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Riverside camping in South Downs National Park

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In South Downs National Park, river camping puts you right on the water’s edge with over 215 options tailored for those who want to wake up to flowing streams and bird calls. You’ll find sites ranging from just £12 a night, with the average closer to £125. Pitch next to the Arun or Ouse and spend your days fishing, wildlife-watching, or crossing the Downs on horseback. Top picks include The Barn KT9 (111 reviews), The Slips (50 reviews), and Hale Farm (34 reviews). Most sites are pet-friendly, offer showers, and allow campfires—ideal for drying boots and warming up after a dip. Expect basic but reliable facilities, and keep an eye out for kingfishers skimming the water at dawn.

94% (376)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Nut Plat Retreat

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(71)
3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
The Barn KT9

2. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
The Slips

3. The Slips

91%
(85)
39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
The Baker's Hut

4. The Baker's Hut

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Ashurst, England
A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£163
 / night
Laleham Camping Club

5. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Wonderland Festival Retreat

6. Wonderland Festival Retreat

100%
(6)
2 units · Glamping · Henfield, England
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£170
 / night
Shepherds Hut

7. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway.

8. 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£32
 / night
The Old Airfield

9. 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
The Sunset Tree

10. The Sunset Tree

96%
(34)
30 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Stud Farm

11. Stud Farm

100%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England
A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Skoolie Stays

12. Skoolie Stays

100%
(5)
1 unit · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A converted, characterful and cool all-American yellow school bus parked up near the South Downs
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£236
 / night

In South Downs National Park, river camping puts you right on the water’s edge with over 215 options tailored for those who want to wake up to flowing streams and bird calls. You’ll find sites ranging from just £12 a night, with the average closer to £125. Pitch next to the Arun or Ouse and spend your days fishing, wildlife-watching, or crossing the Downs on horseback. Top picks include The Barn KT9 (111 reviews), The Slips (50 reviews), and Hale Farm (34 reviews). Most sites are pet-friendly, offer showers, and allow campfires—ideal for drying boots and warming up after a dip. Expect basic but reliable facilities, and keep an eye out for kingfishers skimming the water at dawn.

94% (376)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Nut Plat Retreat

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(71)
3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
The Barn KT9

2. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
The Slips

3. The Slips

91%
(85)
39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
The Baker's Hut

4. The Baker's Hut

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Ashurst, England
A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£163
 / night
Laleham Camping Club

5. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Wonderland Festival Retreat

6. Wonderland Festival Retreat

100%
(6)
2 units · Glamping · Henfield, England
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£170
 / night
Shepherds Hut

7. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway.

8. 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£32
 / night
The Old Airfield

9. 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
The Sunset Tree

10. The Sunset Tree

96%
(34)
30 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Stud Farm

11. Stud Farm

100%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England
A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Skoolie Stays

12. Skoolie Stays

100%
(5)
1 unit · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A converted, characterful and cool all-American yellow school bus parked up near the South Downs
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£236
 / night

Camper favorites in and near South Downs National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches.
  • Shepherds Hut
  • A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches.

Hale Farm

100%
(152)
38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
  • Luxury Bell Tent 5m
  • Harry's Field New Forest
  • Luxury Bell Tent 5m

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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£32
 / night
  • The Old Airfield
  • The Old Airfield
  • The Old Airfield

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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
  • Willow Bell
  • The Sunset Tree
  • Willow Bell

The Sunset Tree

96%
(34)
30 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
  • A hot rain shower is available for guests at the River View Hut.
  • Stud Farm Glamping offers the chance to stay in a shepherd’s hut in the peaceful surroundings of the New Forest National Park.
  • A hot rain shower is available for guests at the River View Hut.

Stud Farm

100%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England
A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
  • Skoolie Stays American school bus
  • Skoolie Stays
  • Skoolie Stays American school bus

Skoolie Stays

100%
(5)
1 unit · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
A converted, characterful and cool all-American yellow school bus parked up near the South Downs
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£236
 / night

Stories from the community

The Barn KT9
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
The Barn KT9
R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
See more
Laleham Camping Club
B
Bob
September 2025
5 m Class B
Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club
Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host
See more
The Barn KT9
L
Liam
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!
See more
The Barn KT9
M
Millie
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.
See more
The Barn KT9
I
Issy
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!
See more
The Barn KT9
C
Craig
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc. After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display. The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.
See more
The Barn KT9
S
Simon
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs. My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.
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The Barn KT9
G
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities
See more
The Barn KT9
S
Sophie
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch
See more
The Old Airfield
Avatar
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!
See more
The Barn KT9
K
Kerry
August 2025
Tent
With kids
1 night at The Barn KT9
Outstanding oasis of calm not far from Chessington and London. Great facilities - showers, loos and soap etc. We did BYO and loved the tranquility of Pitch 3. Cafe and food trucks are there for ease but note opening times (not around for the evening), both were great. Charlie is a great host and responded to my questions via Hipcamp promptly. Will definitely come back to this beautiful setting with the kids again.
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The Slips
E
Elspeth
August 2025
7 m Class A
Weekend Trip to The Slips
This is a beautiful area and we have stayed at The Slips before.
See more
The Barn KT9
J
James
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
We loved our stay here! It’s our first time camping and it was perfect, we stayed with our 3 year old son and he had a great time. Couple of pubs in walking distance and a great coffee hut on site with good pastries and cakes! Would definitely recommend!!
See more
The Slips
M
Maria
August 2025
7 m Class B
With pets
Weekend Trip to The Slips
Very relaxed campsite, lots of space and good facilities as advertised! Thanks for a lovely stay!
See more
The Barn KT9
N
Nicholas
August 2025
Tent
2 nights at The Barn KT9
Everything you could ask for on site and great communication before I got there. I stayed for 2 nights as a midweek escape. I rode out from central London with all my gear on the bike, spent the next day exploring on my gravel bike and packed up and rode back. Brilliant place for a little reset.
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The Old Airfield
Avatar
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.
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Grass Pitch
D
David
August 2025
Tent
With kids
2 nights at Hale Farm
Lovely place to camp - nice open space and there was a tree the kids really enjoyed climbing and decorating with our camping lights! Really nice to have farm animals on site too. Great location to visit Eastbourne.
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Grass Pitch
Avatar
Andrew
August 2025
Tent
With kids
2 nights at Hale Farm
Facilities are so clean! And everyone is very friendly.
See more
The Barn KT9
J
John Ray
August 2025
Tent
1 night at The Barn KT9
It was our first time camping and we really love the area, would definitely bring some friends and book for an XL Pitch.
See more
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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Top regions near South Downs National Park

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Top counties in and near South Downs National Park

Hampshire

Top towns in and near South Downs National Park

Lewes
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