Bell tent camping near Chelmsford

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Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience near Chelmsford, England? With over 1,400 options available, you'll find the perfect bell tent accommodation for your stay. Whether you're a history buff, an adventurous climber, or prefer horseback riding, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuckoo Farm Campsite (45 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (37 reviews), and The Barn KT9 (31 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy facilities like toilets, potable water, and campfires while immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Prices start as low as £12 per night, with an average price of £38 per night. Happy camping!

93% (534) 288 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chelmsford

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
73km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

2. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
142km from Chelmsford · 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
The Barn KT9

3. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
71km from Chelmsford · 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
Ushercombe Fields

4. Ushercombe Fields

135km from Chelmsford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Tucked away just 15 minutes from Banbury in the heart of Oxfordshire, Ushercombe Fields is a charming, family-run pop-up site where the focus is all about keeping things thoughtfully low-impact, sustainable, and in tune with nature. This family-friendly spot offers brand-new toilets and handy washing-up facilities – everything you need for a comfortable stay, without losing that back-to-nature feeling. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air, and truly unwind. Spectacular views come as part of the package – perfect for relaxed evenings by the campfire. Just 10 minutes away, Hook Norton Brewery serves up real ales and a cracking full English breakfast. A little further afield Jeremy Clarkson’s infamous pub, The Farmer’s Dog, is a 40-minute drive and a fun stop for fans of the local celebrity scene. Whether you're looking to explore the local area or make new friends among fellow guests, Ushercombe Fields offers a peaceful stay filled with lasting memories. You're welcome to bring your dogs along – there are plenty of scenic walks nearby – and on clear nights, you can unwind beneath a sky full of stars.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

5. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
62km from Chelmsford · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

6. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
114km from Chelmsford · 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

7. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
145km from Chelmsford · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£35
 / night
Walltree House Camping

8. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
121km from Chelmsford · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

9. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
75km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

10. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
136km from Chelmsford · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night
Far and Away Camping

11. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
63km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Secluded Woodland Camp

12. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
37km from Chelmsford · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite

13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%
(202)
121km from Chelmsford · 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
Beech Estate Campsite

14. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(185)
90km from Chelmsford · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

15. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
130km from Chelmsford · 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

16. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

92%
(38)
90km from Chelmsford · 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
Dogwood Glamping

17. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
89km from Chelmsford · 4 units · Glamping
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

18. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
91km from Chelmsford · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Sunset Tree

19. The Sunset Tree

96%
(34)
90km from Chelmsford · 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
Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

20. Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

100%
(3)
77km from Chelmsford · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We look forward to welcoming you to Setts Wood Farm and will provide you with all you need for a relaxing and rewarding visit to Tenterden and The Weald. We offer a selection of bell tents or you can bring your own tent. The camping is set across 2 fields and extends to 12 acres. We have a maximum of 30 tents so it is never crowded. Come and meet the alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats and horses! We also have a small fishing lake which guests are welcome to use for a small donation. We restocked last year and there are carp and several species of smaller silver fish. It is ideal for beginners and children. Any children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Setts Wood Farm is perfectly positioned to explore Tenterden and the surrounding villages, and is less than a 20 minute drive to the historic town of Rye, with the beaches of Camber, Dymchurch and Littlestone just a few minutes further.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience near Chelmsford, England? With over 1,400 options available, you'll find the perfect bell tent accommodation for your stay. Whether you're a history buff, an adventurous climber, or prefer horseback riding, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuckoo Farm Campsite (45 reviews), Whitlingham Broad Campsite (37 reviews), and The Barn KT9 (31 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy facilities like toilets, potable water, and campfires while immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Prices start as low as £12 per night, with an average price of £38 per night. Happy camping!

93% (534) 288 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chelmsford

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
73km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

2. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
142km from Chelmsford · 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
The Barn KT9

3. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
71km from Chelmsford · 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
Ushercombe Fields

4. Ushercombe Fields

135km from Chelmsford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Tucked away just 15 minutes from Banbury in the heart of Oxfordshire, Ushercombe Fields is a charming, family-run pop-up site where the focus is all about keeping things thoughtfully low-impact, sustainable, and in tune with nature. This family-friendly spot offers brand-new toilets and handy washing-up facilities – everything you need for a comfortable stay, without losing that back-to-nature feeling. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air, and truly unwind. Spectacular views come as part of the package – perfect for relaxed evenings by the campfire. Just 10 minutes away, Hook Norton Brewery serves up real ales and a cracking full English breakfast. A little further afield Jeremy Clarkson’s infamous pub, The Farmer’s Dog, is a 40-minute drive and a fun stop for fans of the local celebrity scene. Whether you're looking to explore the local area or make new friends among fellow guests, Ushercombe Fields offers a peaceful stay filled with lasting memories. You're welcome to bring your dogs along – there are plenty of scenic walks nearby – and on clear nights, you can unwind beneath a sky full of stars.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

5. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
62km from Chelmsford · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

6. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
114km from Chelmsford · 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

7. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
145km from Chelmsford · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£35
 / night
Walltree House Camping

8. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
121km from Chelmsford · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

9. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
75km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

10. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
136km from Chelmsford · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night
Far and Away Camping

11. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
63km from Chelmsford · 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Secluded Woodland Camp

12. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
37km from Chelmsford · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite

13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%
(202)
121km from Chelmsford · 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
Beech Estate Campsite

14. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(185)
90km from Chelmsford · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

15. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
130km from Chelmsford · 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

16. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

92%
(38)
90km from Chelmsford · 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
Dogwood Glamping

17. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
89km from Chelmsford · 4 units · Glamping
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

18. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
91km from Chelmsford · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Sunset Tree

19. The Sunset Tree

96%
(34)
90km from Chelmsford · 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
Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

20. Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

100%
(3)
77km from Chelmsford · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We look forward to welcoming you to Setts Wood Farm and will provide you with all you need for a relaxing and rewarding visit to Tenterden and The Weald. We offer a selection of bell tents or you can bring your own tent. The camping is set across 2 fields and extends to 12 acres. We have a maximum of 30 tents so it is never crowded. Come and meet the alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats and horses! We also have a small fishing lake which guests are welcome to use for a small donation. We restocked last year and there are carp and several species of smaller silver fish. It is ideal for beginners and children. Any children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Setts Wood Farm is perfectly positioned to explore Tenterden and the surrounding villages, and is less than a 20 minute drive to the historic town of Rye, with the beaches of Camber, Dymchurch and Littlestone just a few minutes further.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

There are plenty of excellent campsites near Chelmsford if you know where to look and, as always, only the very best make the cut for our Hipcamp shortlist.

Popular Chelmsford glamping styles