- Ashdown Forest
Campsites near Ashdown Forest
97% (2.1K) • 815 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ashdown Forest
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
94%
(180)
146km from Ashdown Forest · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
from
£16
/ night
Radcot Leisure on Thames
2. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
135km from Ashdown Forest · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Stockbridge View Campsite
3. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(89)
110km from Ashdown Forest · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Lakeview Paddock
4. Lakeview Paddock
141km from Ashdown Forest · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access.
The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies.
Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.
Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape.
A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Chalky Downs
5. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
26km from Ashdown Forest · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Lepe Beach Campsite
6. Lepe Beach Campsite
89%
(149)
104km from Ashdown Forest · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
The Barn KT9
7. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
40km from Ashdown Forest · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
8. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
27km from Ashdown Forest · 3 units · Glamping
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
from
£88
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
9. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
75km from Ashdown Forest · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
10. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
129km from Ashdown Forest · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
11. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
141km from Ashdown Forest · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Old Litten
12. Old Litten
99%
(60)
71km from Ashdown Forest · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Walltree House Camping
13. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
139km from Ashdown Forest · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
The Sunnyfield Campsite
14. The Sunnyfield Campsite
94%
(99)
69km from Ashdown Forest · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£38
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
15. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
106km from Ashdown Forest · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Far and Away Camping
16. Far and Away Camping
100%
(18)
43km from Ashdown Forest · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants.
There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Woodlands Camping
17. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
81km from Ashdown Forest · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
18. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
60km from Ashdown Forest · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
19. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
104km from Ashdown Forest · 15 units · Tents
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Teddy's Farm
20. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
118km from Ashdown Forest · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
97% (2.1K) • 815 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ashdown Forest
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
94%
(180)
146km from Ashdown Forest · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
from
£16
/ night
Radcot Leisure on Thames
2. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
135km from Ashdown Forest · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Stockbridge View Campsite
3. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(89)
110km from Ashdown Forest · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Lakeview Paddock
4. Lakeview Paddock
141km from Ashdown Forest · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access.
The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies.
Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.
Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape.
A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Chalky Downs
5. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
26km from Ashdown Forest · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Lepe Beach Campsite
6. Lepe Beach Campsite
89%
(149)
104km from Ashdown Forest · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
The Barn KT9
7. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
40km from Ashdown Forest · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
8. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
27km from Ashdown Forest · 3 units · Glamping
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
from
£88
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
9. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
75km from Ashdown Forest · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
10. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
129km from Ashdown Forest · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
11. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
141km from Ashdown Forest · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Old Litten
12. Old Litten
99%
(60)
71km from Ashdown Forest · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Walltree House Camping
13. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
139km from Ashdown Forest · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
The Sunnyfield Campsite
14. The Sunnyfield Campsite
94%
(99)
69km from Ashdown Forest · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£38
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
15. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
106km from Ashdown Forest · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Far and Away Camping
16. Far and Away Camping
100%
(18)
43km from Ashdown Forest · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants.
There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Woodlands Camping
17. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
81km from Ashdown Forest · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
18. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
60km from Ashdown Forest · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
19. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
104km from Ashdown Forest · 15 units · Tents
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Teddy's Farm
20. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
118km from Ashdown Forest · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Top camping destinations around Ashdown Forest
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
P
Pearce
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Staff are very helpful, fantastic opportunity to do some great outdoor camping.
Would highly recommend.
See more
M
Mark
2 weeks ago
Tent
What an amazing find. I love this place. Back to basics, left me alone , the woods to myself , tranquility at its best . Met Mark who brought the wood to me in his 1930s tractor , lovely fella . Sat round my fire , cooked my food and fell asleep listening to the owls talk away .. I shall definitely be back , great value and stunning place
See more
M
Matt
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See more
C
Catarina
December 2025
5 m travel trailer
With kids
Plain and simple holistic experience no gimmicks or frills. The best I've been to in a while the staff are lovely the surrounding are as nature intended. I will be back for sure
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
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c
chris
November 2025
8 m travel trailer
Holistic Woods is exactly that.. the tranquility, no light pollution.. it was amazing, quiet and the first time for as long as I can remember my brain switched off from the noise of life.. can't wait to get back and chill out
See more
D
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.
