Dog-friendly camping near Harwich, Essex

Experience traditional British holidaymaking on a camping trip to Essex’s sunny seaside or travel a little further for a glimpse of the region’s wilder charms. Hipcampers in need of a quick fix can hop over the estuary to Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, where coastal campsites and rural farms provide plenty of accommodation options, while culture vultures can head into nearby Constable Country to learn more about Suffolk’s favourite son or up into The Broads to experience sailing life at its finest.

93% (702)

Top-rated campgrounds

Experience traditional British holidaymaking on a camping trip to Essex’s sunny seaside or travel a little further for a glimpse of the region’s wilder charms. Hipcampers in need of a quick fix can hop over the estuary to Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, where coastal campsites and rural farms provide plenty of accommodation options, while culture vultures can head into nearby Constable Country to learn more about Suffolk’s favourite son or up into The Broads to experience sailing life at its finest.

93% (702)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford

70km from Harwich · 84 units · Tents, Motorhomes · CA

🌲 Go Wild Thetford: Forest Camping & Glamping Escape Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford, managed by mYminiBreak, provides a truly back-to-basics woodland escape on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Nestled deep within the towering pine and broadleaf woodlands of Thetford Forest, the site offers a peaceful, natural atmosphere perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. 🌳 High Lodge Proximity and Activities The site's main advantage is its location just a short walk (approx. 300 meters) from High Lodge, the main Forestry England visitor center. This allows immediate access to a wealth of activities: Go Ape! high ropes course. Extensive network of walking, running, and cycling trails (suitable for all abilities). Play areas, Archery, Disc Golf, a café, and seasonal events. The forest itself, as Britain's largest lowland pine forest, is a wildlife haven known for its deer, unique flora, and clear, starry night skies. 🐕 Back-to-Basics & Dog-Friendly Go Wild embraces a rustic, "wild-style" camping philosophy. Size & Pitches: The site is a large, spacious campsite offering plenty of room to relax. Pitches are available for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, alongside glamping options including rustic Shepherd's Huts and Bell Tents (some with electricity for small appliances). Dog-Friendly: The campsite is super dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged companions on all pitches, with vast forest trails accessible directly from the site. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are provided, including shared showers and toilets, fresh drinking water, and waste disposal. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, making for traditional, memorable evenings under the stars. 🗺️ Local Area The site is an ideal base for exploring the historic Brecks region. Nearby attractions include Grimes Graves (Neolithic flint mine), Thetford Priory ruins, and the Dad's Army Museum in Thetford town. Go Wild Camping offers an authentic outdoor experience where you can fall asleep in the forest and wake up ready to hit the trails.

2. Frittenden Orchard

97%

(18)

102km from Harwich · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cranbrook, England

Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted

3. 7 Ducks Touring and Camping

100%

(5)

112km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England

This quiet and secluded site is ideal for a peaceful getaway in the Norfolk countryside, set on four and a half acres of flat and level land with spacious pitches. The site is just a 25 minute drive from Sandringham Estate, as well as the Wash, an outstanding bay known for its wetland nature reserve. There are 35 non electric grass pitches available, suitable for caravans, tents and trailer tents. Two dogs are also allowed per pitch (although they must remain on leads). The sunsets are spectacular here, and on a clear night, the stars are an astronomer's dream. Plus, the facilities are quirky and clean, with spiders evicted daily. Firepits are on hand if needed, and BBQs are welcome, too.

4. Farm stay belltent with activities

97km from Harwich · 9 units · Tents · England

large belltent with double beds and other beds furnishing , outdoor kitchen close by with everything needed to cook bbq , firepits gazebos table chairs lights etc . just bring bedding , charcoal , wood and your clothes and towels! Everything else provided with activities fishing , swimming paddling boats paddle boards goldings beach by the crystal clear chalk stream , 60 acre rare breeds farm and grade 1 listed country estate to explore. Zipwire woodland area collect eggs chickens , hammocks play areas craft mini goat walks farm tour meet feed our friendly donkeys , mini cows piglets lambs etc Outdoor kitchen with everything needed , shelters

5. Coxhill Camping

100%

(51)

85km from Harwich · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dover, England

Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury

Stories from the community

K

Kenny

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Coxhill Camping

The field is big with lots of space, each pitch has an allocated area. The toilets, showers and other facilities look new and are very clean. Seems very well run and the guy who runs it was very friendly and helpful when I arrived. Close to the small village of Shepardswell which has a coop and a pub. They have a no music policy, so you can expect tranquility.

S

Sam

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to 7 Ducks Touring and Camping

We camped in a lovely field, with amazing facilities. Clean showers with plentiful hot water, clean toilets and a washing up area. We had an electric pitch right on the edge of the fields with lovely views of the sunset. It wasn't very busy during our stay, so was very peaceful. Close to some great restaurants which were very child-friendly. We paid extra for a campfire each night, but unfortunately, due to the strong winds on our 2nd night, we thought it would be safer to not use this! The campsite manager covered it for us to prevent it getting wet in any case. Lovely place, would definitely stay here again!

A

Aleksandra

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Coxhill Camping

Love the Coxhill camping! Great location, spacious pitch and immaculate facilities. We were here 2 years ago and were not disappointed this time - everything is in perfect shape! Will likely to come back next summer.

M

Michael

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Coxhill Camping

This is a very well run, lovely spot, with friendly staff. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful camping experience with exceptionally maintained facilities and beautiful surroundings!

