Camping in Rendlesham Forest

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Back in December 1980, mysterious reports of suspected UFOs put Suffolk’s isolated Rendlesham Forest on the map. Today, this 15-sq-km mixed woodland pairs its historical intrigue with gentle and well-marked walking, cycling and orienteering trails, all within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB just east of Ipswich. With a cafe, playground and greenery-fringed campsite, it’s ideal for adventuring families, and Suffolk’s coast awaits within a 15-minute drive. The spectacular surrounding country is a vision of meandering estuaries, serene heathland, dense woods, seaside towns and pebbly strands that, over the years, has inspired such artistic greats as Gainsborough and Constable.

98% (914) • 2,217 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Rendlesham Forest

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

93%
(288)
Woodbridge, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Campsite manage :07733521815 We are a wild campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Plum Camping at White House Farm

2. Plum Camping at White House Farm

95%
(217)
Rackheath, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family camping with campfires on a fruit orchard near Norwich, with a farm shop, café and butchers
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Showers
Pitt Wood

3. Pitt Wood

100%
(3)
Halstead, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitt Wood is a quiet and secluded forest set in the borders of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. The site is off grid offering private and spacious pitches for campers wanting a more authentic woodland camp. We have a large communal cooking area and tipi as well as compost toilets. The woods is a short drive from Sturmer and Halstead which hosts real ale pubs and country cafes.
Pets
Campfires
The Roost

4. The Roost

91%
(11)
Halesworth, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Welcome to The Roost — a relaxed, small-scale campsite set within the meadows of Brook Farm, Wenhaston. ​Open skies, hedgerows, chickens wandering nearby, and space for families to slow down and enjoy summer as it should be The Roost, because you’re staying on a working smallholding — and our resident chickens inspired the name. ​Just like them, you’ll find your own little patch of meadow to settle into, wake with the sunrise, and wind down as the light fades across the fields. ​It’s camping with character. Perfectly Placed to Explore Suffolk We’re tucked away in the countryside, yet close to some of Suffolk’s most loved spots. ​ Within 15 minutes you’ll find: Seaside days in Southwold & Walberswick Wildlife adventures at RSPB Minsmere Coastal walks at Dunwich Heath & Beach The market towns of Halesworth & Saxundham ​ And from the campsite itself? Quiet footpaths, big skies, and proper countryside calm Thorington Theatre, the outdoor idyllic woodland amphitheatre, a 15 minute walk Local pubs, The Star, a 5-10 minute walk The Bramfield Queen's Head or Blythburgh White Hart 30 minute walks Further Afield:​ Woodbridge, Saxmundham, Beccles & Bungay Beaches and fresh fish at Thorpeness, Aldeburgh or Orford Sutton Hoo: The Anglo Saxon royal burial site History at Framlingham Castle​ Africa Alive zoological reserve Pleasurewood Hills family theme park Peacefully rural. Surprisingly close to everything.
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Fire and Feast Suffolk

5. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%
(38)
Cratfield, England · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

6. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(170)
Norfolk, England · 69 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

7. Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

93%
(21)
Beccles, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Situated in NR34 Suffolk , 15 Minute drive to beaches and market towns . *6 large camping pitches *8 Birth caravan - Gas central heating - Bedding included *Indoor & outdoor eating area's *2 communal fire pits and seating *Woodland walk *Wildflower meadows *Shower and toilet Room Welcome Barn with -washing station - microwave - Fridge - Toaster - Kettle - charging point - Drinking water-Honesty Shop.
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Potable water
Benton End Camping Pitches

8. Benton End Camping Pitches

100%
(9)
England · 3 units
****N.B in order to book with us, you are required to be a member of the GREENER CAMPING CLUB. (Only 1 person per pitch required)**** This MUST be done before your booking. Please see their website to join. (DOG friendly) Three Lovely ADULT ONLY Camping pitches situated on Benton End Flower Farm ( n.b please note this field is for tents only, we currently do not have provisions for campervans or caravans at this moment, hoping to be ready in 2027) The camping field is close to a 4 mile lovely railway walk, 5-10 minute walk to Hadleigh high street, riverside walks, pubs, bars and restaurants. Independent shops. Including a short drive to some beautiful Suffolk villages, Jimmys Farm, The Marquis, Coastal towns. There are lots of lovely walks around the area. Dogs 🐕 are welcome, however they MUST be well behaved, long leads recommended and never left unattended. Each pitch has a dry compost loo, picnic bench and bbq. There is a communal fire pit, basic kitchen and shower. There is a short walk from car park to the field but we can help you with equipment using tractor and trailer or you can borrow a barrow. Any issues just drop me a message.
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Campfires
Showers
Wardley Hill Campsite

9. Wardley Hill Campsite

100%
(117)
Bungay, England · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite on the Norfolk Suffolk border
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Campfires
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Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

10. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%
(21)
Sudbury, England · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
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Showers
Pigs in Blankets

11. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(77)
Southwold, England · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Farm Camping at Worstead Estate

