Campsites with swimming in Kent Downs AONB

In the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, camping with swimming access means riverside pitches, wild pond dips, and the odd secret swimming hole if you know where to look. Over 160 sites cater specifically to campers who want to get in the water—whether you’re after a quick morning plunge or an afternoon spent lounging by the bank. Top picks include Tomkins Farm (87 reviews) for its laid-back fields and easy river access, Pett Camping (31 reviews) for tranquil spots close to woodland swims, and Elham Treehouse (19 reviews) for a perch above the water with views for days. Expect showers and toilets at most sites, plus campfires allowed for those classic evenings. Hiking trails criss-cross the Downs, wildlife-watching is a given, and keen anglers will find good fishing nearby. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average site around £132. Bring a towel, pack your swimmers, and get ready to dive in.

99% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds

In the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, camping with swimming access means riverside pitches, wild pond dips, and the odd secret swimming hole if you know where to look. Over 160 sites cater specifically to campers who want to get in the water—whether you’re after a quick morning plunge or an afternoon spent lounging by the bank. Top picks include Tomkins Farm (87 reviews) for its laid-back fields and easy river access, Pett Camping (31 reviews) for tranquil spots close to woodland swims, and Elham Treehouse (19 reviews) for a perch above the water with views for days. Expect showers and toilets at most sites, plus campfires allowed for those classic evenings. Hiking trails criss-cross the Downs, wildlife-watching is a given, and keen anglers will find good fishing nearby. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average site around £132. Bring a towel, pack your swimmers, and get ready to dive in.

99% (289)

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. Elham Treehouse

100%

(25)

2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

Rustic glamping in the Kent countryside between Folkestone and Canterbury

3. 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.

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. Battle Pods & Bells

100%

(13)

10 units · Glamping · Battle, England

Off grid bell tents and pods in a woodland just outside Battle

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. Pett Camping

98%

(61)

50 units · Tents · Rye, East Sussex, South East England

Back-to-basics camping on an East Sussex farm less than a mile from the beach

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. The Oaks Poultry Farm

100%

(10)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ditchling, England

Family-friendly summer camping on an East Sussex farm

13. Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Rye, England

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

14. Nelson Park Riding Centre

93%

(7)

3 units · Glamping · Margate, England

Glamping with a view of the horses in Thanet's largest riding centre.

15. Wyldewood Retreat

100%

(9)

1 unit · Glamping · Horam, East Sussex, South East England

An exclusive-hire glamping site for six people in a Sussex woodland

Camper favorites in and near Kent Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

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.

The Oaks Poultry Farm

100%

(10)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ditchling, England

Family-friendly summer camping on an East Sussex farm

Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Rye, England

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

Nelson Park Riding Centre

93%

(7)

3 units · Glamping · Margate, England

Glamping with a view of the horses in Thanet's largest riding centre.

Wyldewood Retreat

100%

(9)

1 unit · Glamping · Horam, East Sussex, South East England

An exclusive-hire glamping site for six people in a Sussex woodland

Stories from the community

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.

A

Alexander

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Battle Pods & Bells

It was great for my first trip with my son 11. Everything was exactly as advertised and more. Will definitely be returning next year and will certainly explore more of the 460acres of stunning woodland.

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 :)

E

Evelyn

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Pett Camping

Lovely spacious area and campers were not on top of each other. Fantastic for a simple night or couple of days of simple off grid camping with friends. Would deffo go again!

S

Sheffa

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Pett Camping

Put the coordinates provided into Google Maps. No trouble getting there. I love how you can go straight into the field and set up camp. Beautiful location, very peaceful. 100% recommend.

A

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Pett Camping

Great value, lovely peaceful spot within driving distance of shops etc

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.

L

Louise

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Elham Treehouse

We had a truly wonderful stay in the Granary! Mark is the loveliest host we have ever met. Everything felt so genuine and welcoming. The cabin had everything we could possibly need, and the bed was extremely comfortable. Even though I am heavily pregnant, climbing up was no problem at all as the ladder is very sturdy 🌝 We loved our cosy evenings by the fire and sunny breakfasts in the little garden, enjoying Mark’s delicious homemade bread and jam. The setting is green, peaceful, and full of good vibes with friendly little robins, cats and dogs keeping us company. We also enjoyed lovely walks in the area, a visit to the nearby village, and a tasty meal at the local pub. It was exactly the perfect getaway we were hoping for. Thank you so much, Mark, for your generosity and warm hospitality!

G

Geoffroy

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Elham Treehouse

We stayed for a couple of nights and had an amazing time, the cabin was really nice and comfy, Mark was very welcoming, and we felt at home straight away. Fully recommend!

L

Louise

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We had a lovely weekend in Pett, this is a great campsite. The site is very basic, a couple of compost loos and a tap which was all we needed. We found it was a nice quiet site and appreciated being able to have a fire to cook on. The farm shop down the road is a very small one, eggs, milk, apple juice and usually lamb burgers but they had all been sold when we were there. The site is hilly but there is plenty of space and we found a good flat space to pitch our tent on comfortable grass. Great location for walking and close to the beach. Also lots of interesting places nearby to visit, Kent and East Sussex railway, Bodiam Castle, Hastings etc etc.

K

Keith

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We decided to get away for the last bank holiday of the year, and chose Pett Camping for two nights. Located on a sheep farm it's a wonderful site - lovely countryside, rolling hills, the most spacious we've ever experienced on a camp site. Whether you are tenting or have a motorhome/campervan, this is a great site. Yes it has the one composting loo (regularly cleaned) and one cold standpipe, but that seems ok. Everyone is really quite chilled. This site is perfect if you want to relax and recharge. If you don't self cater there is a great country pub in The Royal Oak (10mins stroll, huge portions, great value), or The Two Sawyers (20mins, a busier pub and placed more upmarket). Down the hill is Pett Level, a great long shingle beach with a local village vibe, and a short drive away are Hastings town and the more quaint and boutique Rye. During our stay we met the couple who run the farm and site who are really nice people and we'd love to come back next year :)

H

Harriet

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Lovely camp site and host, close to the beach with georgous views

A

Alan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Really nice site, very clean, will be back for sure

B

Ben

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We had a great stay. Really nice and clean campsite in a great location. Thankyou

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.

L

Laura

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Elham Treehouse

We had a wonderfully relaxing time at the Elham Treehouse! It was a welcome escape from our busy lives and was a magical experience. Mark is a fantastic host and his warm, relaxed manner and daily fresh-baked bread made us feel so welcome. Highly recommend this place! Thanks!!

S

Simon

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Very nice site. Camped here half way on a hike between Rye and Hastings. Plenty of space, nice and quiet. Royal Oak up the road was nice for a drink.