Riverside camping in Dedham Vale AONB

·

Dedham Vale AONB draws campers who want riverside scenery, easy access to water, and a dose of countryside calm. With over 170 spots along the river, you’ll find everything from peaceful meadows to tucked-away woodland pitches. Top picks like Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews), and The Meadow @ Waples Mill (23 reviews) put you right by the water. Fishing rods, binoculars, and hiking boots come in handy here—wildlife-watching and riverside walks are the main draw. Showers, campfire spots, and pet-friendly pitches make it easy to settle in, and you won’t need to splash out; prices start at just £13 a night, with an average closer to £100. Bring wellies if it’s been wet—the banks can get muddy.

84% (247) 154 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Dedham Vale AONB

Daisy May’s Farm

1. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
Norfolk, England · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£14
 / night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

3. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%
(20)
Sudbury, England · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Farm sleep cabin

4. Farm sleep cabin

England · 1 unit
Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

5. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%
(40)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire

6. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%
(25)
England · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£68
 / night
Brightwell Country Park

7. Brightwell Country Park

100%
(14)
Woodbridge, England · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night
Constable Park

8. Constable Park

100%
(20)
Brantham, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£50
 / night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping

9. Willow Grove Farm Glamping

100%
(12)
Lakenheath, England · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Goldings farm yurt with activities

10. Goldings farm yurt with activities

CA · 1 unit
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£220
 / night
Belltent farm stay + activities

11. Belltent farm stay + activities

England · 1 unit
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 .
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£170
 / night
Farm stay belltent with activities

12. Farm stay belltent with activities

England · 9 units
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£170
 / night
Toad Hall Lodges

13. Toad Hall Lodges

100%
(2)
Wangford, England · 5 units
Chic timber lodges for cosy couples near Southwold, handy for exploring East Suffolk's quiet coast and heathland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Firs Glamping

14. Firs Glamping

Southwold, England · 5 units
Our small site of 5 spacious bell tents is the perfect spot for a romantic couples retreat, or a relaxed family holiday in this unspoilt village, just 4 miles from the coastal town of Southwold. Nestled between the stunning nature spots of Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and the Norfolk Broads, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside. Just throw open the doors of your bell tent to enjoy a beautiful view of the rolling fields, right from the comfort of your luxurious double bed and goose down duvet.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£95
 / night

Dedham Vale AONB draws campers who want riverside scenery, easy access to water, and a dose of countryside calm. With over 170 spots along the river, you’ll find everything from peaceful meadows to tucked-away woodland pitches. Top picks like Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews), and The Meadow @ Waples Mill (23 reviews) put you right by the water. Fishing rods, binoculars, and hiking boots come in handy here—wildlife-watching and riverside walks are the main draw. Showers, campfire spots, and pet-friendly pitches make it easy to settle in, and you won’t need to splash out; prices start at just £13 a night, with an average closer to £100. Bring wellies if it’s been wet—the banks can get muddy.

84% (247) 154 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Dedham Vale AONB

Daisy May’s Farm

1. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
Norfolk, England · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£14
 / night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

3. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%
(20)
Sudbury, England · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Farm sleep cabin

4. Farm sleep cabin

England · 1 unit
Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

5. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%
(40)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire

6. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%
(25)
England · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£68
 / night
Brightwell Country Park

7. Brightwell Country Park

100%
(14)
Woodbridge, England · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night
Constable Park

8. Constable Park

100%
(20)
Brantham, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£50
 / night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping

9. Willow Grove Farm Glamping

100%
(12)
Lakenheath, England · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Goldings farm yurt with activities

10. Goldings farm yurt with activities

CA · 1 unit
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£220
 / night
Belltent farm stay + activities

11. Belltent farm stay + activities

England · 1 unit
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 .
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£170
 / night
Farm stay belltent with activities

12. Farm stay belltent with activities

England · 9 units
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£170
 / night
Toad Hall Lodges

13. Toad Hall Lodges

100%
(2)
Wangford, England · 5 units
Chic timber lodges for cosy couples near Southwold, handy for exploring East Suffolk's quiet coast and heathland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Firs Glamping

14. Firs Glamping

Southwold, England · 5 units
Our small site of 5 spacious bell tents is the perfect spot for a romantic couples retreat, or a relaxed family holiday in this unspoilt village, just 4 miles from the coastal town of Southwold. Nestled between the stunning nature spots of Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and the Norfolk Broads, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside. Just throw open the doors of your bell tent to enjoy a beautiful view of the rolling fields, right from the comfort of your luxurious double bed and goose down duvet.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£95
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top towns in and near Dedham Vale AONB