99% (150)
Top-rated campgrounds
99% (150)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites in and near Epping Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Stories from the community
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Ben
September 2025
With kids
The shepherd hut was clean and very comfortable. The location was peaceful and we had some amazing sunsets and rises.
The wood fired hot tub was great as was the wood fire BBQ which was super easy to use and made the food taste great.
We had a fantastic 2 nights and can’t wait to go back.
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daniel
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
A wonderful host, a stunning view, birds everywhere, my first view of a kingfisher in my 56 years of life, every comfort and a lovely lake just in front with a whole assortment of ducks. Just wonderful.
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Lydia
August 2025
2 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
This was a wonderful place - a really idyllic setting and superb shepherd’s hut. Super cosy with its own secluded area and kitchen with everything you need. The orchard is beautiful, Natasha and Nick have done amazing job in making this a really special place. One of our favourite ever UK stays!
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Penelope
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
My partner and I had the most amazing one night stay here (wish we had longer) at Plum Farm, surrounded by nature and wonderful peace and quiet.
We had a lovely welcome from Natasha and Tim who are super attentive lovely people. We enjoyed using the firepit to cook our dinner on, we brought most of our own utensils but its all there for you to use if needed. Was great to have running water and the gas hob to use too - Love an outdoors kitchen!
Also loved the home grown, hand picked flowers that were there for us too., we were also very lucky to be given a bottle of Apple juice from the apples grown on the Orchard, definitely recommend buying a bottle if there's any available.
The shepherds hut was cosy and accommodating, was great to have the black out blinds which was a pleasant surprise, had a great night sleep.
I would love to come back next year.
Thank you both for having us :)
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Anna
August 2025
With pets
Stunning location! The view was fantastic and there was some lovely walking routes around to local landmarks and pubs. The hut was great, plenty of storage and well equipped with everything you need.
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Lore
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
Amazing shepherds hut with outstanding views of the surrounding area and lake. The hut itself was immaculately clean and has all you need within. Mark and Geraldine are really lovely! So helpful and kind.
We will definitely be returning!
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Lucy
July 2025
With pets
We only stayed at Plum Camping for 1 night, but it was such a wonderful place that it felt like we were there a week! Natasha & Nick were fabulous people who made us feel at home the minute we got there. Nothing was too much bother, and we loved being in our shepherds hut amongst the fruit trees and carefully considered garden. It was peaceful and private whilst feeling like there is a small community of people doing a good thing down there. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who feels like they need a break from the rat race for a night or two. Our shepherds hut was perfectly cosy & in proportion with a super comfy double bed & futon with windows opening on all side so you can wake up in nature. There was a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with your own washing facilities and stove but we ended up walking to the pub for dinner as we didn’t have the energy for that! Natasha helped us out when we got lost on a walk and provided maps & WhatsApp directions which were helpful to city folk like us! We left with a bag full of plums and a happy heart!
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A
Anwen
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Stone Pit Meadows
We loved our stay in Southdown shepherd hut. Was extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly think of for a couple of nights. Including firewood, lighters and marshmallows! Thoroughly recommend the breakfast hamper add on - with delicious modifications as one of us is a veggie. The campsite is great - beautiful surroundings with a lovely little swimming hole (wild and a bit weedy but refreshing) You can see the other tents/ hut and kids playing etc but it didn’t feel noisy or crowded at all. The location is very peaceful and rural - a good 30+ minutes walk to the local pub, but there is off road paths to get there. And it’s close to lots of attractions by car - chapel down winery, the coast etc. There’s lots more exploring to do in this area and when we come back we’d love to stay at Stoneput meadows!
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Alexandra
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
Carp's hut is absolutely stunning , located in a beautiful and hidden area, offering you the privacy you need to disconnect from the city and connect to the nature.
We loved watching the birds , and feeding the ducks and geese . The stunning fishing lake has been a plus and we have enjoyed every moment on the balcony.
The host have offered us a welcome pack and have made us feel very welcomed. Thank you Mark and Geraldine for having us , will definitely return at some point.
