89% (578) • 150 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Radcot Leisure on Thames
1. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
92km from Bedford · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
River Dove Camp
2. River Dove Camp
100%
(103)
130km from Bedford · 10 units · Tents
A perfectly simple, riverside Hipcamp on the edge of the Peak District
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£10
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
3. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
58km from Bedford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
100%
(47)
129km from Bedford · 9 units · Tents
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£300
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
90km from Bedford · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
6. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
113km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
132km from Bedford · 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
Buzzard Holt Hosting
8. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
39km from Bedford · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
The White Lodge
9. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
129km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
10. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
58km from Bedford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Bain View Glamping
11. Bain View Glamping
97%
(18)
116km from Bedford · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£23
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
12. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
76km from Bedford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
53km from Bedford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping
14. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping
78%
(29)
106km from Bedford · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug.
🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven
The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime.
🌊 Prime Location and Local Area
The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual.
You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk:
Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton.
Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting.
Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities
The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy.
Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents.
Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies
Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available.
This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£17
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
15. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
12km from Bedford · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
16. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
66km from Bedford · 25 units · Tents
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.
Pets
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
The Slips
17. The Slips
91%
(85)
135km from Bedford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
18. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
67km from Bedford · 12 units · Tents
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
The Sunset Tree
19. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
124km from Bedford · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
By The Red Phone Box Glamping & Camping
20. By The Red Phone Box Glamping & Camping
99%
(50)
144km from Bedford · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and spacious pitches in the Teme Valley, close to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£21
/ night
89% (578) • 150 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Radcot Leisure on Thames
1. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
92km from Bedford · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
River Dove Camp
2. River Dove Camp
100%
(103)
130km from Bedford · 10 units · Tents
A perfectly simple, riverside Hipcamp on the edge of the Peak District
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£10
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
3. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
58km from Bedford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
100%
(47)
129km from Bedford · 9 units · Tents
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£300
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
90km from Bedford · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
6. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
113km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
132km from Bedford · 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
Buzzard Holt Hosting
8. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
39km from Bedford · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
The White Lodge
9. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
129km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
10. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
58km from Bedford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Bain View Glamping
11. Bain View Glamping
97%
(18)
116km from Bedford · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£23
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
12. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
76km from Bedford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
53km from Bedford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping
14. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping
78%
(29)
106km from Bedford · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug.
🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven
The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime.
🌊 Prime Location and Local Area
The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual.
You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk:
Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton.
Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting.
Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities
The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy.
Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents.
Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies
Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available.
This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£17
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
15. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
12km from Bedford · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
16. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
66km from Bedford · 25 units · Tents
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.
Pets
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
The Slips
17. The Slips
91%
(85)
135km from Bedford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
18. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
67km from Bedford · 12 units · Tents
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
The Sunset Tree
19. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
124km from Bedford · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
By The Red Phone Box Glamping & Camping
20. By The Red Phone Box Glamping & Camping
99%
(50)
144km from Bedford · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and spacious pitches in the Teme Valley, close to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£21
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matt
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
See more
A
Andrea
November 2025
Tent
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
See more
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
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!
See more
L
Liam
September 2025
Tent
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!
See moreM
Millie
September 2025
Tent
Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.
See more
H
Hussain
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Alex was very helpful and kind. He accommodated all our needs and made sure we had a comfortable stay.
See more
K
Keith
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Really good staff, and pleasant location. Only stayed a couple of nights, but was really pleased with the conditions.
See moreI
Issy
September 2025
Tent
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!
See moreC
Craig
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See more
G
Greg
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
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!
