Best campsites for hikers in North Wessex Downs AONB

Pitch your tent in the North Wessex Downs AONB and you’re set for some of the best hiking in southern England. Over 1,200 tent campsites dot this patchwork of rolling chalk hills and ancient woodlands—trails cut through wildflower meadows, skirt Iron Age forts, and wind past sleepy villages with their thatched roofs. Prices start as low as £9 a night, averaging around £100, so there’s something for every budget. Top picks include Abbey Home Farm (100 reviews), Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews), and Cotswolds Camping (59 reviews). Expect campfires, toilets, and showers as standard facilities. Between hikes, keep an eye out for red kites overhead or try horseback riding through open fields. Leave only footprints—rubbish bins are provided at most sites. North Wessex Downs rewards campers who like to lace up boots and head for the horizon, all within easy reach of a tent flap.

95% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Wessex Downs AONB

Pitch your tent in the North Wessex Downs AONB and you’re set for some of the best hiking in southern England. Over 1,200 tent campsites dot this patchwork of rolling chalk hills and ancient woodlands—trails cut through wildflower meadows, skirt Iron Age forts, and wind past sleepy villages with their thatched roofs. Prices start as low as £9 a night, averaging around £100, so there’s something for every budget. Top picks include Abbey Home Farm (100 reviews), Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews), and Cotswolds Camping (59 reviews). Expect campfires, toilets, and showers as standard facilities. Between hikes, keep an eye out for red kites overhead or try horseback riding through open fields. Leave only footprints—rubbish bins are provided at most sites. North Wessex Downs rewards campers who like to lace up boots and head for the horizon, all within easy reach of a tent flap.

95% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Wessex Downs AONB

1. The T Barn

99%

(90)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

2. Teddy's Farm

99%

(154)

95 units · Tents, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

3. Cotswolds Camping

87%

(176)

56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Charlbury, Oxfordshire, South East England

Simple camping surrounded by all the delicious Oxfordshire and Cotswolds village food offerings

4. Crown Cabin Wiltshire

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

A quirky garden cabin for two in Wiltshire

5. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(148)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

6. The Pig Place Campsite

92%

(93)

45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Oxfordshire, South East England

Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm

7. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

8. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%

(149)

20 units · Tents · New Forest, England

Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?

9. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

10. Farrs Meadow

96%

(141)

31 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster

11. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

12. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

50 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

13. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

14. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

15. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

16. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Aylesbury, England

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

17. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%

(44)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand

18. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

19. Shire Camping

98%

(25)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.

20. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins

98%

(30)

16 units · Tents · Moreton In Marsh, England

Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI

Camper favorites in and near North Wessex Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Aylesbury, England

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%

(44)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand

Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

Shire Camping

98%

(25)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.

Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins

98%

(30)

16 units · Tents · Moreton In Marsh, England

Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Andrea

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time

C

Chris

November 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping

Very nice and clean facilities! Lovely location. Highly Recommended

V

Victoria

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!

A

Abi

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers. Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need. There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing! Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here. (There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.) The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

David was an amazing host, extremely helpful and gave excellent advice. Facilities are not luxurious but erfectly adequate and what you want from a remotr campsite. Even though the wind blew hard we were well protected.

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

E

Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shire Camping

We had a brilliant stay at Shire camping. The site is really nice and peaceful. Great communication from Harry. Will definitely return.

A

Alec

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Wonderful spot! Incredibly friendly and welcoming staff. Warm showers were an unexpected bonus!

S

Sally

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!

M

Marie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping

We loved our stay here - perfect for our dogs and us. It was really quiet, close to a few pubs and served lovely breakfast and coffee in the mornings.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

Great campsite, friendly owner! We stayed a couple of weeks ago, and have already returned since, and plan to again in a few weeks. Great location. Highly recommend 👌🏼

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍

M

Marie-clare

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Radcot Leisure on Thames

Great spot with great walks next to the river! We had a great time and would definitely go back! The pub was also great and allowed us to meet more of the other campers! They also rent out paddle boards and kayaks for trips up the river. However some improvements could be done to the facilities on the camp site. The sink for washing dishes is very low and only has cold water, the sink could also do with a clean. The showers also are quite tight, only have one temperature and make it impossible to not get your hair wet.

D

Dave

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop

M

Monique

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shire Camping

It was mine and my partners first camping trip together with our dog and honestly couldn't have had a better experience! It was easy to get to and the toilets and showers were very well kept and clean:) The campsite is very well set up and not to noisy at any point in the day but a perfect balance. Would 100% return and couldn't recommend more!! Harry was also a lovely host who makes you feel nothing less then at home here!

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

James

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins

This is a beautiful campsite in a stunning area of England and the hosts are so delightful. its all simple and safe and we had a really good time. A few points of clarity for us would have been, the purchases for site ( logs ) need to be a bit more structured on how much you can have per purchase, but we paid up for what we used in the end. Truly cannot compliment the hosts and site enough though, thank you for a wonderful stay.