- Riverside Camping
Riverside camping near Chelmsford
86% (426) • 169 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chelmsford
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
1. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
12km from Chelmsford · 12 units
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
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
2. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
24km from Chelmsford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Constable Park
3. Constable Park
100%
(20)
47km from Chelmsford · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
4. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
55km from Chelmsford · 3 units
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
Brightwell Country Park
5. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
65km from Chelmsford · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
The Barn KT9
6. 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
Laleham Camping Club
7. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
77km from Chelmsford · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
8. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
77km from Chelmsford · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
9. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
83km from Chelmsford · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
10. 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
The Sunset Tree
11. 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
Hale Farm
12. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
94km from Chelmsford · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
13. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
96km from Chelmsford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
14. 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
Stamford Meadows Glamping
15. Stamford Meadows Glamping
100%
(12)
121km from Chelmsford · 6 units
Peaceful, private yurt glamping in the heart of the Stamford Meadows
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£220
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
16. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
121km from Chelmsford · 12 units
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
17. 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
The Pig Place Campsite
18. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
125km from Chelmsford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Heygates Lodging
19. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
129km from Chelmsford · 2 units
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf
20. Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf
100%
(24)
140km from Chelmsford · 3 units
Pod glamping and tent camping while watching boats go by on the banks of the Grand Union Canal
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£95
/ night
86% (426) • 169 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chelmsford
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
1. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
12km from Chelmsford · 12 units
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
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
2. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
24km from Chelmsford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Constable Park
3. Constable Park
100%
(20)
47km from Chelmsford · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
4. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
55km from Chelmsford · 3 units
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
Brightwell Country Park
5. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
65km from Chelmsford · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
The Barn KT9
6. 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
Laleham Camping Club
7. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
77km from Chelmsford · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
8. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
77km from Chelmsford · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
9. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
83km from Chelmsford · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
10. 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
The Sunset Tree
11. 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
Hale Farm
12. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
94km from Chelmsford · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
13. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
96km from Chelmsford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
14. 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
Stamford Meadows Glamping
15. Stamford Meadows Glamping
100%
(12)
121km from Chelmsford · 6 units
Peaceful, private yurt glamping in the heart of the Stamford Meadows
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£220
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
16. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
121km from Chelmsford · 12 units
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
17. 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
The Pig Place Campsite
18. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
125km from Chelmsford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Heygates Lodging
19. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
129km from Chelmsford · 2 units
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf
20. Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf
100%
(24)
140km from Chelmsford · 3 units
Pod glamping and tent camping while watching boats go by on the banks of the Grand Union Canal
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£95
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
T
Tasha
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf
Had a lovely experience here, the pod was great and had everything we needed and the hosts we fantastic.
See more
M
Matt
December 2025
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
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
B
Bob
September 2025
5 m Class B
Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host
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
Q
Q
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!
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 more
Paul
September 2025
Tent
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!!
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 more
T
Teddy
August 2025
With kids
Great place to glamp, would love to go back and would certainly recommend.
See more
D
Daniela
August 2025
Tent
With kids
It was my first time camping and the views were amazing. Really nice and relaxing
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
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.