Best campsites for hikers in Dedham Vale AONB

Dedham Vale AONB draws hikers for its winding trails, patchwork fields, and quiet woodlands. With over 290 camping options tailored for hikers, you’ll find pitches that put you steps from some of East Anglia’s best footpaths. Prices start at just £13 per night, with an average around £105. Top picks include Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire (53 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews), and Wardley Hill Campsite (41 reviews). Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer proper toilets. You’ll spot deer at dawn, catch glimpses of kingfishers by the river, and finish your hike with a local ale in a nearby pub. Pack sturdy boots and a torch—Dedham Vale’s footpaths can get muddy, and the stars are worth staying out for.

99% (485)

Top-rated campgrounds

Dedham Vale AONB draws hikers for its winding trails, patchwork fields, and quiet woodlands. With over 290 camping options tailored for hikers, you’ll find pitches that put you steps from some of East Anglia’s best footpaths. Prices start at just £13 per night, with an average around £105. Top picks include Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire (53 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews), and Wardley Hill Campsite (41 reviews). Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer proper toilets. You’ll spot deer at dawn, catch glimpses of kingfishers by the river, and finish your hike with a local ale in a nearby pub. Pack sturdy boots and a torch—Dedham Vale’s footpaths can get muddy, and the stars are worth staying out for.

99% (485)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(177)

47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England

We are a WILD campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE

2. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%

(34)

11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other

3. Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

4. Sunnyside Campsite

1 unit · Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk

5. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(143)

20 units · Tents, Glamping · Ely, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral

6. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(38)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Whitstable, England

Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.

7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

8. Brightwell Country Park

100%

(14)

1 unit · Glamping · Woodbridge, Suffolk, East Anglia

Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door

9. Wardley Hill Campsite

100%

(110)

24 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite on the Norfolk Suffolk border

10. Hillside Farm Camping

100%

(9)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Weston, England

Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border

11. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.

12. Ling's Meadow

100%

(25)

10 units · Tents · Suffolk, East Anglia

Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife

13. Birds & Bees Campsite

100%

(20)

21 units · Tents · Saxmundham, England

Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

14. The Orchard at Fen End Farm

96%

(13)

7 units · Glamping · Cambridge, England

No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge

15. Gemini Camp

100%

(11)

1 unit · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Glamping stays in a cabin on a private six-acre nature reserve in Essex

16. Driftways Glamping and Camping

100%

(12)

14 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Camping and glamping in a spacious meadow on a South Norfolk smallholding

17. Field of dreams

100%

(2)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Duxford, England

The site is nearly an acre set in the corner of a five acre meadow we have a maximum of 10 pitches in our arable farm sitting on one of the highest spots in Essex on the Cambridgeshire border overlooking Duxford IWM . If it is a show weekend we are able to take more pitches . we have a pond in the middle of the meadow and nesting owls in a tree on the hedgerow Surrounded by fields but a short walk to a very good pub and short drive to nearest well stocked village shop If you want to relax and restore this is the place to come

18. Berty the yurty

94%

(18)

1 unit · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.

19. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%

(45)

5 units · Glamping · Norfolk, England

Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park

20. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

Camper favorites in and near Dedham Vale AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Birds & Bees Campsite

100%

(20)

21 units · Tents · Saxmundham, England

Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

The Orchard at Fen End Farm

96%

(13)

7 units · Glamping · Cambridge, England

No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge

Gemini Camp

100%

(11)

1 unit · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Glamping stays in a cabin on a private six-acre nature reserve in Essex

Driftways Glamping and Camping

100%

(12)

14 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Camping and glamping in a spacious meadow on a South Norfolk smallholding

Field of dreams

100%

(2)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Duxford, England

The site is nearly an acre set in the corner of a five acre meadow we have a maximum of 10 pitches in our arable farm sitting on one of the highest spots in Essex on the Cambridgeshire border overlooking Duxford IWM . If it is a show weekend we are able to take more pitches . we have a pond in the middle of the meadow and nesting owls in a tree on the hedgerow Surrounded by fields but a short walk to a very good pub and short drive to nearest well stocked village shop If you want to relax and restore this is the place to come

Berty the yurty

94%

(18)

1 unit · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.

Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%

(45)

5 units · Glamping · Norfolk, England

Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park

Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

Stories from the community

T

Toyah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

We had such a fun time. Claire (our host) was lovely and made us feel incredibly welcome. We didn't bring anything to sit on (as we had taken public transport) and she was kind enough to lend us some benches for us to use on our patch. She ensured that our wood was kept dry for our campfire and that she was within reach should we need anything. We would definitely return again. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Carl

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Just the one solo night at Hatters testing out some new equipment. Beautiful and well maintained campsite with a friendly owner Claire, who left me to myself. Non electric pitch.

