Riverside Camping Near Watford

Watford’s riverside campsites put you steps from the water with over 150 options to choose from—each one offering a different take on this green, quietly buzzing corner of Hertfordshire. Expect pitches where you can fish at dawn, swim by lunchtime, and hike shaded trails in the afternoon. Bring your dog; most sites welcome pets, and you’ll find showers and toilets at many spots. For a local favourite, The Barn KT9 (111 reviews) draws regulars for its riverside charm and reliable facilities. Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews) is another top pick, especially if you like a working farm setting. For something a bit more hidden-away, The Nut Plat Retreat (31 reviews) offers quiet among orchards and streams. Average prices hover around £55 per night, but you can pitch up at riverside spots for as little as £12. Don’t expect luxury, but you’ll get real access to the water, plenty of green space, and a no-fuss escape close to London.

87% (456)

Top-rated campgrounds near Watford

Watford’s riverside campsites put you steps from the water with over 150 options to choose from—each one offering a different take on this green, quietly buzzing corner of Hertfordshire. Expect pitches where you can fish at dawn, swim by lunchtime, and hike shaded trails in the afternoon. Bring your dog; most sites welcome pets, and you’ll find showers and toilets at many spots. For a local favourite, The Barn KT9 (111 reviews) draws regulars for its riverside charm and reliable facilities. Daisy May’s Farm (83 reviews) is another top pick, especially if you like a working farm setting. For something a bit more hidden-away, The Nut Plat Retreat (31 reviews) offers quiet among orchards and streams. Average prices hover around £55 per night, but you can pitch up at riverside spots for as little as £12. Don’t expect luxury, but you’ll get real access to the water, plenty of green space, and a no-fuss escape close to London.

87% (456)

Top-rated campgrounds near Watford

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(72)

68km from Watford · 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

2. The Slips

91%

(85)

82km from Watford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

3. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

54km from Watford · 25 units · Tents

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.

4. Farm sleep cabin

26km from Watford · 1 unit · Glamping

Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.

5. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

37km from Watford · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

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

6. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

52km from Watford · 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!

7. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

50km from Watford · 12 units · Tents

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.

8. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(148)

88km from Watford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

9. The Pig Place Campsite

92%

(93)

72km from Watford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

10. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

61km from Watford · 6 units · Tents, Glamping

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

11. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%

(292)

104km from Watford · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

12. Farrs Meadow

96%

(141)

147km from Watford · 31 units · Tents, Glamping

A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster

13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

106km from Watford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

14. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

82km from Watford · 50 units · Tents, Glamping

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

15. Allington Lock Campsite

100%

(3)

75km from Watford · 10 units · Tents, Glamping

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

16. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

95km from Watford · 38 units · Tents, Glamping

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

17. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

57km from Watford · 13 units · Glamping

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

18. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

30km from Watford · 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.

19. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

106km from Watford · 18 units · Tents

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

20. The Hop Farm

82%

(37)

75km from Watford · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.

Camper favorites near Watford

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

106km from Watford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

82km from Watford · 50 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Allington Lock Campsite

100%

(3)

75km from Watford · 10 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Hale Farm

100%

(152)

95km from Watford · 38 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

57km from Watford · 13 units · Glamping

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

Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

30km from Watford · 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.

Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

106km from Watford · 18 units · Tents

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

The Hop Farm

82%

(37)

75km from Watford · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

e

erin

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!

A

Andrea

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time

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!

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

David was an amazing host, extremely helpful and gave excellent advice. Facilities are not luxurious but erfectly adequate and what you want from a remotr campsite. Even though the wind blew hard we were well protected.

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

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

Great campsite, friendly owner! We stayed a couple of weeks ago, and have already returned since, and plan to again in a few weeks. Great location. Highly recommend 👌🏼