Gariep Dam Nature Reserve situated in Xhariep, is the Free State's largest nature reserve and a popular attraction for game watchers, anglers and boating entusiasts.

It is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam (which holds back a vast 6 000 million cubic litres of water) on the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its northern shore. The reserve boasts the largest number of Springbok in the country and other animals such as zebra, black wildebeest and ostrich.