Dog-friendly cabins in South Downs National Park

• Best for family campers: Fox Wood Campsite has family-focused tent camping with woodland walks and country pubs right on its doorstep.
• Best for glamping fun in the forest: Blackberry Wood has tent and caravan pitches with fire pits, and glamping options that include a treehouse, gypsy caravan, and converted helicopter.

1. South Downs campsites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, so advance reservations are always advised. Plan three to six months in advance for popular sites.  
2. Some backcountry camping grounds along the South Downs Way have as little as six pitches, so bookings are essential. 
3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Many campsites also operate high and low season rates, so budget campers might prefer an out-of-season stay.

Hiking and camping season in the South Downs runs from mid-March through early October. Many campsites close out of season, although heated glampsites and caravan parks provide some options for winter campers, and trails remain accessible year-round. Expect popular routes to get busy in July and August—make an early start to get a jump on the crowds.

• South Downs National Park is set along England’s south coast, running from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. Brighton, Portsmouth, and Chichester are the main access points, all within a 30-minute drive. Trains from London Waterloo and Victoria take between 1 and 1.5 hours to reach the park.
• Buses link the villages and attractions within the park, and an unlimited 1-day Discovery Ticket is available. 
• All land within the national park is privately owned, and wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the park.
• Ticks are common on the heath, especially during the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt and trousers when hiking.
• The South Downs have many wheelchair-accessible trails and attractions, and all park buses are accessible.