Discover the best beach campsites near Newhaven, East Sussex with fishing

99% (68 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Newhaven

Under £50

11 top beach campsites near Newhaven with fishing

96%

(114)

Otter Channel Campsite

18 units · Tents3 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

Lepe Beach Campsite

20 units · Tents7 acres · New Forest, England

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!?

Woodpecker Hill at Wayfaring Farm

2 units · Glamping10 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Host your own hill-top gathering. 10 acres of beautiful lower downland with flat glamping terraces in the South Downs National Park. Excellent beaches within 15 mins. drive, and the Seven Sisters are just 15 minutes from the campsite. We have 4 bell tents for our guests that are perfect for 16 people.

Small Meadow Farm

3 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Fairlight, England

This low-impact, off-grid campsite is set within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm, with a small flock of sheep that are helping restore a wildflower meadow. There is a strip of woodland at the top of my field where you can escape summer heat under the trees and put up hammocks or hammock tents. I am offering only two pitches at any one time (up to 6 people per pitch). Each pitch has their own fire pit at the top of the field near the woodland, with camping lower on the slope nearer to shower unit and compost toilet. Each pitch also has its own compost toilet tent in the woodland, near the fire. Should the weather be uncertain there is the option of renting the group tent in addition to fire and camping areas, the group tent has a yoga deck/ flat outside area and can be used for sleeping or hanging out. Up on the top field we can open the horsebox as a field shelter/ field kitchen at a small extra cost, great for keeping food and camp cookers in when your are off exploring the beaches and surrounds. There are stunning far-reaching views form the fire pits and even more stunning views of Rye Bay, a short walk away on Mountain Field or at the Balehouse -which is the info centre and cafe of the Hastings Country park. Nature and the species I'm surrounded by are paramount, such as butterflies, wildflowers and birds. The whole site is full of birdsong, especially up near the woodland by the fire pits. At night you get clear views of the stars and my favourite thing is to wake up in the morning in the summer, seeing the dew on the grass, connecting with natural peacefulness and first rays of sun. In May the woodland and field are covered in bluebells and the blossom in the permaculture orchard is astounding. Do bring a yoga mat at stretch first thing on the yoga deck! Please Note: This is a working farm so farmer and woofer(s) are sometimes on site, in areas that are not part of the camping facilities. New option for 2024, exclusive rental of campsite, £250 for up to 10 people, 5 extras at extra £20 a night! Why not meet friends and family on the field and enjoy the scenery over a fire, BBQ or giant cook out/ picnic. It's a very peaceful and natural spot, yet only 10 minutes drive away from the Old Town in Hastings with all the music, people and festivals that go on. It really is the best of both worlds and I'm happy to share it!

100%

(4)

Skoolie Stays

1 unit · Glamping10 acres · East Sussex, South East England

A converted, characterful and cool all-American yellow school bus parked up near the South Downs

100%

(1)

The Downs Stables Holidays

2 units · Glamping150 acres · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

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

The Old Airfield

114 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

Farley Camping

41 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Wiltshire, South West England

Idyllic summer camping on a Wiltshire farm with weekend barbecues, close to the Test Valley, New Forest and Stonehenge

100%

(1)

Stud Farm

1 unit · Glamping25 acres · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

83%

(3)

Glamping at Swanage by PitchingIt

4 units · Glamping1 acre · Swanage, England

Camping is all about horses for courses: some people want to stay somewhere so remote that it’s accessible only by car, while others prefer the convenience of getting to the site by train and then being able to reach everything within a short walk. If you belong in the second camp (and if you are after a holiday at the seaside), Glamping at Swanage Bijou by PitchingIt, in Dorset, might well be the answer to your prayers. You’ll have little need for your car at this family- and dog-friendly Swanage site, since it’s only a short stroll from the High Street (about 10 minutes) and an even shorter stroll from the beach (five minutes). Despite being so close to town, though, the site feels remarkably peaceful – likely thanks to the high hedges that surround it and make it feel more secluded than it is. Bell tents decorated with bunting and floral accents sit on a level grassy field that’s part of Kirkwood Park, an outdoor complex that includes an 18-hole golf course, plus foot and frisbee golf. There is also direct access to a well-equipped playground and to a skateboard park with multiple ramps where the kids can practise their kickturns and flips. Toilets and hot-water showers complete the picture, alongside an area where you can wash up after your barbecue. The nearest supermarket is a five-minute drive away (10 minutes on foot), but if you prefer to let someone else take care of the cooking, there are lots of restaurants and cafés within walking distance.

