Campsites for hikers in East Sussex

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East Sussex rewards hikers with over 430 places to pitch a tent, most set within striking distance of chalky cliffs, winding coastal paths, and ancient woodlands. Expect average nightly prices around £100, with options dipping as low as £11 if you keep an eye out. Top picks like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Tomkins Farm (87 reviews), and Beech Estate Campsite (67 reviews) put you close to miles of walking trails and wild open spaces. Facilities like toilets and showers are common, and many sites welcome dogs. Besides hiking, anglers, riders, and wild swimmers will find plenty to do when the boots come off.

97% (785) 93 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near East Sussex

Chalky Downs

1. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

2. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%
(13)
3 units · Glamping · East Hoathly, Near Lewes, England
The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£90
 / night
Beech Estate Campsite

3. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(185)
57 units · Tents, Glamping · Battle, England
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Freshwinds Camping

4. Freshwinds Camping

15 units · Tents · Watermill Lane, England
Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Battle Pods & Bells

5. Battle Pods & Bells

100%
(13)
10 units · Glamping · Battle, England
Off grid bell tents and pods in a woodland just outside Battle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£80
 / night
Otter Channel Campsite

6. Otter Channel Campsite

95%
(159)
18 units · Tents · East Sussex, South East England
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

7. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Dogwood Glamping

8. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
4 units · Glamping · Rye, England
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Hale Farm

9. 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
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Housedean Farm Campsite

10. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%
(100)
3 units · Tents · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
The Secret Campsite

11. The Secret Campsite

99%
(91)
21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night
Tomkins Farm

12. Tomkins Farm

96%
(164)
42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

13. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fairlight, England
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area with on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £25/night per person Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café & info centre) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Campfires
Showers
Picnic table
from 
£50
 / night
Earth Camp

14. Earth Camp

90%
(34)
33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Downsview Vineyard

15. Downsview Vineyard

100%
(55)
5 units · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Simple but sophisticated, adults-only bell tent camping on a tiny vineyard with distant views of the South Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Ditchling Boutique Camping

16. Ditchling Boutique Camping

86%
(22)
101 units · Tents · Ditchling, East Sussex, South East England
Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out. Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens. The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally). On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk. Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Fontmills Farm Campsite

17. Fontmills Farm Campsite

100%
(122)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Woodfire at Chapel Field

18. Woodfire at Chapel Field

100%
(8)
24 units · Tents, Glamping · Firle, England
A small off-grid site that celebrates Sussex with camping and campfire cooking in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Beau and Bell at South Farm

19. Beau and Bell at South Farm

100%
(23)
10 units · Glamping · Lewes, England
Summer bell tent camping on a South Downs farm in Sussex
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

20. Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

100%
(15)
4 units · Glamping · Lewes, England
These super-sized, double-decker yurts on a charming East Sussex farm take glamping to another level.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£249
 / night

East Sussex rewards hikers with over 430 places to pitch a tent, most set within striking distance of chalky cliffs, winding coastal paths, and ancient woodlands. Expect average nightly prices around £100, with options dipping as low as £11 if you keep an eye out. Top picks like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Tomkins Farm (87 reviews), and Beech Estate Campsite (67 reviews) put you close to miles of walking trails and wild open spaces. Facilities like toilets and showers are common, and many sites welcome dogs. Besides hiking, anglers, riders, and wild swimmers will find plenty to do when the boots come off.

97% (785) 93 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near East Sussex

Chalky Downs

1. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

2. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%
(13)
3 units · Glamping · East Hoathly, Near Lewes, England
The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£90
 / night
Beech Estate Campsite

3. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(185)
57 units · Tents, Glamping · Battle, England
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£27
 / night
Freshwinds Camping

4. Freshwinds Camping

15 units · Tents · Watermill Lane, England
Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Battle Pods & Bells

5. Battle Pods & Bells

100%
(13)
10 units · Glamping · Battle, England
Off grid bell tents and pods in a woodland just outside Battle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£80
 / night
Otter Channel Campsite

6. Otter Channel Campsite

95%
(159)
18 units · Tents · East Sussex, South East England
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

7. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Dogwood Glamping

8. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
4 units · Glamping · Rye, England
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Hale Farm

9. 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
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Housedean Farm Campsite

10. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%
(100)
3 units · Tents · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
The Secret Campsite

11. The Secret Campsite

99%
(91)
21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night
Tomkins Farm

12. Tomkins Farm

96%
(164)
42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

13. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fairlight, England
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area with on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £25/night per person Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café & info centre) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Campfires
Showers
Picnic table
from 
£50
 / night
Earth Camp

14. Earth Camp

90%
(34)
33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Downsview Vineyard

15. Downsview Vineyard

100%
(55)
5 units · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Simple but sophisticated, adults-only bell tent camping on a tiny vineyard with distant views of the South Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Ditchling Boutique Camping

16. Ditchling Boutique Camping

86%
(22)
101 units · Tents · Ditchling, East Sussex, South East England
Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out. Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens. The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally). On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk. Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Fontmills Farm Campsite

17. Fontmills Farm Campsite

100%
(122)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Woodfire at Chapel Field

18. Woodfire at Chapel Field

100%
(8)
24 units · Tents, Glamping · Firle, England
A small off-grid site that celebrates Sussex with camping and campfire cooking in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Beau and Bell at South Farm

19. Beau and Bell at South Farm

100%
(23)
10 units · Glamping · Lewes, England
Summer bell tent camping on a South Downs farm in Sussex
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

20. Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

100%
(15)
4 units · Glamping · Lewes, England
These super-sized, double-decker yurts on a charming East Sussex farm take glamping to another level.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£249
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Perhaps that’s why it’s one of the UK’s top camping destinations, home to some of the nation’s best camping and glamping sites. It’s within easy reach of London and yet has miles of beautiful countryside including parts of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a large chunk of the South Downs National Park. There are quaint villages and market towns as well as the bright lights of boho Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne. It’s a county steeped in history with castles, forts and ruins to visit, as well as a string of beaches and family-friendly attractions. Our selection of campsites includes the best places to pitch your tent or park up your caravan, as well as a collection of quirky glamping sites.

Top counties near East Sussex