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% (703)

Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich

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% (703)

Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich

1. Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

100%

(1)

139km from Harwich · 1 unit · Glamping

Escape the noise. Reconnect with nature. Our cosy off-grid cabin is set in an open meadow with sweeping countryside views and zero light pollution (perect for stargazing!) Fully off-grid, but with all the comforts: hot shower, king-size bed, full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. - Panoramic views from bed - Dog-friendly with outdoor space to roam - 1km walk to the Six Bells pub (proper pub) - 3km from Gun Tap Room & Brewery - 30 mins to the Beachy Head to Seven Sisters coastal hike

2. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%

(6)

50km from Harwich · 5 units · Motorhomes

A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk

3. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%

(31)

41km from Harwich · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!

4. Beck Evans Farm Campsite

97km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent

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.

5. The Sunset Tree

96%

(34)

144km from Harwich · 30 units · Tents, Glamping

A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Chat

October 2025

2 nights at Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

Went as a solo traveller, the location was quiet enough to feel secluded enough, the cabin was clean warm with modern comforts, nice local pubs and excellent walks would recommend

E

Emma

September 2025

5 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Hill Farm Secluded Camping

We had a lovely stay! This is a great campsite with lots of lovely places to park up. Some more secluded than others which was great for us. Good facilities and lots of extras like picnic benches, areas for washing up, children’s toys to name a few.

R

Ron

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Hill Farm Secluded Camping

This is a lovely campsite. It's beautiful, well tended, comfortable, and Jaik is extremely kind and responsive. Highly recommended, and we'll definitely be back!

D

DONGHYUN

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Sunset Tree

i loved this camping site. it was well managed and cosy as well. especially, the sunset view was amazing!

M

Mandy

August 2025

5 m Class B

3 nights at Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

The setting was prefect it was quiet adult only with great space and a beautiful lake lots of walks around .Great for biking around as well! Hollie was very friendly, we would definitely recommend it! and will be going back.

K

Kate

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunset Tree

Add was really friendly and made us feel very welcome. Campsite had a beautiful view of the sunset and stars. Will absolutely be going back.

m

mike

March 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

Brilliant little site and such a bargin to boot, site is well equipped and secure hard standing pitches. Owners great and friendly. Site is placed for good access to local tourist sites. Definitely will return this year.

L

Lewis

December 2024

3 m Class B

2 nights at Hill Farm Secluded Camping

We had a wonderful time during our stay at Hill Farm CL Site. The host was incredibly helpful and polite, ensuring we had everything we needed for a comfortable visit. Due to the time of year and the recent rain, the woodland area was a bit boggy, but the host promptly moved us to an all-weather hard-standing pitch, which was perfect. We appreciated having full electric hook-up and fresh water conveniently available right on the pitch. It was a peaceful and relaxing getaway, and we thoroughly enjoyed our few days there. Highly recommended!

The best campsites for under £50 near Harwich

Barn Owl Camping

97%

(18)

39km from Harwich · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

Plum Camping at White House Farm

96%

(161)

80km from Harwich · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

52km from Harwich · 26 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

14km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

Situated just a brief ten-minute drive away from the stunning coastline and merely five minutes from Sutton Hoo, this welcoming site is perfectly positioned for exploring all that Suffolk has to offer. Embracing a commitment to sustainable, low-impact living, the campsite aims to preserve its natural surroundings. Visitors have the option to settle into one of the site's 50 generously-sized pitches, 30 of which are equipped with electric hook-up. Spread across five small fields adorned with native trees and bushes, these pitches cater to tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and RVs. For those in search of a touch of luxury, a 6m bell tent awaits, providing an ideal glamping experience. Housing up to five guests, the bell tent boasts a king-sized bed, double futon sofa-bed, single futon chair bed, complete bedding, electric amenities, a small fridge, and a kettle. Outside, a spacious decking area beckons with a shaded table and chairs, accompanied by a fire pit, gas BBQ, and a hot plate, setting the scene for delightful al fresco dining (complete with cooking utensils and crockery). Nestled within a smallholding, the campsite is home to rare breed pigs, alpacas, goats, and chickens, and guests are invited to join in the evening feeding sessions. Depending on the season, visitors may even have the chance to meet baby alpacas, goats, chicks, piglets, and more. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, available for hire on-site, and firewood can be purchased (though guests are welcome to bring their own). Dogs are welcome on secure leads, and the campsite offers direct access to walking trails meandering through acres of picturesque countryside.

Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

137km from Harwich · 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.

The best campsites available this weekend near Harwich

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(178)

17km from Harwich · 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

The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(72)

103km from Harwich · 3 units · Glamping

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

Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

72km from Harwich · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!

Lakeview Paddock

116km from Harwich · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.

Rosehip Woods Campsite

91km from Harwich · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

Star Host camping experiences near Harwich

The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

130km from Harwich · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

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

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!

Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

75km from Harwich · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

Snettisham Meadows

96%

(24)

116km from Harwich · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches. Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs. Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery. After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing. Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.

Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(143)

85km from Harwich · 20 units · Tents, Glamping

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

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.