97% (1.9K) • 2,204 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Kent Downs AONB
The Barn KT9
1. The Barn KT9
97%
(279)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
2. Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
100%
(17)
England · 32 units
At Oak Valley Campsite, simplicity and space are part of the charm. Tucked among ancient oaks in the gentle countryside of Pett, East Sussex, this peaceful spot is all about traditional camping.
Pitches are generous, grassy, and flat – ideal for tents and campers who like room to breathe. There are hot showers, proper loos, and fresh water on tap. At night, toast marshmallows around a hired fire pit, watch the stars, and enjoy the quiet.
Explore local walks, pop down to Winchelsea Beach, or lose a few hours in the pretty streets of Rye, just 15 minutes away.
Need to know:
- No electric hook-up
- Family-friendly & dog-friendly
- Fire pits and logs available
- Check-in from 2 pm
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Far and Away Camping
3. Far and Away Camping
100%
(27)
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
The Secret Pondside Pitches
4. The Secret Pondside Pitches
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only.
The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions:
1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common.
2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine!
4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill.
Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody!
____________________________________________________________________________________
This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care.
More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
Pets
Campfires
Hook Farm Campsite
5. 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
Housedean Farm Campsite
6. Housedean Farm Campsite
98%
(105)
Lewes, England · 4 units
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Chalky Downs
7. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
Brighton, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Tomkins Farm
8. 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
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
9. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(112)
Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Knowler Farm Wild Camping
10. Knowler Farm Wild Camping
100%
(35)
England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone!
Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays!
On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week!
Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk!
Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops.
On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available!
Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff.
Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order)
Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
11. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(42)
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
Small Meadow Campsite, Fairlight
12. Small Meadow Campsite, Fairlight
100%
(19)
Fairlight, England · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Reconnect with nature, gently.
Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace.
🌿 Space to breathe
Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has:
Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views
Camping area (with views) on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet
Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees.
🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns
Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat.
It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding.
Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails.
🌟 Special Exclusive Rental
Hire the entire campsite area for your group
£250 for up to 10 people
up to 10 additional guests at £20 pppn
Make the farm yours.....
🌄 Views worth waking up for:
From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay.
Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun.
🧘♀️ A slower kind of camping
Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees.
Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments.
📌 Practical Notes
Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities.
Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm.
Please bring your own drinking water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
13. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
93%
(15)
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
Fontmills Farm Campsite
14. 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
Coxhill Camping
15. Coxhill Camping
100%
(51)
Dover, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hale Farm
16. Hale Farm
100%
(154)
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
Glassenbury Camping
17. 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
Beech Estate Campsite
18. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(190)
Battle, England · 52 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Sunnyside Pop Up Camping
19. Sunnyside Pop Up Camping
94%
(9)
England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
We are a pop-up campsite, which means we are open most weekends during the summer with some longer stints at the beginning and at the end of our season. We offer different activities each weekend, varying from damper bread making to wild food walks and bush craft skills. We also celebrate Midsummer (Juhannus) in Finnish style!
22nd May - 31st May - Opening: Sauna hot all Week 😃🙌🏻
19th - 21st June Summer Solstice/Juhannus ☀️☀️☀️
26th - 28th June - Fairy Garden Making 🧚🏻🧚🏻♀️🧚🏻♂️
3rd -5th July - Damper Bread 🥨
10th-12th July - DJ BBQ 🎶🍗
17th -19th July -Whittling 🥄🔪
24th - 26th July - Wellness weekend 🧘🧘♂️🧘♀️
31st July - 3rd August - Wand Making and 🪄🧚♂️
7th - 9th August - Communal Curry Night 🥘
14th - 16th August - Fire Making for Kids 🔥
20th - 23rd August - Wild Food Walk 🍄🟫🫐
27th - 31st August - Closing Week ☀️🔥🥂🍾
FINNISH SAUNA
We light our authentic Finnish sauna on Saturday evenings for all to use. Otherwise you can book the Sauna area for private use on Friday nights and Saturday day. Do give us more than an hours notice, it is wood heated and it takes a while to get hot!
