The Royal Natal National has two popular camping grounds which are served by the main reception centre at Thendele. Mahai campground accommodates up to 400 people in spacious sites laid out next to the Mahai river and the more secluded Rugged Glen on the eastern side of the reserve next to a well stocked trout dam.
The Royal Natal boasts some of the most splendid scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, a rock wall 5 kms. in length and 500 metres high. Above the Amphitheatre is Mont-aux-Sources peak where the Orange River starts its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Down the face of the Amphitheatre cascades the Thukela River, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, on its way to the Indian Ocean.

Mahai is a beautifully situated campsite featuring 120 large campsites nestled along the Mahai River with magnificent mountains forming the backdrop. Half the sites have electric plug points and barbecue stands, and the non-electrified section share barbecue facilities. All sites have shared coldwater taps. Mahai campsite is serviced by five, modern ablution blocks with hot baths and showers, flush toilets, laundry machines and dishwashing facilities.

The more secluded Rugged Glen campsite features twenty campsites with shared coldwater taps. Ten of these campsites feature electrical plug points. The ablutions have hot baths and showers, flush toilets and dishwashing facilities. There are no laundry facilities at Rugged Glen.