See more
A
Adam
November 2025
8 m Class B
With kids
Very nice location for stargazing lovely atmosphere exactly as described
See moreJ
Julie
November 2025
4 m travel trailer
Amazing place .and very close to local attractions and nice walks ..very helpful friendly people ..relaxing peaceful ..loads of wildlife ..I’ll be going back would definitely recommend if you like rustic /nature..
See moreM
Martin
November 2025
Tent
We had a great time camping here in early November. It was just us, and the surroundings are really nice. You could hear the nearby road at times but otherwise it was everything you’d like from wild camping. We’ll be back.
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George
November 2025
Tent
This spot was perfect. Despite it being November and seeing a little more rain than we probably would have liked it didn’t take away the experience. Jayne was accommodating to our needs allowing us a fire pit as it was out of season. Would be back!
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O
Oscar
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Charlotte’s land was a brilliant spot perfectly located with a beautiful view. Had everything we needed for our one night stay and we had a great time thanks to it.
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
I honestly couldn’t recommend this place enough it’s so gorgeous and secluded. The pitch areas are very well spaced out. Jay is also extremely lovely and helpful! The amenities are well maintained and easy to find all over the area. I will absolutely be returning again.
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I
Ian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
What an incredible find!
Lovely views, lovely people nearby and the host was so friendly and welcoming.
We will absolutely be back!
See more
H
Harry
October 2025
Tent
A great camp and we would definitely stay here again!
See more
G
Geert
October 2025
Tent
A truly beautiful place to stay – so charming and full of character. And then there’s Charlotte, the hostess: such a warm and welcoming person, with a genuine passion that shines through in her wonderful camper spot. The surrounding region is perfect for both walking and gravel riding. For food and drinks, head to the pub just around the corner (“The Pub with No Name” aka The White Horse). It’s incredibly authentic and serves excellent cuisine.
See moreJ
John
October 2025
Tent
Had very chilled 2 nights accept for the wet and windy night and was just me on site, Joe was helpful when arrived, just me and my hammock can’t wait to go back.
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C
Caro
October 2025
Tent
Site was great, bare minimum and eco-friendly which we loved. Unfortunately weather got the best of us and we left a day early since it was only our first time camping.
Saw lots of Pheasants and heard them running outside our tent in the morning which was wonderful, host was great and incredibly helpful too.
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A
Andrew
October 2025
Tent
Excellent spot. Big field with individual plots, most had benches. Excellent pub a short walk down the hill.
See more
T
Ty
October 2025
Tent
Great views, simple back to basic's camping. Friendly host, would highly recommend
See more
Campsites near Ashdown Forest guide
Where to go
Wych Cross & West Ashdown Forest
Whether you fancy cycling over the hills, tracking down Roman ruins, or a long hike with a country pub at the end, Ashdown Forest is a back-to-nature delight. The villages of Wych Cross and Crowborough mark its western and eastern flanks. The perfect place to start your explorations is the official Forest Centre near Wych Cross, which has the lowdown on the best woodland walking and archaeology routes, as well as paths weaving straight out into the heath with its dazzling North Downs views.
North Ashdown Forest
Renowned English author AA Milne once lived on the northern fringes of Ashdown Forest, near Hartfield and Forest Row, and campers will love following in his footsteps through its eerie wooded expanses. Some of Milne’s most popular “Winnie the Pooh” locations dot the area, including a bridge across the River Medway and the misty 500 Acre Wood, with walking trails meandering between them. In addition, local operators also offer horse rides, cycling routes run through beech forests, and delicious farm shops sit ready for stocking up on local treats.
South Ashdown Forest
Some of Ashdown Forest’s most thrilling hiking trails sprawl around the villages of Duddleswell and Nutley, on the southern fringes. History lovers will want to tackle the route to a World War II memorial, while photographers should take in the fabulous panoramas across the South Downs to the chalk-cliff coastline. The camping and glamping sites sprinkled near here are among the area’s best—set up camp on an organic farm or a cider orchard, or book into an off-grid yurt.
High Weald AONB
Beyond Ashdown Forest, the High Weald AONB sprawls from Winchester in Hampshire to Hastings on the East Sussex coast. It’s packed with adventure activities, whether you’re keen to hike around the heathlands, kayak across a lake, or try some SUP yoga.