Riverside Camping Near Hemel Hempstead

If you’re after river camping near Hemel Hempstead, you’ll find over 140 spots where water’s always close and the countryside feels wide open. Expect everything from simple meadows with just a tap and a loo, to sites with hot showers and a spot for your dog. Prices start at £12 a night, averaging around £65. The local favourites? The Barn KT9 (111 reviews) sits just beyond the city, offering riverside pitches and easy access to footpaths. Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews) is known for wild swimming and relaxed evenings by the water. Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews) keeps things low-key and family-friendly. Bring your wellies—paths can get muddy near the water—and keep your eyes out for kingfishers. Swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching are the main draws here, but most places keep it simple: no fuss, just river and sky.

86% (595)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you’re after river camping near Hemel Hempstead, you’ll find over 140 spots where water’s always close and the countryside feels wide open. Expect everything from simple meadows with just a tap and a loo, to sites with hot showers and a spot for your dog. Prices start at £12 a night, averaging around £65. The local favourites? The Barn KT9 (111 reviews) sits just beyond the city, offering riverside pitches and easy access to footpaths. Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews) is known for wild swimming and relaxed evenings by the water. Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews) keeps things low-key and family-friendly. Bring your wellies—paths can get muddy near the water—and keep your eyes out for kingfishers. Swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching are the main draws here, but most places keep it simple: no fuss, just river and sky.

86% (595)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(147)

80km from Hemel Hempstead · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

2. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

77km from Hemel Hempstead · 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

3. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

47km from Hemel Hempstead · 22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

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

4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%

(39)

134km from Hemel Hempstead · 51 units · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

5. The Slips

91%

(85)

92km from Hemel Hempstead · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside

6. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

78km from Hemel Hempstead · 50 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

7. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%

(292)

96km from Hemel Hempstead · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

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

8. The Pig Place Campsite

92%

(93)

63km from Hemel Hempstead · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Oxfordshire, South East England

Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm

9. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

47km from Hemel Hempstead · 13 units · Glamping · Buckingham, England

Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire

10. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

39km from Hemel Hempstead · 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.

11. Heygates Lodging

100%

(21)

83km from Hemel Hempstead · 2 units · Glamping · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

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.

12. Brightwell Country Park

100%

(14)

124km from Hemel Hempstead · 1 unit · Glamping · Woodbridge, Suffolk, East Anglia

Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door

13. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%

(47)

119km from Hemel Hempstead · 9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England

Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds

14. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

53km from Hemel Hempstead · 12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England

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.

15. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

55km from Hemel Hempstead · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

16. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

49km from Hemel Hempstead · 25 units · Tents · England

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

17. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

105km from Hemel Hempstead · 38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

18. Camping with a festival spirit

92%

(38)

48km from Hemel Hempstead · 32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bedfordshire, England

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

19. Allington Lock Campsite

100%

(3)

84km from Hemel Hempstead · 10 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4. Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen. Onsite facilities include: Riverside setting for a tranquil stay Hot showers and toilets Covered eating area with BBQs Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only) Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night) Dogs welcome Onsite CCTV and security barriers

20. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

51km from Hemel Hempstead · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England

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!

Camper favorites near Hemel Hempstead

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%

(47)

119km from Hemel Hempstead · 9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England

Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

53km from Hemel Hempstead · 12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England

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.

Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

55km from Hemel Hempstead · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

49km from Hemel Hempstead · 25 units · Tents · England

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

Hale Farm

100%

(152)

105km from Hemel Hempstead · 38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

Camping with a festival spirit

92%

(38)

48km from Hemel Hempstead · 32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bedfordshire, England

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

Allington Lock Campsite

100%

(3)

84km from Hemel Hempstead · 10 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4. Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen. Onsite facilities include: Riverside setting for a tranquil stay Hot showers and toilets Covered eating area with BBQs Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only) Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night) Dogs welcome Onsite CCTV and security barriers

Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

51km from Hemel Hempstead · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England

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!

Stories from the community

A

Abigail

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Allington Lock Campsite

While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!

F

Fatima

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm

Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!

L

Liam

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Allington Lock Campsite

Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.

E

Elisa

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

LOVED this stay. If your little one has sensitive ears you may need ear plugs/defenders as the aircrafts are rather loud. But over all, I loved this trip. Maybe need to take your own headlamp/torch as bathroom lamps were temperamental. Staff were amazing, everything well equipped. Would definitely recommend.

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

B

Bob

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club

Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

O

Olly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

Had a lovely, welcoming and friendly, and really enjoyed the farm, getting to hold 2 day old ducks and bottle feed baby goats. We'll be back

I

Issy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

C

Craig

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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.

G

Greg

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Meadow @ Waples Mill

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!

S

Simon

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities

S

Sophie

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch

T

Teddy

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Brightwell Country Park

Great place to glamp, would love to go back and would certainly recommend.

N

NA

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Daisy May’s Farm

Campsite has lots of space. Farm animals are lovely.

Z

Zoe

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping with a festival spirit

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

D

Danny

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

Brilliant campsite backing in to the River Nene. Great place to launch kayaks and paddle boards. Clean toilets and showers and fire pits on every pitch. 10/10