See moreS
Simon
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See moreG
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities
See moreS
Sophie
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch
See more
S
Sandra
August 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Great one night stop over with my grandson. Great showers and we were there on a Sunday morning so went on the farm tour which was brilliant
See moreI
Ian
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely spot, nice and private. Host was great, helpful and friendly
Would book again without hesitation
See more
Z
Zoe
August 2025
Tent
With kids
I read mixed reviews before I visited. I personally had an amazing time with my daughter. The atmosphere was great. The staff were so amazing. Rob especially was an awesome help and vibe. Along with Luke and the soul kitchen crew and the big boss was so nice too. The river was beautiful. The music was good. My daughter and myself loved it. I would thoroughly recommend. Great memories
See more
D
Danny
August 2025
Tent
Brilliant campsite backing in to the River Nene. Great place to launch kayaks and paddle boards. Clean toilets and showers and fire pits on every pitch. 10/10
See more
N
Natalie
August 2025
Tent
As first-time campers, we couldn't have chosen a better location! Everything, from start to finish was fantastic. The instructions on arrival were clear, we ordered our golf buggy carriage to collect us and our belongings from the car park. We were chauffeured by the lovely Rob, to a spot of our choice (right by the river so beautiful views) and we set up camp. For our first night, we made full use of the pizza van onsite and bought 2 delicious pizzas and drinks from the bar. In the morning, we used the Soul-Full Kitchen for our coffee shot. I think the energy from the staff in the coffee/breakfast van alone would have stood us in good stead for the day. Despite some queues, they were bright, full of energy and welcoming to every person. As we didn't have littlies with us, I can't vouch for the kids activities, but we fully enjoyed our Coached Paddleboarding session with Dom, our Sound Bath with Shereen, Yoga with Lisa and a Sauna provided by Charlotte. We had a quick dip in the river too. The toilets were cleaner than most service stations I've been into....all weekend! The showers were better in the morning than the evenings and if I really, really had to be pressed for an area of improvement, it would be the showers but hey, it's a campsite, not a 5* accommodation right?! We will absolutely be coming back for 2026, along with the rest of the family next time! Absolutely loved it....thank you sooo much! Natalie & Ross
See more
Riverside camping near Bedford guide
Where to go
Bedfordshire
From reclaimed woodland around the Forest of Marston Vale to rich wetland along the River Great Ouse, there’s plenty to discover around Bedford. The region’s sprawling countryside offers plenty of camping options, including private working farms and riverside sites. Canoeing, horse riding, and cycling are all popular pastimes here, while ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is an ideal day trip attraction for Hipcampers with kids.
Hertfordshire
Nestled between London and Bedfordshire, this home county is a convenient launch point for exploration of south and east England. The enormous Lee Valley Park extends from the Hertfordshire town of Ware all the way to the East India Docks in the capital, and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, angling, and riverside camping. Beyond, miles of agricultural and green belt land provide plenty of (almost) wild camping opportunities.
Buckinghamshire
This rural county just south of Bedford is home to National Trust properties, sprawling parks, and scenic valleys, making it a top destination for hikers and bikers, as well as history lovers. Outdoor attractions include Boarstall Duck Decoy, Black Park, and Langley Park, while tent and caravan pitches can be found throughout the region’s farmland and along the Bucks stretch of the Thames.
Chiltern Hills AONB
An hour southwest of Bedford, this Area of Natural Beauty boasts bridleways, cycleways, and national trails that take adventurers deep into quintessential English countryside, and the successful reintroduction of red kites has made this a popular place for birdwatching. Glampers, caravanners, and wild campers are catered for across the region’s private farms and campgrounds.
The Cotswolds AONB
One of England’s most famous landscapes, the Cotswolds encompasses rolling hills, river valleys, and scenic villages that makes the region a rambler’s paradise. From Bedford, the protected region can be reached in just under two hours by car. Glamping is an increasingly popular option for overnight adventurers, though holiday parks and back-to-basics campgrounds are also common.
When to go
England’s great outdoors can be explored at any time of year, with many campgrounds remaining open year-round, though winter wanderers should be prepared for the cold weather. July to August are the busiest times of year, so it’s best to book accommodation well in advance—Areas of Natural Beauty get particularly booked up.
Know before you go
- Public transport is fairly reliable around Bedford, though it can be useful to have a private vehicle to reach more secluded spots.
- Gear can sometimes be rented on site. Otherwise, there are plenty of supply shops in central Bedford.