Camping in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
97% (2.3K) • 2,908 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
1. Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
93%
(62)
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
The Barn KT9
2. The Barn KT9
97%
(319)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Camping at Tomkins Farm
3. Camping at Tomkins Farm
96%
(179)
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
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
4. 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
Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite
5. 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
Littleton Farm Campsite
6. Littleton Farm Campsite
95%
(38)
Upwaltham, England · 20 units
Nestled in a valley on the South Downs Way, Littleton Farm Campsite offers a secluded spot for enjoying the countryside. Welcoming tent campers only, the site offers non electric pitches with plenty of space for everyone to have some peace and quiet. Grab breakfast from the onsite Cadence Cafe, spend days exploring picturesque walking routes and evenings by the campfire. Arundel and Chichester are within 20 minutes drive.
A great base for exploring the South Downs and all that West Sussex has to offer. For events at Goodwood or for walkers and cyclists on the South Downs Way, the site is also an ideal spot for escaping the crowds.
There are 20 non electric grass pitches onsite, each welcoming tents only. Each pitch allows up to six guests, with plenty of space for tents and gazebos with no extra charges other than on a per-person basis. Unloading is allowed by the pitches with parking in the designated car park.
Wake up to fantastic rural views and grab a bite to eat from the onsite cafe, which also serves a delicious cup of coffee. Days can be spent enjoying long walks in beautiful open countryside, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages, or down by the coast, only 25 minutes away.
In the evenings, guests can cook up a BBQ or relax by the campfire.
Please note, the site is dog free.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Chalky Downs
7. Chalky Downs
96%
(617)
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
Setts Wood Camping and Glamping
8. 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
Campfires
Showers
Hook Farm Campsite
9. 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
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
10. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(125)
Pulborough, England · 56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Ditchling Boutique Camping
11. 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
Lordington Park Camping
12. Lordington Park Camping
100%
(53)
Chichester · 16 units
Set on glorious parkland in the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park really is a wonderful countryside escape. A 15 minutes’ drive from Chichester, our rustic camping field has views over rolling countryside. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can be expected on cloudless days.
Escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in our peaceful rural campsite, with spacious grass pitches big enough for you to have lots of private space. Each pitch has a firepit for barbecues, and there is access to composting toilets, a shower block with warm water, and fresh drinking water. Please note there is no electricity on this simple site.
Vehicles are not allowed to park on the camping field, but parking is provided a stone’s throw away. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you get your kit from car to tent.
Countryside walks and cycle paths lead directly from your pitch. There are several pubs in the local area – the nearest being 10 minutes’ stroll away. We have a tea room on site, open Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm.
Near by local attractions:
Goodwood
Weald and downland museum
West wittering beach
Hayling island
Portsmouth historic dockyard
Chichester festival theatre
Arundel castle
Cowdray park
Various national trust property’s
And many more…
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Pett Coastal Camping
13. 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
Lagnersh camping
14. Lagnersh camping
77%
(108)
Bognor Regis, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Dog-friendly camping near Chichester and the West Sussex coast
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Beech Farm Camping
15. Beech Farm Camping
100%
(2)
England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A rural getaway doesn’t have to involve a long drive or lots of winding lanes to negotiate – and an excellent example of this is Beech Farm, in the West Sussex countryside about five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst.
This site is about a mile and a half from the nearest A road, half an hour’s drive from the A3 and M23, and about 45 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25. All of that adds up to a quick-to-reach destination for residents of London and most of the South East, as well as easy access for those coming from further afield.
This is a fairly simple site with just essential facilities (toilet block, rubbish area and chemical disposal point), but it’s all well maintained. It’s a laidback place where families, dogs and groups are all welcome, but please note that campfires and barbecues are not allowed for safety reasons.
Bed down here and you’ll be in an excellent spot for all sorts of days out – the site is just outside the South Downs National Park for scenic walks and bike rides, and within easy reach of Chichester (40 minutes), the Goodwood Estate (35 minutes) and the beaches of the south coast (half an hour). Billingshurst has a good selection of shops and places to eat, plus a railway station for days out by train.
- Simple but well-kept site five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst
- Just outside South Downs National Park; farm park two minutes' drive
- Rural location with easy access from main roads and motorways
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Woodlands Camping
16. Woodlands Camping
97%
(116)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Glassenbury Camping
17. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(80)
Cranbrook, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Far and Away Camping
18. Far and Away Camping
100%
(50)
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
19. 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
Old Litten
20. Old Litten
99%
(76)
Petersfield, England · 1 unit
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Melanie
3 days 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.
See more
L
Louisa
4 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!!
See more
F
Finley
5 days ago
Tent
Great location. Really quiet spot not far from a nice village (Ditchling).
See more
K
Katy
5 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
5 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
5 days ago
Tent
Perfect setting, perfect host! Camping at its finest.
See moreN
Nigel
5 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
6 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
See more
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.
See more
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.
See more
C
Cristina
1 week ago
7 m pop-up camper
With kids
Great spot with all the necessary facilities, great host
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.
See more
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
See more
C
Claire
2 weeks ago
With pets
We had a lovely night staying at the Barn. Lovely views and very peaceful. Our kids had a great time playing in the field.
See more
S
Sheri
2 weeks ago
With pets
Beautiful setting. The tents were set up inside so comfortably, shower and toilet block clean and beautifully rustic with gorgeous smelling soap and shampoo etc. Added bonus of having the firepit available with added safety precautions with current dry conditions. Great onsite cafe. So close to great walks and pubs too. Would very much recommend to friends.
See more
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!
See moreJ
Jane
2 weeks ago
5 m car
Wonderful, peaceful, away from the crowds. Jayne greeted me on arrival with a basket of firewood for a perfect night of solitude. Great sunset too! Thank you Jayne xx
See more
B
Bclaytz
2 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely site on a small valley with great views. May want to arrive early if you are a larger party / have larger tents as the higher you go up the valley the harder it is to find a flat pitch for your tent. The views from the top are amazing though
See moreKingley Vale National Nature Reserve camping guide
Tips for snagging a campsite
- South Downs campsites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, so reservations are always advised. Plan three to six months in advance for popular sites.
- If you do arrive without a reservation, it’s a good idea to secure a pitch first thing in the morning or call ahead, as available spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and many sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
- Hiking and camping season in the South Downs runs from mid-March through early October, and many campsites close out of season. However, campsites open year-round often offer lower rates in low season.
When to go
Kingley Vale is magnificent in autumn, when fall foliage transforms the forest into a kaleidoscope of colour, while summer visitors flock to see the butterflies. Crowds descend on the reserve in July and August, so get there early to secure a parking spot or choose a quiet weekday out of season if you want the forest to yourself. Allergy sufferers might want to avoid visiting in spring—Yew pollen is notoriously allergenic.
Know before you go
- Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is located within the South Downs National Park, about a 10-minute drive from Chichester. Direct trains run to Chichester from London Waterloo and take 1.5 hours.
- Free parking is available at the West Stoke car park, at the south end of Kingley Vale.
- Getting around the nature reserve is only possible on foot and uneven terrain means access for wheelchairs is very limited.
- All land within the national reserve is privately owned and wild camping is not permitted anywhere.
