Campsites with swimming in Hainault Forest

Hainault Forest draws swimmers and wild camp enthusiasts alike, offering over 100 campsite options where you can cool off in lakes and ponds after long walks through ancient oak woodland. Prices start as low as £15, with an average night coming in at £142, so you’ll find something for every budget. The top spots? Tomkins Farm (87 reviews) sits close to water and features open meadows, while Earth Camp (16 reviews) leans into off-grid vibes and secluded forest pools. For something fragrant and less crowded, Finchingfield Lavender & Camping (9 reviews) lets you pitch up beside blooming fields with easy access to swimming spots. Most sites allow pets, hot showers, and campfires—handy after a swim or a muddy hike. Bring sturdy boots, a swimsuit, and a plan for your rubbish; forest rules keep the place wild for everyone. Hainault’s swimming holes are cold, clean, and never far from your tent.

98% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hainault Forest draws swimmers and wild camp enthusiasts alike, offering over 100 campsite options where you can cool off in lakes and ponds after long walks through ancient oak woodland. Prices start as low as £15, with an average night coming in at £142, so you’ll find something for every budget. The top spots? Tomkins Farm (87 reviews) sits close to water and features open meadows, while Earth Camp (16 reviews) leans into off-grid vibes and secluded forest pools. For something fragrant and less crowded, Finchingfield Lavender & Camping (9 reviews) lets you pitch up beside blooming fields with easy access to swimming spots. Most sites allow pets, hot showers, and campfires—handy after a swim or a muddy hike. Bring sturdy boots, a swimsuit, and a plan for your rubbish; forest rules keep the place wild for everyone. Hainault’s swimming holes are cold, clean, and never far from your tent.

98% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Luna Domes

100%

(9)

8 units · Glamping · East Grinstead, England

High-end glamping with hot tubs in the Garden of England

2. The Secret Campsite

99%

(91)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged

3. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping

100%

(14)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Finchingfield, England

Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench. Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs. We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms

4. Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping

10 units · Glamping · High Halden, England

Exclusive use glamping. Beautiful meadow. Relax and unwind amidst glorious countryside in a beautiful rural environment. This is our entire glamping meadow, with up to 6 erected and equipped 5 metre Bell tents accommodating up to 24 adults or 30 if an adult children mix in our idyllic popular location. For Sole (Exclusive) use minimum group size is 3 tents 12 guests. Maximum 6 tents 24 guests, higher numbers may be available on prior request For lower numbers 1 tent 2 – 4 guests or 2 tents 4 - 8 guests book individual tents. Along a quiet country lane, yet easily accessible by road or rail, ideal central Kent location for London from about an hour. We offer a retreat style, rural back to nature, exclusive use, dog free, countryside experience, for groups of families, multigenerational family gatherings, couples, and respectful hen and stag groups, boot camps, yoga and wellness retreats, corporate bookings and all those respectful of our peaceful rural location and terms and conditions are welcome, sedate gatherings no music or music parties. Quiet hours 11pm - 9am. Security deposit may apply. Well equipped and spacious, including our gorgeous 5metre natural and waterproof cotton bell tents, lovely warm duvets or sleeping bags, towels and hot showers, cutlery and crockery, sinks, fridges, BBQ s, ( incl gas) benches, chairs, tables, firepit , with nature all around, lots of space to run, play and explore. Have a local meal delivered or cook dinner on our gas bbq s , toast marshmallows and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or wine by the campfires in the evenings. Close to small villages with shops, village pubs, walking distance to Great Pub, Restaurant(s) and shop. Enjoy family fun, daytime games, walks and cycle rides, fresh air, open skies, wildlife plus plenty to see and do in the local area, and at the end of the day drift off under a canopy of stars. We have a long list of local activities and attractions to choose from including days and nights out and can help you plan a great stay, see our many 5 *****reviews on the internet for confirmation of this. Please leave the site as you find it, for example but not only, no litter or party confetti.

5. Tomkins Farm

96%

(164)

42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England

Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels

6. Earth Camp

90%

(34)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

7. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

8. The Oaks Poultry Farm

100%

(10)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ditchling, England

Family-friendly summer camping on an East Sussex farm

9. Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

Camper favorites in and near Hainault Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping

