The best farm stays in Hainault Forest

Name: Hainault Forest
Address: Camping
Rating: 4.739

Once part of the Forest of Essex, this age-old 280-acre expanse sprawling northeast from London has been protected since back in the 12th century. Dive into its horse-riding, cycling and walking routes, keeping an eye out for some of the 130 bird species among the trickling streams, whispering oak trees and wide-open heathland. A ‘monster trail’ keeps kids busy, and the whole area is dog-friendly. Autumn is a delightful season to explore Hainault Forest, with foliage slipping into rust-red clothes, while spring is perfect for vibrant blooms. You’ll want to book nearby campsites well ahead, especially in July and August when things get busy.

95% (1.2K) • 1,721 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hainault Forest

The Barn KT9

1. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

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%

(233)

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 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 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. 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

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

3. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(105)

Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

Pets

Campfires

Showers

The Deer Park Glamping,

4. The Deer Park Glamping,

Tenterden, England · 1 unit

How does Glamping with a herd of privately owned deer sound to you? Deer Park Glamping is on our private 15-acre deer park, nestled within an "area of outstanding beauty", located in a village called Benenden, Kent You will be camping amongst our own herd of Fallow Deer 🦌 *** Before we go any further, I need to let you know that, unfortunately, we do not allow children, groups aged under 21 and pets, due to the deer and lake *** Although just a 90-minute drive from South East London or a 45-minute drive to the Eurotunnel terminal, it's a wonderful natural space to unwind and watch the shy herd of deer pass by your Bell Tent! If you want to explore the area, there is plenty to do; 🛍 The thriving town of Tenterden is a 7-minute drive, with small boutiques, pubs and a supermarket. 🏖 Camber Sands our local beach is just a 25-minute drive ⚓️ The beautiful harbour town of Rye and all its beautiful antique shops and boutiques is a 25-minute drive 🏰 Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle and Scotney Castle are all within a 20-minute drive 🍾 We are surrounded by an abundance of incredible wineries including Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Tillingham What you will find at "Deerpark Glamping"; 🦌 Fully Set Up Bell Tents 🦌 15 Acres of land 🦌 3 acres of woodland 🦌 1 Acre lake 🦌 A privately owned herd of Fallow Deer 🦌 6 Sassy Geece 🦌 2 Compost Toilets 🦌 2 Cubicle Showers 🦌 3 Fire Pits for cooking (shared between tents) 🦌 Parking is within the deer park (we don't recommend bringing your Ferrari or Porches 🤪) 🦌 Deck Chairs As we want to keep the tranquil and calm feel to the space, therefore, we have limited the total occupancy to 10 Bell Tents (20 guests in total), if you are looking for an exclusive hire option, please let us know in advance and we can potentially increase the numbers. Accommodation comprises 5m Bell Tents, you can choose between double or single beds, occupancy is set at 2, however, we can go to 3 on request. There is a minimum 2-night booking. The inside interior has a "Boho" feel to it, with sheepskin rugs, throws and Moroccan neutral pouffes, chandelier lighting and outside festoons and bunting. All comes fully set up, equipped with Beds, Linen, Lighting, Soft Furnishing. The lake is fresh water and is stocked with trout, if cold water lake swimming is your thing, head in or why not bring your own paddle board? We supply 3 Firepits to be shared with 3-4 other tents, where you can cook your food or keep warm. This is completely off grid.. and your time to get closer to nature.

Showers

Campfires

Hook Farm Campsite

5. Hook Farm Campsite

98%

(203)

East Grinstead, England · 13 units

Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Tomkins Farm

6. Tomkins Farm

96%

(167)

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

Otter Channel Campsite

7. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

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

8. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

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

Riverside Farm experience camp fire

9. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%

(25)

England · 60 units · Tents, Glamping

Wild farm 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 mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . 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, 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

Painters Farm Campsite

10. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(43)

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

Freedom Farm Camping

11. Freedom Farm Camping

98%

(20)

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

Belvedere Camping

12. Belvedere Camping

England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Escape the Noise. Reconnect with Nature. Welcome to the Back to Basics Campsite – Lidlington, Bedfordshire Looking for a true countryside escape? Our Back to Basics Campsite in the charming village of Lidlington offers exactly what it says on the tin: no frills, no fuss – just the peace and simplicity of real outdoor living. ✅ Spacious, unspoiled pitches ✅ Breathtaking views of the Bedfordshire countryside ✅ Campfires allowed – gather round and unwind ✅ Ideal for walkers, cyclists, dogs & quiet retreats ✅ Eco-friendly ethos – leave no trace, take only memories 📍 Easy access from Milton Keynes, Bedford & surrounding areas 🚶‍♀️ Close to the Greensand Ridge & Forest Centre trails 🛒 Village shop & pub just a short walk away 🎒 Bring your tent, your sense of adventure, and not much else.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Hale Farm

13. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

Chiddingly, England · 38 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

14. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%

(65)

Waldron, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Secluded Woodland Camp

15. Secluded Woodland Camp

96%

(12)

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

Fontmills Farm Campsite

16. Fontmills Farm Campsite

100%

(122)

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

Pitchcott Farm

17. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

Aylesbury, England · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Bridge Woods

18. Bridge Woods

100%

(8)

England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

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

Campfires

Water hookup

Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

19. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(20)

Sudbury, England · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Chanctonbury Corner

20. Chanctonbury Corner

94%

(8)

