Campsites with campfires near Ely

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Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

93% (972) 674 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
81km from Ely · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Pets
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

2. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%
(292)
24km from Ely · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

3. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
73km from Ely · 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
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Belvedere Camping

4. Belvedere Camping

72km from Ely · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Escape the Noise. Reconnect with Nature. Welcome to the Back to Basics Campsite – Lidlington, Bedfordshire Looking for a true countryside escape? Our Back to Basics Campsite in the charming village of Lidlington offers exactly what it says on the tin: no frills, no fuss – just the peace and simplicity of real outdoor living. ✅ Spacious, unspoiled pitches ✅ Breathtaking views of the Bedfordshire countryside ✅ Campfires allowed – gather round and unwind ✅ Ideal for walkers, cyclists, dogs & quiet retreats ✅ Eco-friendly ethos – leave no trace, take only memories 📍 Easy access from Milton Keynes, Bedford & surrounding areas 🚶‍♀️ Close to the Greensand Ridge & Forest Centre trails 🛒 Village shop & pub just a short walk away 🎒 Bring your tent, your sense of adventure, and not much else.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
The Barn KT9

5. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
127km from Ely · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

6. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
129km from Ely · 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
Hot Tub
from 
£88
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

7. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
99km from Ely · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£59
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

8. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
147km from Ely · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£38
 / night
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

9. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
85km from Ely · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£19
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

10. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
130km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£96
 / night
Far and Away Camping

11. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
138km from Ely · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

12. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
94km from Ely · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£35
 / night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

13. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

92%
(38)
68km from Ely · 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
Showers
Potable water
from 
£31
 / night
Wingbury Farm Glamping

14. Wingbury Farm Glamping

98%
(26)
92km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£160
 / night
Pigs in Blankets

15. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(70)
94km from Ely · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Rosehip Woods Campsite

16. Rosehip Woods Campsite

21km from Ely · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£13
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

17. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
117km from Ely · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Bain View Glamping

18. Bain View Glamping

97%
(18)
89km from Ely · 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
Showers
Potable water
from 
£23
 / night
Walltree House Camping

19. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
111km from Ely · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

20. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
133km from Ely · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£11
 / night

Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

93% (972) 674 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
81km from Ely · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Pets
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

2. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%
(292)
24km from Ely · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

3. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
73km from Ely · 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
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Belvedere Camping

4. Belvedere Camping

72km from Ely · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Escape the Noise. Reconnect with Nature. Welcome to the Back to Basics Campsite – Lidlington, Bedfordshire Looking for a true countryside escape? Our Back to Basics Campsite in the charming village of Lidlington offers exactly what it says on the tin: no frills, no fuss – just the peace and simplicity of real outdoor living. ✅ Spacious, unspoiled pitches ✅ Breathtaking views of the Bedfordshire countryside ✅ Campfires allowed – gather round and unwind ✅ Ideal for walkers, cyclists, dogs & quiet retreats ✅ Eco-friendly ethos – leave no trace, take only memories 📍 Easy access from Milton Keynes, Bedford & surrounding areas 🚶‍♀️ Close to the Greensand Ridge & Forest Centre trails 🛒 Village shop & pub just a short walk away 🎒 Bring your tent, your sense of adventure, and not much else.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
The Barn KT9

5. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
127km from Ely · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

6. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
129km from Ely · 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
Hot Tub
from 
£88
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

7. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
99km from Ely · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£59
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

8. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
147km from Ely · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£38
 / night
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

9. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
85km from Ely · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£19
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

10. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
130km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£96
 / night
Far and Away Camping

11. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
138km from Ely · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

12. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
94km from Ely · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£35
 / night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

13. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

92%
(38)
68km from Ely · 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
Showers
Potable water
from 
£31
 / night
Wingbury Farm Glamping

14. Wingbury Farm Glamping

98%
(26)
92km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£160
 / night
Pigs in Blankets

15. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(70)
94km from Ely · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Rosehip Woods Campsite

16. Rosehip Woods Campsite

21km from Ely · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
Pets
Picnic table
from 
£13
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

17. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
117km from Ely · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
Bain View Glamping

18. Bain View Glamping

97%
(18)
89km from Ely · 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
Showers
Potable water
from 
£23
 / night
Walltree House Camping

19. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
111km from Ely · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

20. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
133km from Ely · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£11
 / night

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Campsites with campfires near Ely guide

Where to go

River Great Ouse

The UK’s fifth-longest river flows right by Ely and is the city’s go-to outdoor playground. For boaters, the draw is the Ely marina and a waterway navigable from Bedford all the way to the coast at King’s Lynn in Norfolk. Walkers, meanwhile, relish long-distance paths like the Ouse Valley Way: via the Great Ouse and the River Cam’s riverbanks you can walk or cycle off-road to Cambridge. Look out for riverside camping in wildflower meadows a few miles northeast of Ely.

Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest (together with The King’s Forest to its south) spills over the flat heathland of North Suffolk and South Norfolk, 18 miles east of Ely. Here are well-maintained hiking and biking routes, including the Icknield Way, supposedly Britain’s oldest road. There are also prehistoric sites like Grime’s Graves flint mine (in the forest’s north). Thetford Forest’s northern edge, above Ickborough, contains two good campsites.

The Kings Forest

Divided from Thetford Forest only by a brief break of farmland, the King’s Forest is another arboreal wonderland. The long-distance Icknield Way trail passes through, while a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village sits by West Stow Country Park in the south. Check out the trio of excellent camping possibilities toward the forest’s south, which is bounded by the delightful River Lark.

River Lark

The River Lark meanders to Isleham from its confluence with the Great River Ouse before continuing upstream to Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Navigable for about 10 miles until Jude’s Ferry between Isleham’s marina and Mildenhall, the waterway sees plenty of pleasure boaters. Footpaths flank the river as far as Mildenhall, and there are several waterside campsites nearby.

When to go

Ely can be explored any time of year, but the busiest time for camping is during the July and August school summer holidays, when parking can be hard to come by, especially at hotspots like Thetford Forest. Average monthly temperatures max out at 23°C at this time. One of Britain’s leading folk music extravaganzas, Ely Folk Festival, marks July as an especially lively time to visit.