Camping in Friston Forest

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Protected as part of southeast England’s South Downs National Park, Friston Forest sits just inland from the unbelievably beautiful white-chalk Seven Sisters cliffs and picturesque Cuckmere Haven beach in East Sussex. A handful of well-marked hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding trails meander off into the beech trees, while scenic picnic and barbecue areas as well as charming pubs can be found in the villages of Friston and East Dean. For campers, family-owned farms, thrilling clifftop sites, and the grounds of graceful country manors offer idyllic pitch-up spots, while water sports abound all along the nearby coast.

97% (2.4K) 2,563 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Friston Forest

Far and Away Camping

1. Far and Away Camping

100%
(54)
England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
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Littleton Farm Campsite

2. Littleton Farm Campsite

94%
(42)
Upwaltham, England · 20 units
Nestled in a valley on the South Downs Way, Littleton Farm Campsite offers a secluded spot for enjoying the countryside. Welcoming tent campers only, the site offers non electric pitches with plenty of space for everyone to have some peace and quiet. Grab breakfast from the onsite Cadence Cafe, spend days exploring picturesque walking routes and evenings by the campfire. Arundel and Chichester are within 20 minutes drive. A great base for exploring the South Downs and all that West Sussex has to offer. For events at Goodwood or for walkers and cyclists on the South Downs Way, the site is also an ideal spot for escaping the crowds. There are 20 non electric grass pitches onsite, each welcoming tents only. Each pitch allows up to six guests, with plenty of space for tents and gazebos with no extra charges other than on a per-person basis. Unloading is allowed by the pitches with parking in the designated car park. Wake up to fantastic rural views and grab a bite to eat from the onsite cafe, which also serves a delicious cup of coffee. Days can be spent enjoying long walks in beautiful open countryside, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages, or down by the coast, only 25 minutes away. In the evenings, guests can cook up a BBQ or relax by the campfire. Please note, the site is dog free.
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Potable water
The Secret Pondside Pitches

3. The Secret Pondside Pitches

100%
(5)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only. The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions: 1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common. 2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. 3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine! 4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill. Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care. More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
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Camping at Tomkins Farm

4. Camping at Tomkins Farm

96%
(183)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
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Knowler Farm Wild Camping

5. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

98%
(48)
England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
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The Barn KT9

6. The Barn KT9

98%
(342)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
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Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

7. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%
(132)
Pulborough, England · 56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
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Wonderland Festival Retreat

8. Wonderland Festival Retreat

93%
(7)
Henfield, England · 3 units
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
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Campfires
The Nut Plat Retreat

9. The Nut Plat Retreat

94%
(86)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
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
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Chalky Downs

10. Chalky Downs

96%
(626)
Brighton, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
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Housedean Farm Campsite

11. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%
(113)
Lewes, England · 4 units
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
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Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite

12. Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite

100%
(5)
Haywards Heath, England · 5 units
Child free campsite- please note before booking :) Come and stay in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, less than an hour from London. Nestled amongst rolling fields and ancient woodland, Field & Fallow offers the perfect escape. ​Our peaceful adults only campsite is surrounded by nature, with a lovely woodland, abundant wildlife and space to relax and reconnect. Created for Glastonbury Festival's fallow year, this new pop-up campsite is designed to bring people together in a friendly setting, welcoming friends, couples and solo travellers alike. We have a woodland sauna, a communal campfire (acoustic music is encouraged), badminton and table tennis. Please note the sauna is an additional cost- please check our website for costings. Nearby there are lots of beautiful walks and the Ardingly reservoir offers a range of water sports (8 minute drive). The famous bluebell railway is also within walking distance. Please be aware there is no mobile service at the campsite, which we see as a good opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. There is limited Wifi onsite if necessary. Sorry as this is a pop-up campsite, caravans aren't accepted on site but campervans and small motorhomes are welcome. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and come and help us create somewhere special!
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Alciston Court Farm