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(21)

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

2 units · Glamping60 acres · Essex, East Anglia

Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting

Dog-friendly getaways

81%

(8)

Farley Camping

41 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Wiltshire, South West England

Idyllic summer camping on a Wiltshire farm with weekend barbecues, close to the Test Valley, New Forest and Stonehenge

The Old Airfield

114 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

Otter Channel Campsite

18 units · Tents3 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

Stud Farm

1 unit · Glamping25 acres · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Glamping at Swanage by PitchingIt

4 units · Glamping1 acre · Swanage, England

Camping is all about horses for courses: some people want to stay somewhere so remote that it’s accessible only by car, while others prefer the convenience of getting to the site by train and then being able to reach everything within a short walk. If you belong in the second camp (and if you are after a holiday at the seaside), Glamping at Swanage Bijou by PitchingIt, in Dorset, might well be the answer to your prayers. You’ll have little need for your car at this family- and dog-friendly Swanage site, since it’s only a short stroll from the High Street (about 10 minutes) and an even shorter stroll from the beach (five minutes). Despite being so close to town, though, the site feels remarkably peaceful – likely thanks to the high hedges that surround it and make it feel more secluded than it is. Bell tents decorated with bunting and floral accents sit on a level grassy field that’s part of Kirkwood Park, an outdoor complex that includes an 18-hole golf course, plus foot and frisbee golf. There is also direct access to a well-equipped playground and to a skateboard park with multiple ramps where the kids can practise their kickturns and flips. Toilets and hot-water showers complete the picture, alongside an area where you can wash up after your barbecue. The nearest supermarket is a five-minute drive away (10 minutes on foot), but if you prefer to let someone else take care of the cooking, there are lots of restaurants and cafés within walking distance.

Beach campsites near Newhaven with fishing guide

Overview

Perched at the mouth of the River Ouse and the English Channel, most visitors come to Newhaven to catch the ferry to Normandy in France. The port town is worth more than stopover, though. It’s strategically located for exploring the coast and the surrounding AONBs, has plenty of options for campers and caravanners, plus far fewer crowds than nearby Brighton. Start your explorations at Newhaven Fort, then follow the heritage trail around Paradise Park, take a scenic cruise along the river, or cool off with a swim at the sandy beach.

Where to go

Sussex Coast

Neighboring Brighton is just a 30-minute drive, famous for its street art, shopping boutiques, and LGBTQ community—sampling the nightlife is a must. East of Newhaven, head to Eastbourne to swim, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard along the long sandy beach, or visit Hastings to explore the medieval castle ruins right by the seafront. Summer is the most popular time for seaside camping, or visit out of season to enjoy scenic strolls with the beach all to yourself.

High Weald

Less than an hour’s drive north, the High Weald AONB is home to some of Kent’s most magnificent landscapes. Stroll through bluebell woods and wildflower valleys, picnic in National Trust gardens, or sample Kent wine at local vineyards. For a change of pace, time your visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells for market day, then hop aboard for a ride on the Spa Valley steam railway.

South Downs

The vast chalklands of the South Downs AONB encircle Newhaven, providing access to miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. Hike part of the 101-mile South Downs Way national trail, pitch your tent at backcountry campsites, or paddle along the Cuckmere river in a kayak. Along the coast, head to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, where the towering white chalk sea cliffs are a jaw-dropping sight.

When to go

Passenger ferries run from Newhaven to Dieppe in France from May-September, and the busiest months are July and August, when the port fills up with ferry passengers. To avoid the crowds, come in spring or autumn—the perfect time for hiking among the wildflowers or admiring the fall foliage in the South Downs.

Know before you go

Newhaven has a couple of shops where you can pick up camping supplies, but nearby Brighton (a 20-minute drive) has a larger choice.
Newhaven has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and AONBs, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment up-front. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Sussex.