- Waterside Camping
Lake camping in South East England
73% (83) • 205 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in South East England
Swan Island Glamping and Camping
1. Swan Island Glamping and Camping
90%
(314)
Oxfordshire, England · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Wonderland Festival Retreat
2. Wonderland Festival Retreat
93%
(7)
Henfield, England · 3 units
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
3. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
England · 19 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, An adults only, tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm.
At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night.
Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature.
We are currently and adult only campsite, we are a working farm with a large lake and only a small team. We want to ensure everyones saftey and will hopefully change this in the future when our capacity grows.
We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire.
If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Secret Pondside Pitches
4. The Secret Pondside Pitches
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only.
The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions:
1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common.
2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine!
4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill.
Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody!
____________________________________________________________________________________
This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care.
More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
Pets
Campfires
The Nut Plat Retreat
5. The Nut Plat Retreat
94%
(81)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
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
Showers
Campfires
Woolton Farm
6. Woolton Farm
88%
(20)
Canterbury, England · 23 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on an apple farm in Kent
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Granary Shepherds Hut
7. The Granary Shepherds Hut
Horsham, England · 1 unit
Shepherds Hut with hot tub in private paddock near Horsham , West Sussex . This is an instant book site but the owners reserve the right to cancel or refuse a booking. Hipcamp UK do not allow us to take reservations with notice so we hope you wont be disappointed if the Hut is not available in the short term.
Our Shepherd’s Hut offers the perfect hideaway with hot tub. Nestled in an orchard, overlooking a private meadow, this hand-built hut combines rustic charm with modern comforts. This beautifully detailed hut offers an idyllic base for exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply unwinding in your own private space. A wood burning stove means it can be used all year round and has a bathroom & shower. Fire pit. The Hot tub is optional and is charged at £28 for two nights payable separately on site.
The double bed is a pull down type operation which is very simple . The bedding is permanently laid. When not in use there is a table to dine.
There are no permanent cooking facilities but a multi cooker can be provided. There is a two ring electric hob with toaster and kettle. An under counter fridge/freezer is in built.
Hot water on demand with flushing toilet.
We can provide additional sleeping if required for 2 persons in an adjacent well equipped Mercedes camper van . Please enquire before booking for pricing.
Fishing available - please enquire
Ev chargepoint on request (chargeable)
WiFi available
A firewood bundle is free but additional bundles are chargeable £5
Charcoal is not provided but BBQ is allowed.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Hastingford Fishery Glamping
8. Hastingford Fishery Glamping
100%
(9)
Uckfield, England · 4 units
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
G
Gene
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great little site right on the river — I’ve been coming for years and have always loved how close it is to the pub next door.
I’m aware the site has changed ownership in the last few months, and this could be the start of something really good. That said, a few bits of feedback: the toilets, showers, bins and elsan point, while clean, aren’t at the standard you’d expect for the current price. Last year I was paying £20 per night, so a 75% increase alongside a reduction in services is disappointing. There used to be a shop on-site, and things like logs and firepits were available, which made the stay feel better value.
Although I’m not overly impressed at the moment, I will still be returning multiple times this year, just as I have every year. I’m hopeful that with a bit of attention to the facilities-to-cost ratio, the site can get back to being the great spot it’s always been.
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A
Adrian
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great views with fantastic walks. Great beer in ye old swan inn. Easy check in. Very close to next vans/tents. Toilets/ showers need updating . No washing up station apart from a sink with cold water. But a great 2 night stay and close to home.
So definitely will return
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G
Gareth
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Clean showers and toilets level camping, east access to the river for paddle boarding /canoe /kayak. Good pub just over the bridge with decent food. Campfires are allowed in fire pits. All round good campsite
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Myriam
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Lovely campsite and convenient pub nearby. The hosts were also very accommodating. :)
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Cameron
May 2026
Tent
Great site and facilities. Pub is fantastic also and the landlord is great. Perfect location - will be coming again
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Rachel
April 2026
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Great place to stay and would definitely come back. Very peaceful.
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Pauline
April 2026
Weekend Trip to Swan Island Glamping and Camping
We stayed in the Swan and Mallard Pods and the accommodation was perfect in a beautiful setting. They were super cosy with electricity, an en-suite and plenty of utensils. There is Ye Olde Swan nearby, which has just recently reopened and is ideal for pub grub and a drink. Adenira welcomed us and was so helpful and friendly.. We would definitely recommend this little gem of a setting on the banks of the River Thames.
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E
Ed
March 2026
Tent
With kids
Great couple of days camping. Site very picturesque, facilities good and proximity to the barn very helpful for food and drink! George was very welcoming. Site well located to explore Kent (we spent a day in Deal)
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Samuel
March 2026
2 nights at Hastingford Fishery Glamping
The cabin was cozy and scenic with wildlife buzzing everywhere, beautiful area and cabin, log burner never went out, will definitely be returning for another midweek getaway
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David
November 2025
3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.
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d
daniel
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
A wonderful host, a stunning view, birds everywhere, my first view of a kingfisher in my 56 years of life, every comfort and a lovely lake just in front with a whole assortment of ducks. Just wonderful.
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Matt
August 2025
With pets
Excellent weekend stay. Fantastic location for stunning walks around the area. Vineyards, pubs etc all within walking distance.
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A
Alicja
August 2025
2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
The Nut Plat retreat is great. We had a lovely time at the Bomford. Perfect relaxing break. Duncan is very nice and helpful. Bed is comfortable, shower is hot, there is everything you need. The Rifleman pub is a stones throw from the nuthatch, but unfortunately it was fully booked on Thursday, so it is worth to book a table in advance . Wood fired hot tub is a nice touch. Just have to be patient with it. Follow Duncan's instructions and you will get it very hot in less than two hours. Fire pit and all the trees around are lush. Even though you have neighbours around 100 meters away, it feels very private. Would definitely go back.
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Marie-clare
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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A
Anna
August 2025
With pets
Stunning location! The view was fantastic and there was some lovely walking routes around to local landmarks and pubs. The hut was great, plenty of storage and well equipped with everything you need.
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L
Lore
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping
Amazing shepherds hut with outstanding views of the surrounding area and lake. The hut itself was immaculately clean and has all you need within. Mark and Geraldine are really lovely! So helpful and kind.
We will definitely be returning!
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Penny
August 2025
With kids
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.
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Ruaidhri
August 2025
3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
We had a lovely time at the Bomford.
Perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing break.
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Laura
August 2025
Tent
I loved our time camping here. It's really relaxed and because of the tracks are really nice campers who make wonderful neighbours. It's right next to a pub as well which made easy to get food and bevs. We'll definitely be back, this is one of my favourite campsites.
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Catherine
August 2025
Tent
Very chilled campsite with basic but functional facilities. Location is beautiful set in the Oxfordshire countryside with plenty of walks to enjoy. I would have like to have been able to hire a paddle board nearby but either way I enjoyed a circular walk and a pint at the pub.
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