Best campsites for hikers in Kent Downs AONB

Pitch your tent in Kent Downs AONB and wake up to rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and footpaths that criss-cross the countryside. With over 820 camping options geared for hiking enthusiasts, you’ll find sites tucked beside wildflower meadows and along winding rural lanes. Average nights run about £90, but you can stake out a spot for as little as £9. Top picks like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), The Barn KT9 (111 reviews), and Hook Farm Campsite (105 reviews) attract campers for their direct trail access and panoramic valley views. Expect solid facilities: flushing toilets, hot showers, and spots where you can light a campfire. Beyond hiking, try horseback riding or cast a line in a nearby stream. Bring sturdy boots—Kent Downs doesn’t do half measures when it comes to adventure.

98% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent in Kent Downs AONB and wake up to rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and footpaths that criss-cross the countryside. With over 820 camping options geared for hiking enthusiasts, you’ll find sites tucked beside wildflower meadows and along winding rural lanes. Average nights run about £90, but you can stake out a spot for as little as £9. Top picks like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), The Barn KT9 (111 reviews), and Hook Farm Campsite (105 reviews) attract campers for their direct trail access and panoramic valley views. Expect solid facilities: flushing toilets, hot showers, and spots where you can light a campfire. Beyond hiking, try horseback riding or cast a line in a nearby stream. Bring sturdy boots—Kent Downs doesn’t do half measures when it comes to adventure.

98% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Chalky Downs

96%

(605)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

2. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

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

3. The Slips

91%

(85)

39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside

4. Freshwinds Camping

15 units · Tents · Watermill Lane, England

Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you.

5. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

6. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

97%

(68)

9 units · Glamping · Haywards Heath, England

Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires

7. Luna Domes

100%

(9)

8 units · Glamping · East Grinstead, England

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

8. Beech Estate Campsite

97%

(185)

57 units · Tents, Glamping · Battle, England

Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway

9. Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

10. Small Meadow Farm

100%

(18)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fairlight, England

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 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 £25/night per person 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 & info centre) 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.

11. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%

(13)

3 units · Glamping · East Hoathly, Near Lewes, England

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.

12. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

4 units · Glamping · Rye, England

The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats

13. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%

(99)

25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.

14. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(38)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Whitstable, England

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.

15. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%

(100)

3 units · Tents · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way

16. Glassenbury Camping

99%

(65)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cranbrook, England

Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country

17. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

18. Coxhill Camping

100%

(51)

45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dover, England

Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury

19. Hook Farm Campsite

98%

(203)

18 units · Tents · West Sussex, South East England

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

20. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

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

Camper favorites in and near Kent Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%

(99)

25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.

Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(38)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Whitstable, England

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.

Housedean Farm Campsite

98%

(100)

3 units · Tents · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way

Glassenbury Camping

99%

(65)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cranbrook, England

Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country

Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

Coxhill Camping

100%

(51)

45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dover, England

Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury

Hook Farm Campsite

98%

(203)

18 units · Tents · West Sussex, South East England

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

Hale Farm

100%

(152)

38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

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

Stories from the community

D

David

3 weeks ago

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.

L

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.

M

Maz

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Lovely campsite. Welcoming hosts, nice toilets and showers, fridge and freezer available, and a kettle! We had a great stay here

C

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

A

Alan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Really quiet, toilets and showers clean and tidy. Definitely be going back!

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

P

Paul

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Chalky Downs

Our host was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were fine, clean and tidy. You will probably need some ramps if you want to be completely level but wasn’t a problem for us.

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

István Ferenc

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Perfect place. I loved the small woods. Highly recommend

Entrance to the farm land where the campsite is.

N

Nina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chalky Downs

Me and my partner stayed at Chalky downs for 2 nights for a little get away ✨. Sharen’s land is beautiful, everyone is so friendly and we even got to order a sausage bacon and egg bap with tea and coffee in the morning! ☀️. We went into Brighton town for a bit of shopping and to see the sea, only a 14 minute drive and we parked in the station car park 👏🏼. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be going back! Thank you so much. 🫶🏼

I

Issy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

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!

C

Craig

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc. After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display. The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.

G

Gillian

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Small Meadow Farm

We felt very lucky to be able to stay on Anna’s farm. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place with wonderful views. There’s an orchard and some very pretty sheep! We enjoyed the hammocks in the woods and the firepit. Would definitely recommend.

E

Emmie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Views were gorgeous, spots were well laid out. Encourages a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, everyone we came across was lovely. Toilets were lovely which we were not expecting!! So many great features to this campsite including the little shop. Has everything you could need. Absolutely loved it.

A

Alan

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Lovely time once again at Hook Farm. Can't recommend this site enough

L

Laurence

September 2025

5 m Class B

4 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

We had a wonderful time, the place is beautiful and quiet, away from roads and houses. Vans, campers and tents are well spaced from each other. Everybody very respectful. Facilities are great: shower and loos are immaculate, fire pits available to rent and wood to buy, pub in walking distance, and even home pizzas nights at the weekend. Location is great too, we will definitely be back!

C

Christine

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury. The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

C

Chloe

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Excellent facilities, very generous pitch sizes and a great location. 10/10

S

Simon

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs. My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.