Best campsites for hikers in Essex

Essex might be best known for its fake-tanned beach-goers and larger-than-life reality TV show, but the real stars of this home county are all-natural. Explore the vast woodlands of Epping Forest, spot wildlife along the coastal marshes, or picnic in the gardens of a stately home or castle. With 350 miles of golden sandy beaches, Essex is a popular destination for seaside camping, and resorts fill up quickly in the summer. Spring and autumn offer a more relaxed experience, and the region’s parks and gardens are magnificent under their blanket of spring wildflowers and fall foliage.

97% (953) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Essex

Serenity Lakes

1. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

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

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£126

/ night

Gemini Camp

2. Gemini Camp

100%

(11)

1 unit · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

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

Pets

Showers

Potable water

from

£56

/ night

Field of dreams

3. 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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£25

/ night

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

4. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting

Showers

Potable water

Cooking equipment

from

£130

/ night

Essex might be best known for its fake-tanned beach-goers and larger-than-life reality TV show, but the real stars of this home county are all-natural. Explore the vast woodlands of Epping Forest, spot wildlife along the coastal marshes, or picnic in the gardens of a stately home or castle. With 350 miles of golden sandy beaches, Essex is a popular destination for seaside camping, and resorts fill up quickly in the summer. Spring and autumn offer a more relaxed experience, and the region’s parks and gardens are magnificent under their blanket of spring wildflowers and fall foliage.

97% (953) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Essex

Serenity Lakes

1. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

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

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£126

/ night

Gemini Camp

2. Gemini Camp

100%

(11)

1 unit · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

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

Pets

Showers

Potable water

from

£56

/ night

Field of dreams

3. 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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£25

/ night

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

4. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting

Showers

Potable water

Cooking equipment

from

£130

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

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!

A

Alexander

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Gemini Camp

The location in the nature reserve was lovely and the place felt really secluded despite being easy to find. As the listing says, it is close to the airport so there is fairly steady noise but it didn’t bother us too much. Overall excellent value.

A

Alexandra

May 2025

2 nights at Serenity Lakes

Loved our little glamping adventure to Serenity Lakes! The huts have everything you need, from cutlery to microwave and towels and even UNO playing cards. Everything is really well signposted aned explained in the welcome brochure in the hut. Absolute highlights wad obviously the wood-fired hot tub 💞 but also the beautiful sunsets on the lake!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites for hikers in Essex guide

Where to go

Essex coast

Beach resorts come with all the trimmings along the ‘Essex Sunshine Coast’. Hit the beach at Frinton-on-Sea or Clacton-on-Sea to swim or enjoy water sports, then stick around until sundown to enjoy the seafront amusements and nightlife. Once you’ve had your beach fix, set sail on a bird-watching cruise around Wallasea and Foulness Islands, or enjoy wine tasting at a Rochford winery.

Along the Thames Estuary

The River Thames flows out from London into Essex, where riverside parklands and marshes lead the way to the sea. Southend-on-Sea is the flagship beach resort, while neighboring Leigh-on-Sea offers a more traditional experience, with its cobbled lanes and family-run seafood restaurants. Further inland, enjoy bird-watching in the Rainham Marshes, visit the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, or tackle the mountain bike trails of Hadleigh Park.

Chelmsford and Epping

Chelmsford is Essex’ capital, brimming with shops and entertainment, and just a 35-minute train ride from London. Outside the city, the heritage town of Waltham Abbey is the gateway to Epping Forest, which has miles of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. Nearby Lee Valley also has options for campers, from woodland glampsites to spacious holiday parks.

North Essex

Escape the crowds to north Essex, where the rural landscapes are worth savoring. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride around the water meadows in the Dedham Vale AONB, ride the steam railway through Braintree, or drive between the picturesque market towns of Saffron Walden, Uttlesford, and Dunmow.