Riverside Camping in North Wessex Downs AONB

North Wessex Downs AONB lines its rivers with over 330 campsites, from quiet meadows to pitches beside the Thames. If you want to wake up near water, this is your patch. Hipcampers rave about Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews) for its easy river access, Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe (51 reviews) for peaceful woodland streams, and Farrs Meadow (41 reviews) for its wild swimming spots. Average price per night hovers around £125, but you’ll find pitches as low as £14 if you book early. On site, expect toilets, showers, and the all-important campfire allowance—essential after a day hiking, spotting wildlife, or riding horseback along shady riversides. Bring your boots and a sense of adventure; the Downs’ riverside campsites are as practical as they are scenic.

93% (418)

Top-rated campgrounds

North Wessex Downs AONB lines its rivers with over 330 campsites, from quiet meadows to pitches beside the Thames. If you want to wake up near water, this is your patch. Hipcampers rave about Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews) for its easy river access, Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe (51 reviews) for peaceful woodland streams, and Farrs Meadow (41 reviews) for its wild swimming spots. Average price per night hovers around £125, but you’ll find pitches as low as £14 if you book early. On site, expect toilets, showers, and the all-important campfire allowance—essential after a day hiking, spotting wildlife, or riding horseback along shady riversides. Bring your boots and a sense of adventure; the Downs’ riverside campsites are as practical as they are scenic.

93% (418)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(147)

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.

2. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

13 units · Glamping · Buckingham, England

Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire

3. 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

4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%

(39)

51 units · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

5. 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

6. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

124 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Our 100 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.

7. 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

8. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%

(47)

9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England

Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds

9. 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

10. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

25 units · Tents · England

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

11. Baldwins Brook Glamping

100%

(7)

6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill. This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock. From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal. When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.

12. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

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

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

13. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

14. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%

(13)

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people

15. Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%

(8)

6 units · Glamping · England

Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)

16. Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

99 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shillingstone,, England

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

17. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

18. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

19. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

20. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Camper favorites in and near North Wessex Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%

(13)

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people

Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%

(8)

6 units · Glamping · England

Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)

Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

99 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shillingstone,, England

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Stories from the community

S

Savannah

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

The Yurt was lovely and well setup. Loved the lights and fire place inside to warm it up when it got cold in the evening. The site had chairs and a fire pit setup with wood available to buy which was great as we didn’t have to try and find some before arriving. Would really recommend!

F

Fatima

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm

Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!

A

Andy

September 2025

2 nights at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Beautiful Yurts - excellent facilities and a peaceful setting. Made for a perfect quick getaway. Hosts were friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome

B

Bob

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club

Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host

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.

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 👌🏼

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.

S

Stuart

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Farrs Meadow

David was a super friendly host and the site was in a beautiful setting. Nothing was too much trouble, and there was plenty of space on the pitches. Location wise, you couldn’t ask for anything better. You could have been in the middle of nowhere, but Wimborne is a 20 minute walk away!

H

Holly

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

Lovely Stay in the Meadow, very kind and friendly staff, and the fact that they help you move your things up the hill is lovely. Only issue was that the toilets didn’t have loo roll during our stay but we had brought our own anyway so this wasn’t really a problem. The Meadow is lovely but without much shade, so maybe bring something to use for shade if you mind that - fantastic location for kayaking etc, and although we didn’t stay in one as we have a tent the yurts they also have on site looked amazing too 😊

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Old Airfield

An amazing site for young children. Would definitely come again, and for longer. Staff were great, really helpful.

R

Rachel

August 2025

1 night at Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

This is a lovely place to stay. The railway carriage was very comfortable and very well laid out, packing a lot of functionality into a cozy space. The grounds are beautiful and quiet. It’s just a short drive to several must see places like Bath and Avebury henge.

Snowdonia

August 2025

3 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Lovely tranquil camp site in a nice location in the Cotswolds. Good pitches with plenty of space. Shame the local pub was closed for renovation works. All in all a fabulous couple of days chilling, thank you Sally 😀

M

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

Great wee semi-wild campsite. Converted horse boxes for composting toilets and showers, fire pits, and friendly staff- Jasper was really welcoming and took time to talk us through the site. It’s also minutes walk away from a stunning river which provided the perfect wake up dip

E

Emma

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

We’ve stayed here many times and it’s a great spot for a peaceful weekend. The site is very pretty with the surrounding orchard and green hills, and well situated for country walks and visits to nearby towns. The facilities are great - everything you might need (including hammocks!) - and everyone we met was so relaxed and friendly.

H

Helen

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

My son and I had a very peaceful weekend here, despite it being packed! A really clean and tidy, well equipped site and although we felt that the pitches were quite close together, the long grasses made it feel private enough and fellow campers were very respectful and quiet! Oh ... and we LOVED the church bells! 😄 We'll definitely be going again and highly recommend for an 'almost wild' and restful camping experience! Special thanks to Antonia who came to greet us when we first arrived, was very helpful and then left us to it!

P

Penny

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Radcot Leisure on Thames

We had a wonderful time, excellent location by the river, pub and town. It was very quiet and we had enough space for our three families to run around and enjoy all the nature available! We hired the canoe and paddle boards which were fab. The beds were very comfortable and warm, toilets and showers were decent enough but did get messy quickly with all the usage. The wash up station was very basic and some of the outside benches were a bit tatty so because of that, probably an 8/10 BUT great for families.

R

Rowan

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

Great site, had an amazing weekend. Fantastic fire pit and the sheltered kitchen area really came in handy.

I

Ionela

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

It’s been absolutely lovely , good facilities . I will come back if I will have the opportunity 😊

R

Reece

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Firstly, the location - yes it’s a cool old WWII airbase! Loads of room to pitch your tent without feeling like you are encroaching on your neighbours. It’s well kept and very clean. The toilets were clean and so were the showers. There’s food (fresh pizza, pastries, etc) and drinks (a coffee / cocktail bar) on site and I thought the prices were reasonable. The staff are friendly and the place had a nice vibe. We took our dog and although she had to be kept on a lead on site, there is plenty of space close by to let her off. if you like camping and are looking to get back to basics, with a few luxuries close by, you can’t go wrong. Beautiful Mudeford is a short drive so there’s plenty to do if you want to venture out. Overall we really liked it. It was just me and my partner this time but we’ve just decided to go back in a few days, this time with the children.