O

Omar

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Coxhill Camping

Absolutely fabulous. Super clean facilities, free roaming pitch in the centre and numbered pitches along the sides with electricity. Very friendly staff. I would want that campsite to be every single place I go! Thanx a million

I

Izzy

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to 7 Ducks Touring and Camping

Great spot to go camping with kids. Nice flat surface, friendly owners, peaceful place to relax , if we visit Norfolk area again , we will come back to 7 Ducks 🙂

M

Mark

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Coxhill Camping

Nice and spacious with really good facilities and helpful staff.

S

Sheila

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

7 nights at Frittenden Orchard

I loved the view and the amazing experience with the owner.

M

Mel

March 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Frittenden Orchard

I had a very scenic little spot near the apple orchard. Diane was very helpful with local knowledge of walks to pubs and castles. Very low light pollution for the star gazers out there! I really enjoyed my stay, nice and casual.

C

Charlie

March 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Frittenden Orchard

Great stay, was beautiful waking up to the church bells and all different types of birds. The host was fantastic at making sure I knew where to go and where everything was.

S

Samantha

November 2024

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to 7 Ducks Touring and Camping

Excellent campsite, super flat with views as far as the eye can see in a peaceful area. Potential sunset and sunrise with the right weather. Super friendly family who make you feel extremely welcome and very helpful.

Under £50

Beck Evans Farm Campsite

97km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent · England

Nestled in the scenic countryside, Beck Evans Farm Campsite offers the perfect balance between natural charm and city convenience. Just 30 minutes from Central London and a short drive from iconic attractions like the O2 Arena in Greenwich, our peaceful site provides an ideal base for exploring the capital or heading toward the coast on your way to Europe. Next to the river cray, set among lush fields of lavender and pumpkins, Beck Evans Farm is a haven for nature lovers and families alike. On-site, you’ll find Penelope’s Farm Shop and Restaurant, serving fresh, local produce, and the ever-popular Crazy Club Soft Play – a hit with younger visitors. Whether you’re pitching a tent, arriving with your camper, or simply looking for a countryside break, you’ll enjoy fantastic facilities, plenty of open space, and a warm welcome. With the coast not far away and a variety of local attractions to explore, Beck Evans Farm Campsite is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway or a stopover on your European adventure.

Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(143)

85km from Harwich · 20 units · Tents, Glamping · Ely, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral

Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

81km from Harwich · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

90%

(43)

104km from Harwich · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

A well located Norfolk campsite with great access to the coast, fens and traditional market towns

Plum Camping at White House Farm

96%

(161)

80km from Harwich · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Norfolk, East Anglia

Family camping with campfires on a fruit orchard near Norwich, with a farm shop, café and butchers

Available this weekend

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(177)

17km from Harwich · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England

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

Rosehip Woods Campsite

91km from Harwich · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

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

Luna Domes

100%

(9)

118km from Harwich · 8 units · Glamping · East Grinstead, England

High-end glamping with hot tubs in the Garden of England

Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

52km from Harwich · 26 units · Tents, Glamping · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia

A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold

The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

103km from Harwich · 3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

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

Star Hosts in Harwich

Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

137km from Harwich · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

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.

Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%

(292)

108km from Harwich · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed

The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

130km from Harwich · 22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

Far and Away Camping

100%

(18)

96km from Harwich · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

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!

Alciston Court Farm

95%

(38)

147km from Harwich · 5 units · Tents · Alfriston, East Sussex, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping near Harwich guide

Where to go

Tendring Coast

Also known as Essex’s Sunshine Coast, this coastal peninsula is home to the traditional holiday towns of Harwich & Dovercourt, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Clacton-on-Sea. Wildlife lovers can get their fill at reserves such as Holland Haven Country Park or Hamford Water, while hikers and bikers can explore inland nature trails or take a turn around the Blue Flag beaches. Holiday parks abound, with plenty of caravan and tent spots to choose from.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Head over the border into Suffolk to discover one of Britain’s most popular nature spots. Stretching from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, this 80-km stretch boasts a biodiverse landscape of heathland, woodland, estuary, and coast, as well as seaside towns and holiday parks aplenty. Recently, the area has expanded to include the Stour estuary, just west of Harwich.

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley

Following the River Stour west from Manningtree, this reserve is a family favourite thanks to its lowland trails and unique artistic heritage. Here, visitors can explore what is affectionately referred to as Constable Country, stopping off in Dedham and Flatford to learn more about the artist’s life and work. Riverside camping is another highlight.

The Broads

Drive north for 90 minutes and you’ll arrive at The Broads, a vast network of waterways that draw ramblers, anglers, and birdwatchers with their biodiverse banks and riverside campsites. It’s also possible to hire out boats, kayaks, or paddleboards, so you can easily take your outdoor adventure directly to the water.

When to go

Summer on the Essex and Suffolk coasts and canals can get very busy, so it’s worth booking your stay well in advance. To avoid the crowds, consider a winter visit, which also tends to afford more intimate glimpses of the region’s wildlife.

Know before you go

Public transport is generally convenient, though if you’re traveling further, it can be worth renting or bringing a vehicle.
Trail maps can often be downloaded for free on a park or local borough’s website.
Wild swimming is a popular activity in the region, but be sure to take all precautions.
Anglers must always carry a license.