10 units · Glamping · High Halden, England

Exclusive use glamping. Beautiful meadow. Relax and unwind amidst glorious countryside in a beautiful rural environment. This is our entire glamping meadow, with up to 6 erected and equipped 5 metre Bell tents accommodating up to 24 adults or 30 if an adult children mix in our idyllic popular location. For Sole (Exclusive) use minimum group size is 3 tents 12 guests. Maximum 6 tents 24 guests, higher numbers may be available on prior request For lower numbers 1 tent 2 – 4 guests or 2 tents 4 - 8 guests book individual tents. Along a quiet country lane, yet easily accessible by road or rail, ideal central Kent location for London from about an hour. We offer a retreat style, rural back to nature, exclusive use, dog free, countryside experience, for groups of families, multigenerational family gatherings, couples, and respectful hen and stag groups, boot camps, yoga and wellness retreats, corporate bookings and all those respectful of our peaceful rural location and terms and conditions are welcome, sedate gatherings no music or music parties. Quiet hours 11pm - 9am. Security deposit may apply. Well equipped and spacious, including our gorgeous 5metre natural and waterproof cotton bell tents, lovely warm duvets or sleeping bags, towels and hot showers, cutlery and crockery, sinks, fridges, BBQ s, ( incl gas) benches, chairs, tables, firepit , with nature all around, lots of space to run, play and explore. Have a local meal delivered or cook dinner on our gas bbq s , toast marshmallows and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or wine by the campfires in the evenings. Close to small villages with shops, village pubs, walking distance to Great Pub, Restaurant(s) and shop. Enjoy family fun, daytime games, walks and cycle rides, fresh air, open skies, wildlife plus plenty to see and do in the local area, and at the end of the day drift off under a canopy of stars. We have a long list of local activities and attractions to choose from including days and nights out and can help you plan a great stay, see our many 5 *****reviews on the internet for confirmation of this. Please leave the site as you find it, for example but not only, no litter or party confetti.

Tomkins Farm

96%

(164)

42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England

Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels

Earth Camp

90%

(34)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

The Oaks Poultry Farm

100%

(10)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ditchling, England

Family-friendly summer camping on an East Sussex farm

Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

Stories from the community

B

Bob

August 2025

3 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Friendly welcome. Good space. Hot water in wash up and showers. Weather changed so I baled one day early so didn't get to try their Saturday night pizzas which sounded fab!

W

William

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Phil, family, and staff made us all feel extremely welcome (especially the kids). The showers and facilities were great 😅. The breakfast rolls and the pizzas were really tasty and very handy as we had a lot of rain on one day 😋. Having a forest play area for kids as well as llamas nearby makes it an ideal family camp site.

D

Demi

August 2025

3 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Earth Camp

really lovely welcome onto the site and friendly hroughout. facilities were nice and clean! loved the coffee van int he morning :)

Chris

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Have stayed here before and would again. Really well organised from logs to food, good facilities including the open air showers. staff all really friendly. space is perfectly located for walk (to lots of well placed pubs) pitches are large and no space is very far from the facilities. if i had one request for next time it would be better coffee but that’s a bit picky! really good, reasonable camp for couples and families.

J

Jassey

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Tomkins Farm

Hot water in shower and sinks. Drinking water a bit cloudy. Lovely and peaceful. Nice walks nearby. Quite surreal with the camels in the distance! Alpacas were sweet but a little far for petting. Not windy as sheltered location. A very large area with many pitches near alpacas, the camels or trees as you prefer. Completely safe and enclosed. Manager came to offer firewood which is available at any time for the permanent fire pits. Bring your own logs

S

Sharon

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Oaks Poultry Farm

I stayed for 4 nights last week with 5 children aged between 2 and 7. We had an absolute blast. The indoor play area and the play barn were both fantastic. We had lunch in the tea room which was wholesome and a great price too. The animal petting and sand pit were an added bonus which the kids also loved. Most of all for me was a lovely flat field and to be able to have a camp fire was a must. We will definitely be back. Don’t miss out on purchasing meat, veg and really good apple juice from the farm shop.

D

David

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Earth Camp

Earth Camp was a great place to pitch a tent and relax for a lovely weekend outdoors. The facilities are solid and the pizzas on Saturdays are excellent value for money. Certain parts of the field are a bit sloped, so make sure to arrive early to get the best pick of the pitches!

A

Antonia

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Tomkin's Farm was a lovely place to camp for the weekend. Friendly welcome, lovely facilities, lots of toilets, gorgeous open air showers. And a bar/shop every night, and cooked breakfast each morning.. plus pizza one night! Great unexpected luxuries. Thank you guys. See you again 🙂

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!

B

Benjamin

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Tomkins Farm

Tranquil, large open spaces. No noise or light pollution. The owner was lovely, very polite, professional and helpful. The alpacas are a treat to interact with and spectate, a much appreciated rarity for a campsite to have. I would certainly stay again if in the area.

E

Elena

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Oaks Poultry Farm

Excellent camp site, with children farm, cafe and farm shop. The children played non stop all together and it was such a nice environment There are toilet blocks and showers (cold water) I would rate with an 8 of 10

M

Michele

May 2025

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Tomkins Farm

We loved staying at Tomkin's Farm! We were there for 5 nights and, despite some stormy weather, it was brilliant. Philip's site has the perfect location; we love all the llamas, sheep, the camels and the wildlife. We also really enjoyed the breakfasts, burgers and pizzas cooked on the campsite! Best egg in a bap ever :)

E

Edward

May 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Tomkins Farm

Good facilities, plenty of space between pitches, great location for walks, farm animals and local activities

C

Coldblow

May 2025