CAMPFIRES
We love campfires and see them as an integral part of the camping experience. Campfires bring people together at the end of the day, to cook, socialise and relax. The smell of the wood smoke at twilight and the excitement on the kids faces when the marshmallows come out are bound to set you up for a perfect night away from the city lights! We sell crates of firewood, and hire fire pits for you to use during your stay.
MUSIC
The Lower Fields are for quiet camping. We would like it to be the perfect place for children to sleep and adults to chitchat around the campfires.
On the Upper Field and near the Centre Camp we do allow you to listen and enjoy any music. But please respect your fellow campers! We want everybody to be able to enjoy their weekend without being disturbed. We ask for quiet across the whole site from 11.30pm.
Overall we are quite a sociable site, with things happening at center camp every weekend. and a public campfire to sit around for a few mins after your sauna. We have a great area for large family groups. We pride ourselves on helping new campers get the most out of the experience come and hay hello at center camp.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Painters Farm Campsite
20. 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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jack
4 days ago
5 m car
Great community vibe, relaxed very friendly. Sauna, fire pits, chatting and drinks - already booked to come back!!
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E
Eryk
4 days 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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L
Lucy
1 week ago
Tent
The camping spot was beautiful and well kept (even if it still felt like wild camping). I felt very safe and relaxed. David was super helpful. Highly recommend for a secluded, quiet camp.
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C
Caroline
1 week ago
4 m campervan
With pets
Jayne was very welcoming and all instructions perfect.
Lovely site thank you
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w
william
1 week ago
Tent
Great little site, only saw and spoke to Raf but he was cool and helpful , perfectly adequate facilities, the bucket showers are fun in the hot weather for sure . Nice views , peaceful and fun experience, great to disconnect for even just one night ! Would recommend to anyone 100%
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D
Den
1 week ago
Tent
Was the perfect spot to chill and watch the sun go down!
See moreL
Lee
2 weeks ago
Tent
The campsite was exactly what we wanted for our first camping experience. Jayne and Mark were incredibly welcoming and friendly, the facilities were clean and well looked after, and the site felt safe and secure. It was peaceful being able to enjoy the countryside under clear skies full of stars. The site was easy to find and access, with plenty of space to relax. Thank you guys.
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C
Cassandra
2 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely facilities and Ruth and Scott are so friendly. The farm is a wonderful added extra and the atmosphere of camp is serene. Would definitely recommend and will be visiting again in the future.
See moreR
Ralf
2 weeks ago
Tent
Sehr entspannt, sehr maturbelassen, sehr basic, freundlich
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J
James
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Had a great weekend hear. We pitched up in the corner, it was peaceful and relaxing the guy came over several times making sure all was ok. They have fire pits available at no charge and even let you help your self to wood we will be staying again.
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LeeE
3 weeks ago
4 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
Great views! Nice and quiet - only sound is birdsong of an evening. Staying in Esmarelda was a cosy few nights for me and a great experience. Alex is a great host and always at hand if you need any assistance. I highly reccommend.
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R
Roosbeh
May 2026
Tent
Group trip
I stayed at this campsite one night, and overall, it was a really peaceful experience. The site is quiet and truly gives you that immersive outdoor feeling—you really feel like you’re out in nature. You can hear birdsong all around, and there’s no traffic or city noise—just calm. The facilities were also very different; the toilets, in particular, were compost toilets—no smells at all, was a different experience. My only minor downside is that the field itself is pretty steep—so if you’re not a fan of inclines, that might be a concern. But aside from that, it’s a fantastic spot for a quiet night under the stars.
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Laura
May 2026
Tent
We stayed two nights in our tent and loved the peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature. The campsite was very spacious, and the toilets were strategically located so you didn't have to walk far. The same went for the water taps. Finding a flat surface was definitely a challenge, as the whole field is more or less on a slope, which we had expected in advance. The owners/camp staff were very friendly and helpful, and other visitors to the campsite were considerate and quiet after dark. We didn't know it was a 'music-free' campsite, but we didn't mind that at all, and we enjoyed the sounds of nature instead. The showers were a bit of a walk, but they were spacious and had hot water. We also loved that bonfires were allowed and that you could buy logs, kindling, and fire starters on site. The 2 pm check-out time was perfect, as we could enjoy our morning and leave without a rush. We also heard The Cat Inn, which is nearby, has delicious food, but you have to book in advance, which we didn't, so we will need to check it out next time. We will definitely be back!