12. The Farm Camping at Worstead Estate

100%
(2)
Scotland · 50 units
We are a pop-up site at a Norfolk working farm just outside the Broads National Park. BeWILDerwood Norfolk is just a 10 minute drive away and we are 15 minutes from the coast. We are home to a microbrewery with a taproom on site. A pop-up campsite with a microbrewery on site? Sounds like a fine setup, right? Well, that’s what you’ll get at The Farm Camping! This is a handy location for all sorts of activities, including walking or boating around the Broads, hitting the beaches of the north coast or spending time fishing, horse riding or cycling. The nearest pub is a 10 minute walk away – but you won’t have to go that far if you don’t want to, as the farm is home to the Wildcraft Brewery, which has a taproom in one of the traditional red-brick barns (and picnic tables outside for an alfresco drink on a sunny day). As a pop-up site the facilities here are fairly simple, but you’ll have access to toilets, showers, a washing-up area and a wifi connection, and you’re welcome to bring a barbecue for your meals. Dogs, families and groups are all welcome.
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Showers
Potable water
Brightwell Country Park

13. Brightwell Country Park

100%
(16)
Woodbridge, England · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Freedom Farm Camping

14. Freedom Farm Camping

98%
(50)
Newmarket, England · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield. We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability. Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood. We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Lions Row

15. Lions Row

95%
(11)
Woodbridge, England · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive (or a 35 walk) from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive). If you would like to book multiple pitches for a big group, do get in touch directly if easier. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Campfires
Showers
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

16. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

95%
(37)
Darsham, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Church Farm

17. Church Farm

90%
(5)
Beccles, England · 10 units
This is a small campsite in a peaceful location with 10 pitches and a glamping chalet. A gently south-sloping field set amongs trees next to a large pond. We are located just outside Redisham - a small village in a rural setting equidistant from the towns of Beccles and Halesworth, 4-5 miles away; a 15 minute walk from Brampton railway station and a mile from route 1 of the national cycle network. The coast is about 9 miles away to the East, with a choice of seaside towns and areas of outstanding natural beauty to visit and the Broads National Park is 5 miles to the North. There are barn owls and bats nesting nearby, slow worms, great crested newts and much more; it is our main goal to encourage as much biodiversity as possible. The shared facilities are 'off-grid' compost loos and wood-fired hot water showers using wood from the 1000 plus trees we have planted. Lighting and wifi are powered by solar panels. The glamping chalet has two king-size beds with ground floor and mezzanine bedrooms: it sleeps four comfortably and up to six at a pinch. It has solar lighting and USB sockets. We have tent pitches for up to about 20 campers. There is a no dogs policy on the campsite.
Showers
Potable water
Brick Kiln Farm Campsite 18+ Site

18. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite 18+ Site

89%
(9)
Woodbridge, England · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.
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Campfires
Showers
Half Acre Pitch and Lodge

19. Half Acre Pitch and Lodge

100%
(3)
Clacton On Sea, England · 1 unit
Escape to our quiet, half-acre countryside plot surrounded by rolling fields. We offer a secure, gated gravel hardstanding pitch perfect for off-grid campervans. Guests enjoy full access to our beautiful country garden, where our friendly chickens, ducks, and fancy doves roam free. You will have exclusive use of our guest lodge (static caravan), equipped with a flushing toilet, hand sink, microwave, and kettle. Please note: The large driveway is shared with the host and separate annex guests, so we strictly host a maximum of 1 van at a time to maintain peace, privacy, and plenty of space for turning. No facility for emptying toilet cassette waste on site. We run a small florist shop on site and hold an alcohol license, so can offer a small selection of wines and beer.
Water hookup
Pets
Ling's Meadow

20. Ling's Meadow

100%
(21)
Hepworth, England · 6 units
Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife
Campfires
Showers
Potable water

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Rendlesham Forest camping guide

Where to go

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Stretching across 440 square kilometres, roughly between Felixstowe and Lowestoft, the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB revolves around a series of superbly scenic east-coast estuaries fringed by shingle beaches, ancient woods and low-lying cliffs. Uncover the famed Algo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo, spot wading birds at Orford Ness, catch a ferry around the magical deltas and head out cycling or hiking along the AONB’s miles of trails. Some of the county’s most beautifully positioned campsites are sprinkled around here.

Inland Suffolk

Sweeping west from the coast and inland from Ipswich, Suffolk’s interior unveils timeless villages, ancient mansions, vibrant market towns and wool-era churches. Explore historical Lavenham, architecture-rich Bury St Edmunds, pretty Long Melford and Thomas Gainsborough’s birthplace Sudbury, before setting up camp anywhere from a back-to-basics woodland site to riverside park with kayaks for hire.

Dedham Vale AONB

This 90-square-kilometre wonderland, north of Colchester on the Essex-Suffolk border, is famous for inspiring the work of Romantic English painter John Constable, with its rippling farms, delightful villages, serene woodlands and open meadows. Savour its artistic beauty over a stay in a converted shepherd’s hut, on a farmland campsite or in a glamping bell tent by the river, all with canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing, cycling and hiking right on the doorstep.

Norfolk Broads

Immediately north of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, England’s east coast morphs into the vast wetlands of the ethereal Norfolk Broads National Park, known for its rare birds and wandering waterways, which demand in-depth exploration by boat, kayak or footpath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Suffolk’s coast awaits within a 15-minute drive from Rendlesham Forest. The spectacular surrounding country is a vision of meandering estuaries, serene heathland, dense woods, seaside towns and pebbly strands that has inspired such artistic greats as Gainsborough and Constable.

Some of the county’s most beautifully positioned campsites are sprinkled around the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, including near Rendlesham Forest. You can also explore different options for camping near Rendlesham Forest on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Rendlesham Forest holidays