100% (19) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich
Penn Meadow Farm
1. Penn Meadow Farm
91%
(233)
140km from Harwich · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England)
Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies.
We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.
The site includes;
Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked.
Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up
Running drinking water
Shared open kitchen
Fires allowed
BBQ's allowed
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules:
Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone.
Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them.
Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space.
Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space.
Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm.
Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached.
Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment.
Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol.
We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Freedom Farm Camping
2. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(20)
61km from Harwich · 30 units · Tents
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Thompson Hall Retreat
3. Thompson Hall Retreat
96%
(25)
72km from Harwich · 6 units · Glamping
An adult-only shepherds hut retreat in the Norfolk Brecks, with a luxurious outdoor spa area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£275
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
4. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
113km from Harwich · 5 units · Glamping
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
100% (19) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Harwich
Penn Meadow Farm
1. Penn Meadow Farm
91%
(233)
140km from Harwich · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England)
Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies.
We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.
The site includes;
Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked.
Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up
Running drinking water
Shared open kitchen
Fires allowed
BBQ's allowed
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules:
Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone.
Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them.
Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space.
Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space.
Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm.
Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached.
Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment.
Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol.
We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Freedom Farm Camping
2. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(20)
61km from Harwich · 30 units · Tents
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Thompson Hall Retreat
3. Thompson Hall Retreat
96%
(25)
72km from Harwich · 6 units · Glamping
An adult-only shepherds hut retreat in the Norfolk Brecks, with a luxurious outdoor spa area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£275
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
4. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
113km from Harwich · 5 units · Glamping
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Siubhan
November 2025
Tent
Amazing views over the hills with red kites, gorgeous horses in the next door field and really friendly sheep dogs. Gorgeous shower block which make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel! 200m walk to fantastic pub with great food and fires. Can’t wait to go back
See more
N
Niall
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an amazing stay at the wonderful Freedom Eco Farm. The location is really lovely, with distant views of rolling hills and mature trees - all to ourselves. What is especially great was Helena and Duncan’s relaxed and warm welcome and the ability to roam the tracks around their farm. The grass fed beef burgers were delicious and we’ll be back to try the swimming pond and sauna. Thanks, we loved our stay.
See moreM
MARTYN
September 2025
Tent
Excellent private location. Very relaxing with good facilities.
See more
Marie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great campsite pub walking distance. We had a great time. Farm for kids.
See moreY
Yuva
August 2025
Tent
Lovely views, clean bathrooms, stocked kitchen big plot of land and very cute farm animals.
See more
C
Courteney
August 2025
Tent
With pets
My partner and I went camping here for 2 nights (Fri-sun) with our 3 dogs (2 off leash). The staff are soo amazing and attentive! There’s so much space and all of the other campers we met were soo kind and respectful. The kitchen is well maintained. The shower/toilet was clean and I had hot water for my shower. It was so amazing to just have a peaceful weekend away from the world. Before we even left we started planning our next trip back! 10/10 experience
See moreB
Bob
August 2025
Tent
With pets
The facilities are excellent, the on site gas stove is something more campsites should have!
Excellent showers and loos.
The only slightly negative is the presence of farm dogs who seemingly have free rein over the site. Those who dislike being “investigated” by dogs may want to bear this in mind. Also be aware of the odd dog poo on the ground.
See moreC
Christopher
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
The farm is a great spot for camping. The facilities are very nice and the hosts are lovely. Would highly recommend.
See moreC
Claire
August 2025
Tent
Lovely big field, very flat, peaceful spot.
A bit of a long way to the bathrooms from the field but they were brand new and spotless.
See moreJ
Julia
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely, open and free-feeling camp space. Beautiful green hills and woodland surrounding it. Handy little kitchen area and wooden shelter plus beautifully tiled toilets / showers. Very lovely walk to the local pub and woods to explore with kids.
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S
Stacey
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Nice spacious pitches. Facilities were clean and showers were lovely.
See more
Z
Zeeshan
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful land and sky.
Owners were really helpful and accommodating with the firewood and etc. Even gave some of younger ones a fun trip in their truck which they loved. Highly recommend.
See moreM
Miriam
July 2025
Tent
With kids
We absolutely loved camping here - beautiful farm setting, very peaceful at night. Our toddler enjoyed saying hello to the calves & horses, spotting dragonflies, and pottering in the wooded area! Helena and Duncan were very welcoming and helpful. The swimming pond is stunning - clear and very deep - and the sauna warmed us up before bed! Thank you for a lovely stay - hope to return for longer :)
See moreJ
Joel
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
Lovely campsite. Really peaceful, lots of space -- and a friendly dog!
See moreA
Alice
July 2025
Tent
- lovely views
- facilities great- working showers with glass sliding doors. Could do with a few more shower cubicles
- friendly hosts
See more
Nick
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely little spot that my 5 year old son loved immediately, friendly staff. Even the other campers were exemplary. Extra points for the farm dogs.
See moreK
Katie
July 2025
Tent
Was lovely camp site with friendly staff. We used the sauna and pool which was so great as well
See moreM
Matt
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Great campsite, pitch where you like. Got 3 showers with toilets etc which are really nice and hot. Great pub 5 mins walk away aswell. We will be back!! Thank you
See moreC
Charles
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Great site for a first time camping family (3 children and a dog), good onsite facilities, helpful staff and a site that wasn't too large that it was difficult to navigate or get around.
Looking forward to visiting again in the future.
See moreM
Marin
July 2025
Tent
Great place. It's quiet. The host is great. We had an amazing time.
See more
The best ranch campsites 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.