Dog-friendly caravan parks near Harwich

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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.

87% (487) 117 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich

Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

1. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(65)
135km from Harwich · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

2. 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.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Lions Row

3. Lions Row

21km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
When it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

4. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

100%
(7)
25km from Harwich · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes
You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£33
 / night
Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

5. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%
(6)
50km from Harwich · 5 units
A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£18
 / night

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.

87% (487) 117 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich

Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

1. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(65)
135km from Harwich · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

2. 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.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Lions Row

3. Lions Row

21km from Harwich · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
When it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

4. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

100%
(7)
25km from Harwich · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes
You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£33
 / night
Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

5. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%
(6)
50km from Harwich · 5 units
A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£18
 / night

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Dog-friendly caravan parks 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.

Popular Harwich holidays