- Camping with Wildlife watching
Wildlife-watching campsites in Hainault Forest
95% (816) • 1,130 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Hainault Forest
The Barn KT9
1. The Barn KT9
97%
(274)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Daisy May’s Farm
2. 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
Hale Farm
3. 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
Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
4. Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
High Halden, England · 9 units
Idyllic exclusive use glamping, popular location, established over 10 years .
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 - 8am. 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.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Painters Farm Campsite
5. Painters Farm Campsite
99%
(44)
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
Beech Estate Campsite
6. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(189)
Battle, England · 52 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Nut Plat Retreat
7. The Nut Plat Retreat
94%
(79)
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
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
8. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
Waldron, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fontmills Farm Campsite
9. 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
Earth Camp
10. Earth Camp
90%
(34)
Lewes, England · 32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Ditchling Boutique Camping
11. Ditchling Boutique Camping
86%
(22)
Ditchling, England · 100 units
Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out.
Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens.
The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally).
On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk.
Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Secret Campsite
12. The Secret Campsite
99%
(91)
Lewes, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
13. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
100%
(14)
Finchingfield, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Pitchcott Farm
14. 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
The Sunnyfield Campsite
15. The Sunnyfield Campsite
94%
(99)
Canterbury, England · 24 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
Constable Park
16. Constable Park
100%
(20)
Brantham, England · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
17. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
Haywards Heath, England · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
18. 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
The Orchard at Fen End Farm
19. The Orchard at Fen End Farm
96%
(13)
Cambridge, England · 4 units
No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
20. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
93%
(14)
East Hoathly, Near Lewes, England · 3 units
The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
P
Paul
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
We were on the valley view pitch which was large and had a great view. It wasn’t too far from the carpark too which was nice. It was also very secluded so we hardly saw any other campers - felt like our own private site! Toilets and showers were clean, the bucket showers were a bit of a novelty. Shop had all the things you forget and the staff were friendly. Wheelbarrows were massive and plentiful.
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S
Stuart
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great site with good facilities that were clean and worked well. The team were great to talk to as well, offering advice to make the most of our stay and swap stories with.
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I
Iryna
April 2026
2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Wonderful place to relax. Friendly hosts and a lovely atmosphere. We will definitely come back!
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K
Kendra
April 2026
5 m campervan
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).
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S
Stephanie
March 2026
6 m Class B
With pets
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.
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C
Claire
March 2026
5 m campervan
With pets
Just beautiful!! Brilliant and helpful staff - we’re already rebooking!!
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C
Chris
March 2026
5 m campervan
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!
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a
azam
March 2026
With kids
A lovely place to stay> larger than expected and lots of firewood to keep us warm.
See moreM
Matt
December 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
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erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
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L
Lee
October 2025
5 m Class B
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.
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N
Nicolas
October 2025
With kids
We can only recommend this sweet little camp site in the middle of the orchard. We stayed in a bell tent for the weekend with our 7 year old son. The tent is cosy with a lovely wood burner.
There is a communal hut kitchen with all ustensiles and board games!
We enjoyed all the fire-pit and the honesty box to buy wood logs etc.
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E
Elisa
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
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R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
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L
Liam
September 2025
Tent
Had such a great stay at The Barn!!
Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries!
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!
See moreM
Millie
September 2025
Tent
Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.
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O
Olly
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Had a lovely, welcoming and friendly, and really enjoyed the farm, getting to hold 2 day old ducks and bottle feed baby goats. We'll be back
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Q
Q
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!
See moreI
Issy
September 2025
Tent
Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!
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.