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Ellis
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
We had an amazing stay at the Dandelion! Amazing quiet field with beautiful sounds of nature, great facilities, plenty to do. Alexandra’s Fleets paddock is brilliant and would highly recommend. The outdoor hot showers, clean toilets, taps made it such an easy stay.
Thank you!!!
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Alexandra
May 2025
2 nights at Serenity Lakes
Loved our little glamping adventure to Serenity Lakes! The huts have everything you need, from cutlery to microwave and towels and even UNO playing cards. Everything is really well signposted aned explained in the welcome brochure in the hut. Absolute highlights wad obviously the wood-fired hot tub 💞 but also the beautiful sunsets on the lake!
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Melissa
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mark, Geraldine's brother, who gave us directions to our hut (Perch). He followed us up, and made sure we knew where everything was in the hut, he had the fridge stocked with fresh milk, eggs, fruit juice, there was tea, coffee, sugar, even ketchup! Cooking oil... Tinfoil.... Everything we needed was there! The whole hut was beautiful clean and neat, and everything was very well thought of and planned out. The views were beautiful, no sound of passing traffic, lots of bird life, and the hut felt very private. My partner and I fished into the late evening and started early 5h30am the next morning. Mark came to our hut as agreed 10am punctually to deliver warm crispy croissants and bread rolls, with an assortment of jams and honey, we felt so spoilt! We felt the safety of knowing our hosts were nearby, with such kind hearts and warm smiles, ready to assist or help us in any way, but never on top of us. We broke a Champaign flute, and they replaced it right away. We ordered beef burger patties, sausages and bacon, a bbq charcoal pack and firewood to sit around the outside fire under the stars one night. The meat was so delicious we ordered more to take away with us. The fishing was great, we caught loads of fish. We could sit anywhere around either of the two fishing lakes. The farm is huge and we were welcome to walk the grounds and possibly see some deer. The hut was lovely and warm on arrival with the heater on. Definitely will be back.
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Denre
March 2025
Weekend Trip to The Big Green Shepherds Hut
Very nice spot! Slept well in a very comfy bed! Would have preferred an outside toilet to be honest but we still had a great time. Thanks!
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Shepherd's Huts in Epping Forest guide
Notable campgrounds
- Best for exploring: Debden House Campsite has spacious tent sites with fire pits, electric hook-up for caravans and campervans, and direct access to the forest’s hiking trails.
- Best for peace and quiet: Lee Valley Campsite is on the western edge of the forest and has grass pitches with or without electric hook-up, as well as cozy camping pods and tents for hire.
- Best for a wild camping experience: Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite lets you get back to nature, with minimal amenities, quiet woodland tent pitches, and hammocks swinging from the trees.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Epping Forest campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Early bookings are essential if you want to visit these times.
- Unpowered tent pitches are more likely to be available without a reservation, but it’s still best to call ahead.
- You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
- Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from May through September, while others stay open year-round.
When to go
Accessible year-round, it’s worth revisiting Epping Forest throughout its changing seasons. Autumn is magical under the colorful canopy of fall foliage, while springtime sees wildlife at its most active and bursts of wildflowers. Visiting on a weekday means you’ll avoid the crowds, but the park’s walking trails are always busy in July-August, as well as during school holidays. Pack sturdy hiking boots if visiting after rainfall, as the forest trails can get muddy.
Know before you go
- Epping Forest is on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire, about an hour’s drive north of London.
- Central line tubes run to Epping Forest from London, stopping at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hinton Admiral, Lymington, New Milton, Sway, and Totton.
- There are about 30 car parks located throughout the park, many of which are pay and display.
- Epping Forest Visitor Centres are located at Chingford and High Beach, where you’ll also find restrooms and cafés.
- Wild camping and overnight parking are not permitted anywhere within the park. Fires and BBQs are also off-limits, except on private camping and caravan parks.
- Epping Forest has several accessible trails, and all car parks are accessible.