13. Alciston Court Farm

95%
(51)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
Pets
Campfires
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

14. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

96%
(68)
Waldron, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
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Hurtwood Hideout

15. Hurtwood Hideout

Dorking, England · 1 unit
Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, Hurtwood Hideout Campsite is the perfect base for exploring miles of beautiful woodland walks, scenic cycling routes, and breathtaking countryside. Step straight from the campsite onto a network of public footpaths through Hurtwood Forest, with charming villages, traditional country pubs, and stunning viewpoints all within easy reach. Guests also have access to our on-site facilities, including a welcoming hostel, café, communal amenities, and bike hire. Whether you're pitching a tent, staying in one of our bell tents, or travelling as part of a group, Hurtwood Hideout offers a peaceful countryside escape just over an hour from London. It's an ideal destination for walkers, cyclists, families, schools, and outdoor groups looking to experience the very best of the Surrey Hills.
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Glassenbury Camping

16. Glassenbury Camping

99%
(81)
Cranbrook, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
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Beech Estate Campsite

17. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(194)
Battle, England · 52 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Hook Farm Campsite

18. Hook Farm Campsite

98%
(218)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
Pets
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Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

19. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

96%
(27)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just a few tiny pitches but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
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Campfires
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

20. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%
(18)
Emsworth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Friston Forest camping guide

Where to go

Seven Sisters Country Park

One of coastal England’s most superbly scenic stretches, this 280-hectare park ripples across the Cuckmere River valley, chalk grasslands, and the undulating, salt-white Seven Sisters cliffs, west of Eastbourne. A challenging branch of the South Downs Way tracks up and down along the clifftops, with dazzling views across the channel.

South Downs National Park

Beyond the Seven Sisters area, the South Downs roll northwest all the way to Winchester, taking in chalk-dusted hills, gorgeously green landscapes, lively market towns, and, of course, superb country pubs. Adventurous souls can go hiking, cycling, horse riding, and even paragliding, while campsites, glamping pods, and caravan spots pop up everywhere from riverside farms to cliffview coastal parks.

High Weald AONB

England’s fourth-largest AONB packs in 580 square miles of Sussex, Kent, and Surrey countryside sprinkled with ancient castles, gardens, and mansions. Go kayaking across lakes, hike along the escarpment, explore the sprawling heaths, and try paddleboarding or sailing with a wealth of delightful glamping, camping, and caravanning sites to pick from along the way.

Kent Downs

Inland from Kent’s chalk-dusted coastline (where dynamic towns such as Folkestone, Margate, Deal, and Whitstable await), the Kent Downs AONB delivers almost 350 square miles of centuries-old beech woodlands, scenic farmscapes, and windswept scarps. It’s a wonderfully refreshing natural space for hiking, horse riding, and cycling with view-splayed trails including the long-distance North Downs Way. This also makes it a popular on-the-doorstep escape from London, so you’ll want to book that secluded pop-up farm campsite well ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Friston Forest, you can go hiking, cycling, horse riding, and even paragliding. The forest offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventurous souls to enjoy. You can also explore different options for camping near Friston Forest on Hipcamp.

Near Friston Forest, you can visit the unbelievably beautiful white-chalk Seven Sisters cliffs and picturesque Cuckmere Haven beach in East Sussex. The area also offers charming pubs and scenic picnic and barbecue areas. You can also explore different options for camping near Friston Forest on Hipcamp.

Friston Forest offers idyllic pitch-up spots at family-owned farms, thrilling clifftop sites, and the grounds of graceful country manors. There are also campsites, glamping pods, and caravan spots available in the area. You can also explore different options for camping near Friston Forest on Hipcamp.

The South Downs National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking across lakes, hiking along the escarpment, exploring the sprawling heaths, and trying paddleboarding or sailing. There are also delightful glamping, camping, and caravanning sites to pick from along the way. You can also explore different options for camping near Friston Forest on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Friston Forest holidays