L

Lee

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Great welcome and although the windiest weekend of the year so far a decent pitch with a little shelter. Two walks over the weekend one directly from camp and the other from the Swale estuary car park, both worth it.

B

Ben

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Lakes

The shepherd hut was clean and very comfortable. The location was peaceful and we had some amazing sunsets and rises. The wood fired hot tub was great as was the wood fire BBQ which was super easy to use and made the food taste great. We had a fantastic 2 nights and can’t wait to go back.

F

Frankie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Great campsite. Lovely site wardens, site and facilities were all very clean and wrll thought out. Friday night pizza was a lovely treat and very tasty. Would deffinetly stay again.

H

HUGO

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Field of dreams

Great spot with nice views and lots of space - would come back

V

Vaughan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Field of dreams

The ‘Field of Dreams’ commands fabulous views over the surrounding countryside. It’s a relatively small site but plenty of room for our pitch. Facilities are basic, but very clean and an excellent shower. Sarah was extremely welcoming and let us stay even though she said they were ‘full’. We used it as a base to visit the IWM and air show at Duxford. Perfect!

L

Laurence

September 2025

5 m Class B

4 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

We had a wonderful time, the place is beautiful and quiet, away from roads and houses. Vans, campers and tents are well spaced from each other. Everybody very respectful. Facilities are great: shower and loos are immaculate, fire pits available to rent and wood to buy, pub in walking distance, and even home pizzas nights at the weekend. Location is great too, we will definitely be back!

The well-equipped Wild Flower Orchard Bell Tent.

R

Rosemary

August 2025

With kids

4 nights at Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

My grandchildren and I have stayed at Brakehill Lodge Farm twice. It has proved to be our happy place. Peaceful, and just remote enough to escape the madding crowd. Clare is a considerate host. She loves her home and all the nature it encompasses. Try it...you will love ir too.😀

T

Teddy

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Brightwell Country Park

Great place to glamp, would love to go back and would certainly recommend.

S

Susan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Whitlingham Broad Campsite

Brilliant place to camp. Couldn’t fault it. It was great being able to hire a fire pit to sit around in the evenings.

S

Sally

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whitlingham Broad Campsite

This has got to be one of the best campsites ever. The facilities are incredible, surrounded by trees, walkable distance to a brewery, cafe and broad and never too busy even when fully booked. I'm actually hesitant to write this review as I want to keep the secret to myself!

C

Clinton

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

Loved the site and the attention from the owners. The facilities were clean and well maintained. Even the WiFi was strong and easy to access. Only stayed for three nights but would definitely book again.

F

Felipe

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

An amazing place to camp all facilities were clean and well maintained staff was helpful and friendly

G

Gareth

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Really nice site. Really accommodating when we were having problems getting there. Overall fantastic we will stay again when we’re in the are.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Lovely campsite, clean tidy, fantastic shower facilities cleaniest bathrooms very well maintained. We will be back for the next year

L

Lisa

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

This was a fantastic campsite. I loved that it was a small site (not far to trek to the loo) but the tall grass between each pitch made you feel like you had some privacy. The toilets/showers were some of the best I've used on a campsite. Lesley and Bob were super helpful, we appreciated the tour when we arrived and knowing there was a reception hut if we needed anything. The pizzas were also a nice treat. Thanks so much for a terrific stay!

G

Greg & Nimisha

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fire and Feast Suffolk

I don't normally post a review online but Fire and feast was exceptional, I'm even hesitant to share this review because I want to keep it to myself but that would be unfair to Judith, Fran, and Co. What an amazing camping experience from start to finish. Loads of room for each pitch, very laid back atmosphere, food is amazing, facilities are better than some hotels, there's even some lesser known activities a short drive a way. You will not be upset after a weekend here. I will be booking again!

H

Hannah

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fire and Feast Suffolk

We loved the campsite and can’t wait to come again. The pitch is very private but still has a communal feel to it. The barn has great bathroom facilities, fridge and freezer for storing food and Judith and the team are very responsive to any questions or things you might need. A beautiful campsite!

J

Jane

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Fire and Feast Suffolk

Great stay! The friendly team made me really welcome - enjoyed their knowledge of local history, maps, farming and of course their vision and commitment to raising sustainable food and contributing to the local food culture. And the facilities were great! I think the showers alone would even persuade my camping sceptic husband to join me another time! Highly recommended.