96% (1.8K) • 3,390 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Hainault Forest
The Barn KT9
1. The Barn KT9
97%
(284)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Penn Meadow Farm
2. Penn Meadow Farm
91%
(248)
Beaconsfield, England · 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 but must be off the ground
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 10pm and 8am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 10pm.
Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; but must be kept off the ground in BBQs or firepits. Fire pits are available to rent from check in. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished.
Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 8mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment.
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
Far and Away Camping
3. Far and Away Camping
100%
(37)
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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
1 events @ the candlesticks
4. 1 events @ the candlesticks
Hatfield, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, the campsite at The Candlestick offers a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland walks, and open skies. Located beside the historic Candlestick country pub on the outskirts of Essendon, guests can enjoy the perfect combination of countryside camping and traditional pub hospitality. The pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food service, garden, and popularity with walkers and cyclists.
Whether you're travelling by tent, campervan, motorhome, or touring caravan, this tranquil setting provides an ideal base for exploring the Hertfordshire countryside while remaining within easy reach of London and local attractions. Guests can relax with a meal or drink at the pub after a day of walking or cycling through the surrounding rural landscape. The elevated location offers attractive countryside views and a genuine escape from the pace of everyday life.
Highlights
Peaceful countryside location in Essendon, Hertfordshire
Adjacent to a traditional country pub serving food and drinks
Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers
Suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and touring caravans
Dog-friendly environment
Convenient access to local footpaths and village amenities
Easy access to Hatfield, St Albans, and London transport links
Whether you're stopping for a single night or planning a longer countryside getaway, The Candlestick campsite offers a relaxed and welcoming setting to unwind and enjoy the best of rural Hertfordshire.
**dog friendly**
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Tomkins Farm
5. Tomkins Farm
96%
(172)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
6. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(120)
Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hook Farm Campsite
7. Hook Farm Campsite
98%
(210)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Freedom Farm Camping
8. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(25)
Newmarket, England · 25 units
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
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
9. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
87%
(31)
England · 83 units · Tents, Glamping
NEW we have 2 brand new toilet blocks with multiple toilets , showers , basins .
NEW we have 2 full kitchens for you to use with fridge freezers , gas hobs , electric , and everything needed for your stay
we have many different options including bring your own tent , belltent yurts cabins . please enquire for info
farm riverside camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings sandy mini beach , next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
We have many activities at the farm including woodland activities , cooking campfire with our unique forest school .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, bottle feed our piglets walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bridge Woods
10. Bridge Woods
100%
(9)
England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet.
Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer.
There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed.
The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
11. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
93%
(45)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Secluded Woodland Camp
12. Secluded Woodland Camp
97%
(16)
Ware, England · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest.
We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse.
Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by.
Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
The Sunnyfield Campsite
13. The Sunnyfield Campsite
95%
(100)
Canterbury, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Otter Channel Campsite
14. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(160)
East Sussex, England · 15 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Daisy May’s Farm
15. Daisy May’s Farm
87%
(180)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fontmills Farm Campsite
16. Fontmills Farm Campsite
100%
(123)
Hellingly, England · 38 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Beech Farm Camping
17. Beech Farm Camping
100%
(1)
England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A rural getaway doesn’t have to involve a long drive or lots of winding lanes to negotiate – and an excellent example of this is Beech Farm, in the West Sussex countryside about five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst.
This site is about a mile and a half from the nearest A road, half an hour’s drive from the A3 and M23, and about 45 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25. All of that adds up to a quick-to-reach destination for residents of London and most of the South East, as well as easy access for those coming from further afield.
This is a fairly simple site with just essential facilities (toilet block, rubbish area and chemical disposal point), but it’s all well maintained. It’s a laidback place where families, dogs and groups are all welcome, but please note that campfires and barbecues are not allowed for safety reasons.
Bed down here and you’ll be in an excellent spot for all sorts of days out – the site is just outside the South Downs National Park for scenic walks and bike rides, and within easy reach of Chichester (40 minutes), the Goodwood Estate (35 minutes) and the beaches of the south coast (half an hour). Billingshurst has a good selection of shops and places to eat, plus a railway station for days out by train.
- Simple but well-kept site five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst
- Just outside South Downs National Park; farm park two minutes' drive
- Rural location with easy access from main roads and motorways
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Glassenbury Camping
18. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(68)
Cranbrook, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Painters Farm Campsite
19. Painters Farm Campsite
99%
(45)
Whitstable, England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent.
Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches.
The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty.
The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round.
Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out.
The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October.
The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame.
Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
20. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
94%
(17)
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.
Pets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nicholas
4 days ago
4 m campervan
Great campsite, easy to get to and good place to chill out.
See moreT
Teri
4 days ago
4 m rooftop tent
2nd visit for me. As a solo camper I feel completely comfortable staying here. If you want to unplug this is the place. It’s peaceful and well managed. Communication with Jayne is always immediate. Highly recommend
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C
Catherine
4 days ago
Tent
With kids
Nicely maintained pitches and toilets are great especially if you have kids. Pitches are a good distance from each other and also large! The track to the field is a bit even so go slow but east to find and owners both very nice and easy to contact. There is a woodland bit next door which is nice to explore. No light pollution so you can see all the stars on a clear night.