England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

🌿 Exclusive Use. Wild Camping with Stunning South Downs Views Escape to nature on our peaceful 9-acre smallholding, set at the end of a private drive with breathtaking views of the South Downs and the iconic Chanctonbury Ring. Just a short walk to the South Downs Way and the local pub, The Bull, famous for its homemade pizzas to eat in or take away. It is dog and family friendly with a large garden. This is the perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, and anyone craving space and seclusion. Enjoy exclusive use of the land for the night – it’s just you, the big skies, and the freedom to relax undisturbed. What’s included: • 🌄 Exclusive access to 9 acres of open meadow and wild areas • 🔥 Fire pit with logs provided • 🚰 Fresh water from outside taps • 🚶‍♀️ Walking distance to the South Downs Way • 🚲 Excellent cycling straight from the gate • 🍺 Walking distance, 10 mins, to a family and dog friendly country pub • 🌌 Dark skies for stargazing (watch out for the barn owl at dusk) • 🐾 Dog-friendly (well-behaved pets welcome) No crowds, no neighbours – just space to roam, unwind and soak up the views. Ideal for couples, solo adventurers, small families or anyone seeking peace, nature and total privacy.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mark

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Woodland Camp

I had a fantastic time on my first venture hammock camping in the woods. A peaceful spiritually uplifting experience. Jon is a friendly approachable hospitable host.

Dave

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridge Woods

This was a fantastic place for my first camp of the year! I only just discovered it this year and it's a great local asset to me; very convenient to get to but still feels nice and rural. Silas is a great host and I can tell he puts a lot of work and care into the site and I really look forward to returning regularly to how it develops. I just had my hammock with me and he was really helpful and finding the best spot for me, which had a great view across the fields for an excellent sunset view. I also have to mention all the animals on the site, which really added to the atmosphere. I definitely had a fun wild camping experience without going too off-grid. I would definitely recommend it as a low-key place to unwind and enjoy.

Sophie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Great campsite. Peaceful, we had delicious food from the local pub too. Host very friendly.

Gregory

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Bridge Woods

The place is really nice and gets us away from the screen off our phones. The host is amazing and even let us try some goats milk. The goats are really relaxed as well as the donkey and shetland pony. The chickens made me laugh and it was really nice waking up to the roosters in the morning. The trees we camped next to offered some shade during the sunny day, and it is where we put the hammock to chill in. Its a really good way to get away from busy life to chill out with no distractions (other than the chickens wanting to explore around you or watching the baby goat getting the zoomies😂) -Ella A really lovely spot with loads of animals and incredible views with walkways along the canal around the corner. We camped in a tent for a couple nights. The host was really friendly and incredibly accommodating. Offered us free fresh eggs which were really tasty. We really enjoyed petting the donkey and goats, and had a little visitor one morning (One of the many chickens decided to check up on us). We also headed to nearby Ely and Cambridge which we took the bus. Overall an incredibly beautiful and quiet place with an amazing host. Will definitely be coming again in the future 😁 -Greg

Joe

3 weeks ago

5 m campervan

1 night at Tomkins Farm

Great site, staff so friendly and helpful. Surrounding area is pretty, lovely being able to see the farm animals. Thanks for a great time!

Gina

3 weeks ago

5 m campervan

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Painters Farm is in a lovely location, and the people running it are great, so helpful and friendly. The toilet blocks are spotless.

Kendra

April 2026

5 m campervan

2 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

Super friendly site - Karen is just lovely, showed us to our pitch even recommending which way to park to get the best view of sunset. Perfect location with 5 min walk to a great pub. Picnic benches on site made eating by the van a breeze. Very clean toilets and showers. Only very slight suggestion - shower block was very cold (as it’s cold ATM).

Stephanie

March 2026

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Lovely campsite. Very well run. Quiet location but also close enough to the historic town of Faversham where you have a great selection of pubs and restaurants. Close enough to walk too and very good dog friendly taxis to bring you home. The local pub is meant to be very good, unfortunately we could get in as fully booked.

Claire

March 2026

5 m campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Just beautiful!! Brilliant and helpful staff - we’re already rebooking!!

Chris

March 2026

5 m campervan

2 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

Booked very short notice for EHU with our new camper van for its first excursion. The site setting was fabulous, we received a warm welcome from the hosts, facilities were immaculately clean and a lovely pub less than a five minute walk serving great food. We’ll definitely be back!

István Ferenc

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Woodland Camp

I really enjoyed like always. Thank you Joe. Beautiful place for solitude.

Siubhan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Amazing views over the hills with red kites, gorgeous horses in the next door field and really friendly sheep dogs. Gorgeous shower block which make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel! 200m walk to fantastic pub with great food and fires. Can’t wait to go back

Alex

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️

Connor

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Woodland Camp

We really enjoyed our stay! Lovely campsite, we had the woodlands all to ourselves and enjoyed exploring the local footpaths and seeing the animals on the farm. Our dog loved it! The host Jon was very helpful and insightful with the local area. Will definitely be returning in the future!

Joe

October 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Chanctonbury Corner

Fantastic stay here, peaceful and great host!, Just what we needed, Some lovely sheep near by, Dogs loved the freedom to run around too! Many thanks

Lee

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Great welcome and although the windiest weekend of the year so far a decent pitch with a little shelter. Two walks over the weekend one directly from camp and the other from the Swale estuary car park, both worth it.

István Ferenc

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Woodland Camp

I like this place very much so it wasn't the first time and certainly not the last.

Niall

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Freedom Farm Camping

We had an amazing stay at the wonderful Freedom Eco Farm. The location is really lovely, with distant views of rolling hills and mature trees - all to ourselves. What is especially great was Helena and Duncan’s relaxed and warm welcome and the ability to roam the tracks around their farm. The grass fed beef burgers were delicious and we’ll be back to try the swimming pond and sauna. Thanks, we loved our stay.

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.

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

Hainault 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.