The best campsites near Brighton, East Sussex with horseback riding

Known for its lavish Royal Pavilion, thriving LGBTQ community, and pioneering art scene—Brighton is a beach town like no other. Lounging on the pebble beach and strolls along the historic pier are must-dos for summer vacationers, but there’s plenty to tempt you away from the beach. Browse artisan boutiques in The Lanes, admire bold street art, and dive into Brighton’s café culture, then stick around after sundown for the legendary nightlife. Campers can escape the crowds at country camping grounds or cosy up in a glamping pod, while outdoors enthusiasts have hikes, bike rides, and water sports at their fingertips.

98% (125)

Top-rated campgrounds

Known for its lavish Royal Pavilion, thriving LGBTQ community, and pioneering art scene—Brighton is a beach town like no other. Lounging on the pebble beach and strolls along the historic pier are must-dos for summer vacationers, but there’s plenty to tempt you away from the beach. Browse artisan boutiques in The Lanes, admire bold street art, and dive into Brighton’s café culture, then stick around after sundown for the legendary nightlife. Campers can escape the crowds at country camping grounds or cosy up in a glamping pod, while outdoors enthusiasts have hikes, bike rides, and water sports at their fingertips.

98% (125)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

101km from Brighton · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

2. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

127km from Brighton · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Aylesbury, England

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

3. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

72km from Brighton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

4. Secret Garden Glamping

100km from Brighton · 1 unit · Glamping · Lymington, Hampshire, South East England

A tucked-away bell tent within walking distance of Lymington railway station, near the coast and the New Forest.

5. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

75km from Brighton · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

6. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

136km from Brighton · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

7. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

54km from Brighton · 12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

8. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

111km from Brighton · 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

9. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

114km from Brighton · 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

10. Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

99km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs

11. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

143km from Brighton · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

12. Hartfield Farm

34km from Brighton · 8 units · Tents · East Grinstead, West Sussex, South East England

Private paddocks with horses and outstanding views. Lots to do and see locally- Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle. Very scenic Lots of walks and cycling routes. can walk/cycle along the worth way for miles. Option to ride horses at the campsite (three people per session at extra cost) Quiet and peaceful. There is running water but no electric/showers/toilets. There is a nearby caravan park up the road with a shower/toilet block.

13. Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

54km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Rye, England

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

14. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%

(35)

106km from Brighton · 6 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames

15. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

51km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

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.

16. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

145km from Brighton · 6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

17. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

105km from Brighton · 1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

18. The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

19km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

Modern glamping pods on a working racing stables in the South Downs

19. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

115km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

20. Nelson Park Riding Centre

93%

(7)

118km from Brighton · 3 units · Glamping · Margate, England

Glamping with a view of the horses in Thanet's largest riding centre.

Camper favorites near Brighton

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

54km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Rye, England

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

Rolling Fields Glamping

100%

(35)

106km from Brighton · 6 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames

Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

51km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

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.

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

145km from Brighton · 6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

105km from Brighton · 1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

19km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

Modern glamping pods on a working racing stables in the South Downs

Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

115km from Brighton · 2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

Nelson Park Riding Centre

93%

(7)

118km from Brighton · 3 units · Glamping · Margate, England

Glamping with a view of the horses in Thanet's largest riding centre.

Stories from the community

V

Victoria

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!

A

Abi

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers. Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need. There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing! Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here. (There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.) The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

E

Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

S

Sally

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

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!

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

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.

M

Meeru

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

Nice and good location and good space love to see again

C

Charlie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Wonderful campsite with great hosts. Driving distance to Salisbury, and plenty of pitching space.

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Old Airfield

An amazing site for young children. Would definitely come again, and for longer. Staff were great, really helpful.

B

Barb

August 2025

2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.

J

Jenny

August 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Woodlands Camping

We had a wonderful time here, we stayed in the clearing which was really chilled and idilic. Listening to the sounds of owls calling at night and watching the stars was magical. Jay was really friendly and helpful and the facilities were all we needed. Shower was hot, loos were always clean no matter what time of day or night, washing up areas and drinking water - perfect. More perfect still, no wifi! Great walks and areas to explore, such a relaxing weekend and already working out when we can go back.

S

Sophie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

A peaceful glade in the woods - plenty of space and a picnic table on each pitch . You can walk straight into the ancient woodland and across sweeping fields.

R

Rezaur Rahman

August 2025

4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot. The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity. One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day. Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!

R

Reece

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Firstly, the location - yes it’s a cool old WWII airbase! Loads of room to pitch your tent without feeling like you are encroaching on your neighbours. It’s well kept and very clean. The toilets were clean and so were the showers. There’s food (fresh pizza, pastries, etc) and drinks (a coffee / cocktail bar) on site and I thought the prices were reasonable. The staff are friendly and the place had a nice vibe. We took our dog and although she had to be kept on a lead on site, there is plenty of space close by to let her off. if you like camping and are looking to get back to basics, with a few luxuries close by, you can’t go wrong. Beautiful Mudeford is a short drive so there’s plenty to do if you want to venture out. Overall we really liked it. It was just me and my partner this time but we’ve just decided to go back in a few days, this time with the children.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near Brighton with horseback riding guide

Where to go

East Sussex

East of Brighton, the coastal cities of Hastings and Eastbourne both boast sandy beaches, mediaeval castles, and seafood restaurants looking out over the Channel. Stop by Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, where the towering white chalk cliffs rival those of nearby Dover. Inland, the High Weald AONB has about 1,500 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

West Sussex Coast

To the west, the seaside resort of Worthing lets you escape the crowds of Brighton, while Shoreham is a bird-watching hotspot set on the River Adur estuary. More coastal wonders await at the Chichester Harbour AONB—set sail on a cruise around the harbour or spot seabirds on a walk around the salt marshes.

South Downs

The chalk hills of the South Downs rise on the horizon north of Brighton. Explore the national park trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, then adjourn to a peaceful campsite in the valleys. Highlights include the ancient yew forest at Kingley Vale, the viewpoint at Blackdown Hill, and the mediaeval Arundel Castle.

When to go

Summer is peak season, when Brighton fills up with holidaymakers and day-trippers, but this ‘City of Festivals’ never sleeps. Time your visit for one of the many annual festivals, or escape the crowds on a winter getaway—many caravan parks stay open year-round. While summer is undoubtedly the best time to swim and sunbathe, water sports still take place year-round along Brighton beach.

Know before you go

Brighton has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip.
Brighton has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and AONBs. Breeze up to the Downs buses run into the South Downs National Park on weekends and bank holidays year-round.