Onrus Caravan Park is a municipal campsite about five minutes’ drive from the centre of Hermanus, tucked right on the coast between Haarderbaai and Vermont. It’s an old-school, unpretentious sort of place - the kind of seaside park that’s been quietly beloved for generations - and it makes a perfectly positioned, affordable base for the world-renowned Overberg coastline.

Getting there

We drove the N2 out of Cape Town and onto the Cape Whale Coast Route, winding past Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond with the sea on one side the whole way. We made a quick coffee pitstop at Coffee on Clarence in Betty’s Bay - worth the stop - before carrying on to Onrus. Any car makes the trip comfortably.

The park

What makes Onrus so special is its natural shelter. The powerful Atlantic is just steps away, but the campsite itself is wonderfully protected from the prevailing sea breezes by a dense barrier of ancient milkwood trees and coastal bush. It creates a calm, green enclave where you get the sound and smell of the sea without the full force of the wind. The well-kept grounds and spacious sites make it a comfortable, peaceful spot for a tent or caravan.

It’s a friendly, community-minded place - especially popular with pensioners and caravan clubs, who turn it into a lively social hub in the quieter low-season months when generous discounts are on offer. That mix of natural beauty and warm camaraderie is exactly why it stays so popular.

Check-in & facilities

Check-in at reception is quick and easy. The ablutions are basic but neat and tidy, and there’s a kiosk on site selling ice cream and other essentials. Families are well looked after: there’s a kids’ play area with a jungle gym and slides, and even a netball court.

What we loved

  • Right on the coast, yet sheltered by milkwood trees.
  • Direct access to Davies Pool, a tidal pool just outside the gate.
  • Five minutes from Hermanus and Walker Bay whale watching.
  • Kids’ play area and netball court on site.
  • Affordable, with great low-season discounts.

Worth knowing

  • Ablutions are basic - clean and tidy, but no frills.
  • Pets: small breeds only, with prior written approval from the manager.
  • Max 6 people per stand; a fee applies for a second vehicle.
  • No day-visitor vehicles during peak season.
  • Quiet hours 22:00-08:00 are strictly enforced.

The coast & tidal pool

You get direct access to Davies Pool, a tidal pool tucked just outside the resort - there’s a path and a gate that lead you straight to it. In the afternoon we took a walk along the rugged coastline of Onrus beach, watching the waves crash over the rocks. It’s the kind of shoreline that rewards a slow wander.

The sea is right there - you just don’t feel the wind. That’s the trick the milkwoods pull off.

Food & the fire

For lunch we drove to Milk on the Beach, a restaurant a stone’s throw from the resort. One burger and chips, one fish and chips with some of the best tartar sauce we’ve ever tasted. Heading into the evening we took it easy - started the fire, made hot chocolate, and braaied chicken wings for supper.

Exploring Hermanus

We left early the next morning to make the most of Hermanus, just 15 minutes away. We did the Hermanus Cliff Path - genuinely beautiful - before breakfast at Groves Restaurant, then wandered through the Old Harbour Market. On the way home we stopped in at the Stony Point Penguin Colony. For a one-night stay, Onrus packs in a lot of coastline.

A tidal-pool swim, wings on the fire, and the cliff path at sunrise. Onrus is a small stay that opens up a big stretch of coast.

Inland from here we also reviewed Vloedbos Vacation Resort near Caledon - another easy family option.