassy area, on which it is not allowed to camp. It’s a good location to do some hiking, visit the Fish River Canyon, and to stay over to relax for a few days.

Read more: Fish River Canyon in Namibia

Ai-Ais hot springs campsite. 

• • Shared ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • Washing area for laundry and crockery at the ablutions
  • 230V AC Electrical point in the campsite
  • Private barbeque area
  • Picnic table
  • Running water – a tap in the campsite
  • Restaurant / Bar
  • Large swimming pool and relaxing area
  • Shop with basic items
  • Fuel Station

Main attractions:

• • Visit the Fish River Canyon viewpoint
  • Take a short hike to the end of the canyon, walking distance from the campsite
  • Take a healing bath in the thermal water

Campsite Rates:

Camping rates for 2019 are N$ 210 per person. Bookings have to be made with NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) here.

Hot Springs pool in the Ai-Ais campsite

Amanzi Trails Rivercamp, Noordoewer, on the Orange river

One of the areas that is often skipped by foreign tourists on a visit to Namibia is the area of the Orange river, located in the south on the border with South Africa. It’s a bit off the beaten track of the main highlights of Namibia, but it’s an area we really love to visit. It’s a small green stretch of nature on the river banks overlooking the desert mountains of South Africa and Namibia. It is also an important area for grape farming, which can be seen along the river. The main activity of the area is canoeing and rafting trips on the Orange river ranging from a few hours to multi-day trips.

A canoe trip on the river is so relaxing and so beautiful, while enjoying the nature and listening to the call of the Fish Eagle (the national bird of Namibia). The river also great for swimming and relaxing on the river banks.

Amanzi Rivercamp has 24 pretty large grassy sites, nicely separated providing enough privacy. We love the campsites by the river’s edge which give us an amazing sunrise view from the tent over the Orange river.

Sunrise view over the Orange river from our campsite

• • Shared ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • Washing area for laundry and crockery at the ablutions
  • 230V AC Electrical point in the campsite
  • Private barbeque area
  • Non-potable cold running water + kitchen sink in the campsite. Drinking water available at a central tap.
  • Bar

Main attractions:

• • Canoeing trip on the Orange river

Campsite Rates:

Camping rates for 2019 are N$ 150 per night per adult. More info about prices here 

Kayaking on the Orange river between Namibia and South Africa

Shark Island, Lüderitz

Beginning of the 20th century, Shark Island used to be a prison camp, between 1905 and 1907. Now the island has turned into a peninsula with a rich history and with the only campsite in Ludertiz. It’s also the campsite with some of the best coastal views in Namibia. This basic campsite has 360° views, overlooking the bay, harbour and town of Luderitz, and where you can see some of the best sunsets. The campsite is walking distance from Luderitz.

Tip: Very often a strong wind will blow along the coast, making camping without the proper gear pretty uncomfortable. Also, the mist that comes up often during the evenings can make everything very wet. You can set up camp behind one of the boulders in the campsite, if these places are available.

Camping by the sea on Shark Island

View of the main land from Shark Island campsite

• • Shared ablutions with flushing toilets and hot showers
  • Private barbeque area
  • 220V AC electrical point

Main attractions:

• • Visit the town of Luderitz
  • Visit Diaz point on the main peninsula
  • Whale watching
  • Visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop

Campsite Rates:

The campsite is part of Namibia Wildlife Resorts and should be booked through them. More info about rates and booking on their website.