Appleton probably has the most beautiful location of any urban Scout campsite in the world. To the east is a stunning view over Cape Town and the harbour of Table Bay, with Sea Point and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the site is overlooked by Table Mountain and Lions Head.

Appleton is on Signal Hill Road, which is accessible from the Kloof Nek intersection. About 2km from Kloof Nek, you pass the Kramat on your left. The turnoff to the campsite is to your left, exactly 1 km past the Kramat. A regular open-topped tourist bus runs from the city centre to Kloof Nek.  It is possible to hike to Appleton from Cape Town station in under two hours. The route via Adderley Street, the Gardens, Kloof Nek Road and Signal Hill Road is varied and interesting, and the site can also be reached via a path from the Noon Gun.

Daytime activities

• Training activities in the shade of the pine trees
• Sport and games on the campsite lawns
• Fynbos nature trail
• Visit the viewpoint on Signal Hill
• Visit the Noon Gun
• Fly model planes on Signal Hill
• Cultural visit to the Kramat on Signal Hill (1 km from Appleton)
• Visit the historic cannons on Signal Hill between the Kramat and Lions Head
• Hike up Lions Head
• Bo-Kaap / Cape Malay heritage theme
• Robben Island theme
• Weather observation
• Geology of the Cape Peninsula
• Day hikes on Table Mounatin (the start of the Pipe Track at Kloof Nek is 3 km from Appleton)
• Peninsula cycling trip, overnighting at Appleton

Night activities

• Braai or backwoods cooking
• Campfire – please check with the warden as fires may not be allowed depending on conditions
• Sunset views, watching the city lights and the ships out at sea
• Stargazing
• Night hike up Lions Head

Appleton campsite is named after John “Appie” Appleton. Read more about him under Legendary Leaders on the Western Cape Scout Heritage website.

Visit Appleton Scout Campsite on Facebook.

Booking form for Scouts SA Members

Booking form for Non-Members