Riverside Camping in Chiltern Hills AONB

Rising up between bustling London and old Oxford, this sprawling chalk escarpment represents quintessential English countryside all the year round. The region’s rolling farmland, ancient forests, and winding waterways ensure ample opportunity for outdoor adventure and wild-style camping, while the recent successful reintroduction of red kites makes it a must-see spot for any nature lover. Campgrounds of every kind provide plenty of Hipcamping options, from family-friendly holiday parks and exclusive glamping huts, to working farms and no-frills field sites, this Area of Natural Beauty has it all.

87% (558)

Top-rated campgrounds

Rising up between bustling London and old Oxford, this sprawling chalk escarpment represents quintessential English countryside all the year round. The region’s rolling farmland, ancient forests, and winding waterways ensure ample opportunity for outdoor adventure and wild-style camping, while the recent successful reintroduction of red kites makes it a must-see spot for any nature lover. Campgrounds of every kind provide plenty of Hipcamping options, from family-friendly holiday parks and exclusive glamping huts, to working farms and no-frills field sites, this Area of Natural Beauty has it all.

87% (558)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(148)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

2. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

3. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England

Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!

4. Farm stay belltent with activities

9 units · Tents · England

large belltent with double beds and other beds furnishing , outdoor kitchen close by with everything needed to cook bbq , firepits gazebos table chairs lights etc . just bring bedding , charcoal , wood and your clothes and towels! Everything else provided with activities fishing , swimming paddling boats paddle boards goldings beach by the crystal clear chalk stream , 60 acre rare breeds farm and grade 1 listed country estate to explore. Zipwire woodland area collect eggs chickens , hammocks play areas craft mini goat walks farm tour meet feed our friendly donkeys , mini cows piglets lambs etc Outdoor kitchen with everything needed , shelters

5. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

13 units · Glamping · Buckingham, England

Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire

6. The Pig Place Campsite

92%

(93)

45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Oxfordshire, South East England

Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm

7. Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%

(8)

6 units · Glamping · England

Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)

8. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

124 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital. The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.

9. Camping with a festival spirit

92%

(38)

32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bedfordshire, England

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

10. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

50 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

11. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

25 units · Tents · England

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

12. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

13. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%

(25)

43 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.

14. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England

Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.

15. Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf

100%

(23)

3 units · Glamping · Warwickshire, West Midlands

Pod glamping and tent camping while watching boats go by on the banks of the Grand Union Canal

16. Farm sleep cabin

1 unit · Glamping · England

Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.

17. Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

18. Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

19. Goldings farm yurt with activities

1 unit · Glamping · CA

yurt belltent with double bed and additional beds within the picturesque grade 1 listed country estate and farm . Farm experience with farmer morag . feed pet our friendly donkeys , mini baby goats , piglets sheep etc. Collect eggs form our hens , zipwire woodland area , hammocks swings on 600 year old oak tree. sand play area , swim paddle ,boats , paddle boards etc on our crystal clear chalk stream. craft activities in hols .Full communal outdoor kitchen with everything needed for you to cook, electric point , gas hobs , fridge freezer , cookware , washing facilities , cooker, tea coffee kettles , . includes bbqs , firepits , covered seating areas table chairs . bedding , unique interior design , proper double bed, extra beds lighting , Wonderful 60 acre farm to explore with unique animals freely roaming .Just bring your pjs, food , charcoal , firewood . This is a real working farm and extraordinary country estate minutes from the historic Hertford town centre. 40 mins to central london , close to hertfordshire zoo , harry potter attraction , and many other facilities.

Camper favorites in and near Chiltern Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%

(25)

43 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England

Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.

Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf

100%

(23)

3 units · Glamping · Warwickshire, West Midlands

Pod glamping and tent camping while watching boats go by on the banks of the Grand Union Canal

Farm sleep cabin

1 unit · Glamping · England

Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.

Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

Goldings farm yurt with activities

1 unit · Glamping · CA

yurt belltent with double bed and additional beds within the picturesque grade 1 listed country estate and farm . Farm experience with farmer morag . feed pet our friendly donkeys , mini baby goats , piglets sheep etc. Collect eggs form our hens , zipwire woodland area , hammocks swings on 600 year old oak tree. sand play area , swim paddle ,boats , paddle boards etc on our crystal clear chalk stream. craft activities in hols .Full communal outdoor kitchen with everything needed for you to cook, electric point , gas hobs , fridge freezer , cookware , washing facilities , cooker, tea coffee kettles , . includes bbqs , firepits , covered seating areas table chairs . bedding , unique interior design , proper double bed, extra beds lighting , Wonderful 60 acre farm to explore with unique animals freely roaming .Just bring your pjs, food , charcoal , firewood . This is a real working farm and extraordinary country estate minutes from the historic Hertford town centre. 40 mins to central london , close to hertfordshire zoo , harry potter attraction , and many other facilities.

Stories from the community

A

Andrea

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time

A

Alex

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️

S

Savannah

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

The Yurt was lovely and well setup. Loved the lights and fire place inside to warm it up when it got cold in the evening. The site had chairs and a fire pit setup with wood available to buy which was great as we didn’t have to try and find some before arriving. Would really recommend!

F

Fatima

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm

Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!

E

Elisa

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

LOVED this stay. If your little one has sensitive ears you may need ear plugs/defenders as the aircrafts are rather loud. But over all, I loved this trip. Maybe need to take your own headlamp/torch as bathroom lamps were temperamental. Staff were amazing, everything well equipped. Would definitely recommend.

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!

A

Andy

September 2025

2 nights at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Beautiful Yurts - excellent facilities and a peaceful setting. Made for a perfect quick getaway. Hosts were friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome

B

Bob

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club

Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

O

Olly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

Had a lovely, welcoming and friendly, and really enjoyed the farm, getting to hold 2 day old ducks and bottle feed baby goats. We'll be back

I

Issy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!

C

Craig

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc. After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display. The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.

G

Greg

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Meadow @ Waples Mill

Martin was a great host! Welcomed us upon arrival and was very relaxed about where we could pitch up. The campsite is a hidden gem! Peaceful location. Perfect for our festival weekend in Chelmsford! Campsite has many toilets and heated showers. Would stay here again!

S

Simon

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs. My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities

S

Sophie

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch

A

Amy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Lovely place, rustic and very back to nature. My son loved the whole experience! The little river is a winner and him and his friend had the best time on it the boats and paddle boards. Such a lovely relaxing and peaceful place for us adults aswell! Morag was so friendly and approachable and very laid back.

N

NA

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Daisy May’s Farm

Campsite has lots of space. Farm animals are lovely.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside camping in Chiltern Hills AONB guide

Where to go

Dunstable

In the northeast of the AONB, this market town and its chalky downs are often referred to as the Gateway to the Chilterns. Featured on both the Icknield Way Path and Chiltern Way, the region is a rambler’s paradise, while Whipsnade Zoo, a Neolithic burial site, and ideal windsport conditions provide plenty more for Hipcampers to see and do. Camping and glamping opportunities abound on the region’s private farmland.

High Wycombe

A major network hub nestled in the midst of the Chilterns, High Wycombe can be reached from London Marylebone in just 30 minutes, making it a great destination for weekends away from the city. Its wider region is rich in National Trust properties, nature reserves, glampsites, and back-to-basics campgrounds set on sprawling green fields.

Berkhamsted

On the banks of the Grand Union Canal and Bulbourne River, this small town is a top destination for river ramblers and narrowboaters on their way into the Chilterns. Nearby orchards and farms provide all manner of field camping experiences, from simple tent pitches to exclusive shepherd hut hire.

Henley-on-Thames

In the southerly reaches of the Chilterns, this Thameside town boasts museums, National Trust properties, and plenty of great British pubs. Part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome network, ramblers are actively encouraged to roam the region’s footpaths, trails, and treks. Overnight options include touring parks and secluded riverside campgrounds.

Reading

Marking the point where the River Kennet meets the River Thames, the market town of Reading and its scenic surrounds provide a convenient launch point for exploration of the Chilterns to the north and North Wessex Downs to the west, as well as London and Windsor to the east. Several working farms offer no-frills, wild-style camping, while Wellington Country Park specialises in kid-friendly experiences.