97% (2.1K) • 2,329 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Kent Downs AONB
The Barn KT9
1. The Barn KT9
97%
(317)
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
93%
(61)
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
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
3. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(29)
Cranbrook · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years.
The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead.
Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet.
The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance.
Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes.
An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
4. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(129)
Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Showers
Potable water
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
5. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
93%
(54)
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
Chapter Farm Camping
6. Chapter Farm Camping
100%
(23)
Canterbury, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping in a quiet countryside setting close to the beach at Whitstable
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Camping at Tomkins Farm
7. Camping at Tomkins Farm
96%
(177)
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
Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite
8. Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite
100%
(3)
Haywards Heath, England · 5 units
Come and stay in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, less than an hour from London.
Nestled amongst rolling fields and ancient woodland, Field & Fallow offers the perfect escape. Our peaceful adults only campsite is surrounded by nature, with a lovely woodland, abundant wildlife and space to relax and reconnect.
Created for Glastonbury Festival's fallow year, this new pop-up campsite is designed to bring people together in a friendly setting, welcoming friends, couples and solo travellers alike.
We have a woodland sauna, a communal campfire (acoustic music is encouraged), badminton and table tennis. Please note the sauna is an additional cost.
Nearby there are lots of beautiful walks and the Ardingly reservoir offers a range of water sports (8 minute drive). The famous bluebell railway is also within walking distance.
Please be aware there is no mobile service at the campsite, which we see as a good opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. There is very limited Wifi onsite if necessary.
Please come and help us create somewhere special!
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Knowler Farm Wild Camping
9. Knowler Farm Wild Camping
98%
(45)
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
Chalky Downs
10. Chalky Downs
96%
(615)
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
The Sunnyfield Campsite
11. The Sunnyfield Campsite
95%
(104)
Canterbury, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Ditchling Boutique Camping
12. Ditchling Boutique Camping
88%
(26)
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
Setts Wood Camping and Glamping
13. Setts Wood Camping and Glamping
100%
(5)
England · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We look forward to welcoming you to Setts Wood Farm and will provide you with all you need for a relaxing and rewarding visit to Tenterden and The Weald.
We offer a selection of bell tents or you can bring your own tent. The camping is set across 2 fields and extends to 12 acres. We have a maximum of 30 tents so it is never crowded.
Come and meet the alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats and horses!
We also have a small fishing lake which guests are welcome to use for a small donation. We restocked last year and there are carp and several species of smaller silver fish. It is ideal for beginners and children. Any children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Setts Wood Farm is perfectly positioned to explore Tenterden and the surrounding villages, and is less than a 20 minute drive to the historic town of Rye, with the beaches of Camber, Dymchurch and Littlestone just a few minutes further.
Pets
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Pett Coastal Camping
14. Pett Coastal Camping
100%
(5)
Hastings, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple pop-up pitches in 11 acres of farm fields on the East Sussex coast
Drinking water taps
Compostable toilet in field
Small shop on farm site, (milk, eggs, apple juice, yoghurt)
Back to nature star-gazing opportunities
Open field camping
Very low light pollution
Large meadow, pick your own pitch on the grass
Pett Level beach 10 mins walk
Hastings and Rye only a 15 minute drive away
Camber sands 25 mins away
Families welcome
Sorry no dogs please as on a working sheep farm
Perfect for tents and campervans, off grid camping
No electricity or grey waste facilities here
Nestled within the green rolling hills of Pett, Lunsford Farm opens its flowery meadows for the month of August once more. This is an unique opportunity to enjoy the East Sussex coast overlooking the expansive seashore of Pett Level under the stars on ancient meadow farmland. If you enjoy the proper simple camping experience, you will be in your element!
The pebbly and sandy beach of Pett (10 mins walk down the hill) offers a refreshing dip and during low tide an array of rock pools are waiting to be explored in the 6500 year old sunken forest.
There are ample places to feed hungry tummies, either at the beachfront cafe, weekend food truck, or up in the village at one of the two pubs that serve great food.
The simple shop in the farmyard stocks fresh eggs from the farm’s own chickens, local milk, yogurt, and apple juice from the farm’s orchard. There are also logs to purchase for your campfire.
Campfires are permitted as long as they are raised off the ground so as not to burn the ancient grassland which does not repair. We are happy to be able to offer a small number of firepits to hire for a returnable deposit, or bring your own to avoid missing out. With no nearby lights, light pollution is low which makes for a stunning starry nights sky when cloud conditions allow. You will be utterly amazed how many stars you can see, and perhaps discover new ones.
A five minute walk (you will need torches for night walking) brings you to the village of Pett. Here you can enjoy a relaxing pint or a good meal at the Royal Oak pub, visit the Tic Tokory tea shop or hang out in the play park in the cricket/recreational field. There is also the Two Sawyers pub 5 mins further on that serves excellent food.
As the campsite is situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it can function as a great base for a multitude of walks or bike rides, vineyard tours, or just a general ramble around the towns of Rye, Winchelsea, Old Town Hastings or further afield.