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K
Kenji
May 2026
Tent
With kids
Great plot of land. Didn't feel crowded. Facilities were simple eco friendly and comfortable. Alexandra was hospitable and looked after everyone.
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E
Elizabeth
May 2026
5 m car
Absolutely heavenly, full of bluebells and sheep and beautiful views across the valley. It was just me in the whole field and it was magical, I’ll be back!
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V
Vignesh
May 2026
Tent
With kids
Our second visit to Hale Farm and it was as good as our first. The utilities are always very clean and the water hot. The kids love having a big field to run around and hedgerows to explore. The fire pit is always a big hit!
See moreE
Elisha
May 2026
Tent
With kids
We love this place and have come here every year for the past 4 years. This time, we came with a group of friends and while some of us did glamping (which they said were amazing), my family stayed in our tent. The grounds were dry but not hard, and flat. It rained while we were camping but drainage must be good as it did not get muddy. Our kids enjoyed playing badminton (there's a net erected), swinging in the hammock, looking at the chickens and going up the tree house. The toilets are clean and there are hot showers! Alexandra is a great host, and responds quickly to queries. I love this place as it is not prescriptive (no grids as boundaries for your tent), not built up with concrete (wooden cubicles for toilets and showers), and that there are no cars driving through the campsite so no worries about our kids running around. It has such a lovely vibe. The noisiest thing at night were the nightingales!
See moreJ
Jenny
May 2026
Tent
With pets
Fleets Paddock is a peaceful rural idyll within easy reach of Canterbury as well as the beaches of Margate, Whitstable and Herne Bay. The setting is perfect - especially with younger children. There is a badminton net, clean flush toilets and an open air hot shower. We stayed in the Bell Tent this year which I can't recommend enough. Thank you to Alexandra for her care and attention.
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O
Oliver
May 2026
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Really friendly and modern facility. Great and clean amenities with cafe and spaces for walks.
Good mix of BYOT space, cabins and glamping setup's.
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J
Jo
May 2026
Tent
With kids
My 5 year old and I had a great time camping at The Barn KT9. Getting there and setting up was easy, with clear directions. The nearby cafe, woods, and pub were easy walks away. The site was quiet late at night, and having our own firepit and BBQ was a real bonus, as well as real flushing loos. Would recommend as an easily accessible (from London) campsite. Could do with slightly better ground underfoot for walking and running around.
See moreKent Downs AONB camping guide
Where to go
North-West Downs and the Surrey Hills
The northern borders of the Kent Downs lie right on the outskirts of London, making it a popular choice for day-trippers. Enjoy rambling country walks around Sevenoaks, visit the Knole deer park, and stroll through the orchards of Plaxtol. For long-distance hikers, the North Downs Way national trail runs west into the Surrey Hills AONB.
Medway
North of Maidstone, the River Medway winds its way north to the coast, and the downs give way to lush marshlands. Set sail on a river cruise, discover the hometowns of Charles Dickens in Rochester and Chatham, or go bird-watching along the Thames Estuary at Northward Hill. To the east, seafront campsites and blue-flag beaches dot the shores of the Isle of Shetty.
Central Downs and the North Coast
The Kent Downs AONB has hikes to suit all levels. Explore ancient woodlands and Iron Age ruins in the White Horse Country Park, walk the valleys of the Devil's Kneading Trough, or stroll among the wildflowers in Perry Wood. Camp out in the hills and enjoy day trips to Kent attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle.
Kent’s South Coast
Few natural landmarks are as iconic as the White Cliffs of Dover, and a walk along the famous sea cliffs is a must if you’re visiting the south coast. Afterward, cycle along the Royal Military Canal, stroll along the beach at Folkestone, and choose a campsite with a sea view. Further south, it’s an easy detour to explore the Romney Marshes, a favorite among bird-watchers.
