The best pets off leash campsites 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.

95% (460)

Top-rated campgrounds near Essex

1. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(20)

39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

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.

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.

95% (460)

Top-rated campgrounds near Essex

1. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(20)

39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Q

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!

Paul

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Plenty of space where you’re pretty much left to your own devices. Portaloo in close proximity which was immaculate. You can pick your own pitch either in the wood, the field or next to the lake. We absolutely loved it. A great place to sit round the fire pit, listen to music, sink a beer and reminisce the good times. I found it the perfect place to decompress and forget the outside world! Took paddle boards and a kayak for a day down at Paper Mill Lock and it was perfect. Well worth a visit. £5 for all day parking, tea room and ice cream stall. The place was buzzing!! Tim’s land was the perfect base camp. Bravo Tim!!

d

dan

August 2025

5 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Awesome to be able to forage your own wood and have a fire pretty much anywhere you like. Tim was very friendly and laid back. A few decent options to pitchup in a field or woods. Heads up no wild swimming there any more as stream has silted up but is still a natural spring there though and some incredbile old oak trees. Tim recommend the River Stour as a paddleboarding spot which was great and 30mins ish drive away. Subbury, henny or Bures all good for getting on the river if you that way inclined

m

matt

April 2025

6 m Class A

1 night at Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Very friendly welcome by Tim and a peaceful stay in lovely woodlands

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash campsites 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.