Caravan parks in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

·

On the southern borders of the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Explore 130 hectares of ancient woodlands, where the giant Yew trees and twisted branches create a fairy-tale backdrop. Look out for birds and butterflies as you follow the nature trails—the reserve is home to woodpeckers, buzzards, and many rare butterflies. North of the forest, climb up to the lookout point at Bow Hill for views across the Sussex countryside, and discover the Bronze age barrows (burial mounds) known as the Devil’s Humps.

96% (962)

Top caravan parks

Far and Away Camping

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
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
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

7. 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.
from 
£50
 / night
Frittenden Orchard

11. Frittenden Orchard

97%
(18)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cranbrook, England
Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted
Pets
from 
£24
 / night
Earth Camp

15. 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.
Pets
from 
£15
 / night
Painters Farm Campsite

16. 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.
Electrical Hookup
Pets
from 
£26
 / night
The Hop Farm

18. The Hop Farm

82%
(37)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brenchley, England
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
£28
 / night
Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

19. Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

94%
(8)
2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
We are a pop-up campsite, which means we are open most weekends during the summer with some longer stints at the beginning and at the end of our season. We offer different activities each weekend, varying from damper bread making to wild food walks and bush craft skills. We also celebrate Midsummer (Juhannus) in Finnish style! 22nd May - 31st May - Opening: Sauna hot all Week 😃🙌🏻 19th - 21st June Summer Solstice/Juhannus ☀️☀️☀️ 26th - 28th June - Fairy Garden Making 🧚🏻🧚🏻‍♀️🧚🏻‍♂️ 3rd -5th July - Damper Bread 🥨 10th-12th July - DJ BBQ 🎶🍗 17th -19th July -Whittling 🥄🔪 24th - 26th July - Wellness weekend 🧘🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️ 31st July - 3rd August - Wand Making and 🪄🧚‍♂️ 7th - 9th August - Communal Curry Night 🥘 14th - 16th August - Fire Making for Kids 🔥 20th - 23rd August - Wild Food Walk 🍄‍🟫🫐 27th - 31st August - Closing Week ☀️🔥🥂🍾 FINNISH SAUNA We light our authentic Finnish sauna on Saturday evenings for all to use. Otherwise you can book the Sauna area for private use on Friday nights and Saturday day. Do give us more than an hours notice, it is wood heated and it takes a while to get hot! CAMPFIRES We love campfires and see them as an integral part of the camping experience. Campfires bring people together at the end of the day, to cook, socialise and relax. The smell of the wood smoke at twilight and the excitement on the kids faces when the marshmallows come out are bound to set you up for a perfect night away from the city lights! We sell crates of firewood, and hire fire pits for you to use during your stay. MUSIC The Lower Fields are for quiet camping. We would like it to be the perfect place for children to sleep and adults to chitchat around the campfires. On the Upper Field and near the Centre Camp we do allow you to listen and enjoy any music. But please respect your fellow campers! We want everybody to be able to enjoy their weekend without being disturbed. We ask for quiet across the whole site from 11.30pm. Overall we are quite a sociable site, with things happening at center camp every weekend. and a public campfire to sit around for a few mins after your sauna. We have a great area for large family groups. We pride ourselves on helping new campers get the most out of the experience come and hay hello at center camp.
Pets
from 
£14
 / night

On the southern borders of the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Explore 130 hectares of ancient woodlands, where the giant Yew trees and twisted branches create a fairy-tale backdrop. Look out for birds and butterflies as you follow the nature trails—the reserve is home to woodpeckers, buzzards, and many rare butterflies. North of the forest, climb up to the lookout point at Bow Hill for views across the Sussex countryside, and discover the Bronze age barrows (burial mounds) known as the Devil’s Humps.

96% (962)

Top caravan parks

Far and Away Camping

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
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
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

7. 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.
from 
£50
 / night
Frittenden Orchard

11. Frittenden Orchard

97%
(18)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cranbrook, England
Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted
Pets
from 
£24
 / night
Earth Camp

15. 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.
Pets
from 
£15
 / night
Painters Farm Campsite

16. 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.
Electrical Hookup
Pets
from 
£26
 / night
The Hop Farm

18. The Hop Farm

82%
(37)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brenchley, England
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
£28
 / night
Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

19. Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

94%
(8)
2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
We are a pop-up campsite, which means we are open most weekends during the summer with some longer stints at the beginning and at the end of our season. We offer different activities each weekend, varying from damper bread making to wild food walks and bush craft skills. We also celebrate Midsummer (Juhannus) in Finnish style! 22nd May - 31st May - Opening: Sauna hot all Week 😃🙌🏻 19th - 21st June Summer Solstice/Juhannus ☀️☀️☀️ 26th - 28th June - Fairy Garden Making 🧚🏻🧚🏻‍♀️🧚🏻‍♂️ 3rd -5th July - Damper Bread 🥨 10th-12th July - DJ BBQ 🎶🍗 17th -19th July -Whittling 🥄🔪 24th - 26th July - Wellness weekend 🧘🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️ 31st July - 3rd August - Wand Making and 🪄🧚‍♂️ 7th - 9th August - Communal Curry Night 🥘 14th - 16th August - Fire Making for Kids 🔥 20th - 23rd August - Wild Food Walk 🍄‍🟫🫐 27th - 31st August - Closing Week ☀️🔥🥂🍾 FINNISH SAUNA We light our authentic Finnish sauna on Saturday evenings for all to use. Otherwise you can book the Sauna area for private use on Friday nights and Saturday day. Do give us more than an hours notice, it is wood heated and it takes a while to get hot! CAMPFIRES We love campfires and see them as an integral part of the camping experience. Campfires bring people together at the end of the day, to cook, socialise and relax. The smell of the wood smoke at twilight and the excitement on the kids faces when the marshmallows come out are bound to set you up for a perfect night away from the city lights! We sell crates of firewood, and hire fire pits for you to use during your stay. MUSIC The Lower Fields are for quiet camping. We would like it to be the perfect place for children to sleep and adults to chitchat around the campfires. On the Upper Field and near the Centre Camp we do allow you to listen and enjoy any music. But please respect your fellow campers! We want everybody to be able to enjoy their weekend without being disturbed. We ask for quiet across the whole site from 11.30pm. Overall we are quite a sociable site, with things happening at center camp every weekend. and a public campfire to sit around for a few mins after your sauna. We have a great area for large family groups. We pride ourselves on helping new campers get the most out of the experience come and hay hello at center camp.
Pets
from 
£14
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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Caravan parks in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and many sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  4. 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.

Popular Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve holidays