- Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve/
- Camping
Camping in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
97% (2K) • 2,708 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
The Barn KT9
1. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Laleham Camping Club
2. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
England · 90 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 90 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
We keep things relaxed at Laleham, but a few simple guidelines help everyone enjoy their stay:
Identification: For smooth entry please have some form of identification like your Drivers License or Passport (international) ready.
Quiet Hours: 11pm-7am — please keep noise to a minimum.
Campfires: Raised fire pits/barbeques only — no fires directly on the grass.
Pets: Dogs welcome, must be kept on leads at all times.
Vehicles: After unloading, all cars must be kept in our on-site car park for the duration of your stay.
Speed Limit: Please maintain a maximum speed limit of 5 mph for the safety of all guests.
Entrance Times: Customer arrival times are from 2pm until 8pm at which the vehicle gates close and no more arrivals will be taken.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
3. Oak Valley Lodges & Camping
100%
(16)
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
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
England · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm.
At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night.
Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature.
We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire.
If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace.
January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Tomkins Farm
5. 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
Housedean Farm Campsite
6. Housedean Farm Campsite
98%
(102)
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
Woodlands Camping
7. Woodlands Camping
97%
(106)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hook Farm Campsite
8. Hook Farm Campsite
98%
(203)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Beech Estate Campsite
9. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(188)
Battle, England · 52 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Otter Channel Campsite
10. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
East Sussex, England · 15 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Alciston Court Farm
11. Alciston Court Farm
95%
(42)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
Pets
Campfires
Old Litten
12. Old Litten
99%
(64)
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
Campfires
Potable water
Far and Away Camping
13. Far and Away Camping
100%
(22)
England · 40 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
Painters Farm Campsite
14. Painters Farm Campsite
99%
(43)
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
Peacocks Farm Campsite
15. Peacocks Farm Campsite
100%
(2)
England · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A private nature reserve with secluded wild pitches for both tents and campervans. Flushing toilets, hot showers, campfires and a nature rich experience
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Chalky Downs
16. 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
The Secret Campsite
17. The Secret Campsite
99%
(91)
Lewes, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Nut Plat Retreat
18. The Nut Plat Retreat
94%
(78)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
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
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Wonderland Festival Retreat
19. Wonderland Festival Retreat
100%
(6)
Henfield, England · 3 units
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Small Meadow Campsite
20. Small Meadow Campsite
100%
(18)
Fairlight, England · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
r
rhiannon
3 days ago
6 m campervan
Exactly what we were looking for! Lovely setting, watching the hot air balloons, just as described, a warm welcome and walkable directions into headcorn - we will come again!
See moreD
Darren
3 days ago
5 m campervan
Fabulous stay - such a lovely site. Jayne and Mark super friendly and helpful. Site is picture perfect, rabbits playing in the grass early evening, hot air balloons coasting overhead and birds singing at dusk. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer April evening, thanks so much both.
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S
Stuart
3 days ago
Tent
Great site with good facilities that were clean and worked well. The team were great to talk to as well, offering advice to make the most of our stay and swap stories with.
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k
kara
5 days ago
Tent
Lovely private spot, Charlotte is a great host and the amenities are second to none.
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E
Eugene
1 week ago
Tent
If you like the occasional night getting away from it all in an “almost” wild camp, try Old Litten. It’s quiet, secluded, you get it all to yourself and it has spectacular views of the South Downs.
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S
Sophie
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great campsite. Peaceful, we had delicious food from the local pub too. Host very friendly.
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J
Jack
2 weeks ago
7 m campervan
Lovely spot for a simple camp! Very friendly owner and lots of lovely walks nearby!
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I
Iryna
2 weeks ago
2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Wonderful place to relax. Friendly hosts and a lovely atmosphere. We will definitely come back!
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D
David
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Lovely little campsite - clean, tidy and easy going. recommend! A+
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S
Samantha
3 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely clean toilets & showers.Handy small shop.A welcome stop after a long day on The South Downs Way!
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H
Harry
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had a great trip, and Miles makes sure you have a space all to yourself!
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J
Joe
3 weeks ago
5 m campervan
Great site, staff so friendly and helpful.
Surrounding area is pretty, lovely being able to see the farm animals.
Thanks for a great time!
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G
Gina
3 weeks ago
5 m campervan
Painters Farm is in a lovely location, and the people running it are great, so helpful and friendly. The toilet blocks are spotless.
See moreJ
Jed
3 weeks ago
5 m car
Great stay at Woodlands, beautiful setting and a real back to nature feel. It will be on my list of places to go back to!
See moreA
Abigail
3 weeks ago
Tent
The hosts were amazing. Really helpful. The small shop on site had so much. There were plugs, a fridge and a kettle on site. Which we didn’t know so they were all lovely to discover. The showers were clean as were the toilets. Each pitch comes with its own fire pit.
See moreM
Marcus
3 weeks ago
Tent
Great camping! Next to the most beautiful ancient bluebell woodland
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K
Kendra
3 weeks ago
5 m campervan
Super friendly site - Karen is just lovely, showed us to our pitch even recommending which way to park to get the best view of sunset. Perfect location with 5 min walk to a great pub. Picnic benches on site made eating by the van a breeze. Very clean toilets and showers.
Only very slight suggestion - shower block was very cold (as it’s cold ATM).
See moreR
Rowan
March 2026
Tent
Had a lovely stay at Far and Away camping. Really lovely campsite and Jayne and her Partner were very lovely and accommodating. Would highly recommend!
See moreM
Martin
March 2026
Tent
Clear directions and a warm welcome. Plenty of space on a secure site.
See moreB
Bethany
March 2026
Tent
It was a beautiful spot and I would like to return again in the summer months
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.