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D
Darren
4 days ago
5 m campervan
Jayne and Mark are fabulous hosts - with a super relaxed site. Camping field is spacious, with simple and clean facilities that’s all you need. This was a second visit - will be back !
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K
KATHARINA
4 days ago
Tent
With kids
A wonderful camping spot, kids loved walking past the horses and made friends with the dogs. Lovely facilities too!
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N
Nicole
4 days ago
With kids
We had such a great stay with friends in the bell tents. The campsite is beautiful, peaceful and has great facilities including a kitchen area with a stove and a shower with hot water. The tents are huge, with really comfy beds and Jayne and her husband were so helpful. Highly recommend!
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C
Chris
5 days ago
5 m campervan
With pets
Second visit, and once again impressed by the site!
Toilet block and showers immaculately clean and another wonderful greeting from Karen. Look forward to my next trip!
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W
Will
1 week ago
Tent
Had a really lovely weekend on Morag's farm. Would massively recommend to anyone who loves camping, farms and being outdoors. Very clean facilities, gorgeous river and very cute animals.
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István Ferenc
2 weeks ago
Tent
Enjoyed being alone like always. Everything was just perfect.
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K
Katie
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
We went at the end of half term and it was lovely, quiet and secluded
It was also great to be on a site with well kept toilets and showers!
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B
Bob
2 weeks ago
5 m campervan
Lovely site and friendly hosts. Was very quiet this weekend, but James said he was full the previous (bank holiday) weekend
See moreS
Sean
2 weeks ago
5 m rooftop tent
Camp site was clean. Access was easy and host was fantastic. We got to hear the lions roaring and the sky divers in the air.
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B
Becky
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
What a superb camping site! We have stayed on lots of sites and this was one of our favourites- huge pitches, clean and plenty of toilets/showers.
The local walks and ideas were fab and I can definitely say that I have never stayed on a site with a camel before!
The owners and staff were all amazing and nothing was too much trouble for them. Thank you for creating a space and experience for all to enjoy!
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E
Eryk
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Wonderful and peaceful. Not a building to be seen across the outstanding views of rolling hills for miles from the campfield. Friendly owners, and simple but clean facilities.
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H
Harry
2 weeks ago
Tent
Had a really enjoyable stay at this campsite. The setting is peaceful with plenty of open space, making it perfect for relaxing and switching off for a few days. The views around the site are lovely, and the atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming. Facilities were clean and well maintained, and the owners were helpful whenever we needed anything. It’s a great spot for anyone looking for a simple countryside camping experience away from busy tourist areas. Would definitely come back and recommend it to others looking for a relaxing camping trip.
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M
Matthew
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great host, very accommodating and well manured! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful get away!
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M
Myles
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Amazing host, he met us on arrival and gave us a few options of where to pitch. Lovely and quiet with no one else around very private. Listing said no dogs but host was absolutely fine with us bringing our dog when we asked. Will definitely be back
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N
Nicholas
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Good clean facilities and a great host. Easy access across all of East Kent- loved it!
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J
Jonathan
3 weeks ago
With pets
I had a really lovely time with my two kids, 8 and 6 at the camp site. They loved their time paddling and kayaking in the stream and the farm animals were very friendly. Morag really made us feel comfortable in the space. I would definitely come again!
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P
Peter
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great site. Not many pitches, so felt like we had plenty of space. Nice to have a cafe on site and there was lots to do in the nearby area..
See moreHainault Forest camping guide
Where to go
Lee Valley Country Park
Beyond Hainault Forest itself, campers can explore the nearby Lee Valley, which stretches along the River Lea northeast from London into Buckinghamshire and Essex. Some of it was transformed into London’s Olympic Park for the 2012 games, bringing a welcome green lung to the capital’s east. Its handful of campsites take in tent spots, caravan parks, cosy lodges and pre-pitched safari tents, while adventure activities swing from white-water rafting to rowing along the river to leisurely horse riding.
Epping Forest
Another favourite nature spot on London’s fringes, Epping Forest sits just north of Hainault on the Essex-Hertfordshire border. With endless hiking paths, cycling routes, horseback trails and everything from paintball to windsurfing, you’ll be spoilt for entertainment. And while you can’t pitch up in the forest itself, there are wild-camping and caravanning sites on its edges.
Kent Coast
Kent’s beach-strung northern coastline awaits within a two-hour drive of Hainault Forest, offering up lively, bohemian beach towns such as Whitstable and Margate alongside miles of seaside walks, plenty of watersports and tempting ocean-view camping spots.
Suffolk Coast
Trundle less than two hours east from Hainault Forest to reach the pretty villages, Tudor mansions and pastel-painted resorts dotted around Suffolk’s sleepy littoral, not to mention the unmissable Algo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo. Rewarding hikes lead along the 96-km Suffolk Coast Path, with tempting stops including Aldeburgh. There’s also fabulous coastal cycling, along with sunset horse rides along the golden beaches.