Potable water
Hook Farm Campsite
15. Hook Farm Campsite
98%
(212)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Glassenbury Camping
16. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(77)
Cranbrook, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Housedean Farm Campsite
17. Housedean Farm Campsite
98%
(110)
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
The Secret Pondside Pitches
18. The Secret Pondside Pitches
100%
(3)
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
Alciston Court Farm
19. Alciston Court Farm
95%
(48)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
Pets
Otter Channel Campsite
20. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(163)
East Sussex, England · 15 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Melanie
1 day ago
Tent
I had a fantastic stay and would highly recommend.
The host was brilliant, welcoming and I felt very safe.
The stargazing was amazing and the whole experience was just what I wanted.
I will definitely book again.
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L
Louisa
2 days ago
Tent
With kids
Really great peaceful campsite with beautiful views. We all had a lovely few days at Glassenbury - the facilities were all we needed and the owners friendly and helpful. Lots of space in between pitches and fun tyre swing and bus for the kids to play on.
Nice walk through woods from the site and farm shops and pubs nearby. Great stay thanks!!
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F
Finley
3 days ago
Tent
Great location. Really quiet spot not far from a nice village (Ditchling).
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K
Katy
3 days ago
Tent
With pets
A wonderful, tucked away spot with great views of the sunset over the Downs. Very private. Natalia came and said hello the next morning, very lovely host.
See moreP
Paulo
3 days ago
4 m campervan
Group trip
The campsite is exactly as described. It’s a beautiful chilled out basic site with stunning views. The owner was extremely friendly and welcoming. We had an excellent nights stay. If you love star gazing this is one for you. Thank you.
See moreA
Amanda
3 days ago
Tent
Perfect setting, perfect host! Camping at its finest.
See moreN
Nigel
3 days ago
Tent
With kids
My son and I had a lovely 2 nights on this well appointed campsite. The eco-friendly facilities are excellent and kept in immaculate condition by the staff. The large field affords plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy their own space in comfort. Recommended.
See moreM
Marcus
4 days ago
Tent
With kids
Beautiful campsite !! We camped with our 2 boys and had a stunning and peaceful wild camping overlooking the sea .. went to bed with the stars and woke to the sunrise with the birds and wildlife .. lovely set up and we will be back ! Marcus
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M
Marie-Theres
1 week ago
5 m car
With kids
Alles perfekt, wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt zwischen den Schafen und Alpakas. Der Platz ist sehr ruhig und entspannt.
Wir waren gerne dort.
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J
Judy
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
Lovely site, very peaceful. Philip gave us a great recommendation for the local woodlands where my eight year-old spent a happy morning cycling all the trails. Pizzas were delicious.
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G
Gavin
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Had a great weekend stay Plum Camping. Natasha and Nick were great hosts. We were fortunate to have the whole campsite to ourselves and it was lovely and quiet albeit with lots of birdsong all around. The weather was fantastic and we enjoyed lots of great walks around the area. We hope to be back soon.
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T
Tom
1 week ago
6 m campervan
With pets
Beautiful site with fantastic amenities, the on site barista and pizza is a great addition. Amazing for kids, our daughter had so much fun playing with other polite and well behaved kids. Great atmosphere and feels like you’re right in the heart of nature!
See moreC
Chris
1 week ago
3 m campervan
Great campsite in a nice part of Kent.
Facilities were all great and clean, well presented too. Seems a popular spot but was plenty of space everywhere
Super friendly and attentive hosts.
Will be back here again for sure
See moreD
Darren
1 week ago
5 m campervan
Love this site - 2nd time here, and will be back again - highly recommended - well kept; great facilities, lots of space - and no crazy rules !. If you’re looking for peace, this is the place.
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D
David
1 week ago
3 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
The Shepherds hut was perfect. I spent 3 nights surrounded by nature in the most peaceful Orchard imaginable. One of the nicest spots on mother earth
See moreJ
Jo
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
All that you need, easy access, clean facilities, lovely lil lake boys really enjoyed, great to be close to animals and beautiful country sunsets. Plus great time away from camp easy reach to enjoy Rye and Camber
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Emma
2 weeks ago
Tent
Fantastic location for access to Brighton and Lewes and other local areas. The campsite is well kept, with exceptionally clean toilets and showers. Assigned pitches, designated parking area and easy to access location. We had a lovely stay, and will definitely stay again!
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B
Ben
2 weeks ago
Tent
Just had our second visit here and absolutely love it! The site is beautiful, it’s peaceful, well maintained and Phillip and his daughter are very friendly and great hosts.
Everything you would want from a camp site and more. So far my favourite by a long way….
You will not be disappointed.
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Andreas
2 weeks ago
3 m Class A
Super ruhiger Campingplatz. Total nette Menschen. Das Café ist super und die Damen sind total nett. Die Anfahrt ist für größere Wohnmobile etwas tricky. Aber wir sind mit einem 8,5 m Hymer auch angekommen.
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K
Kain
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Stay was very good and had lots of space to pitch up.
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.
