Campsites with campfires near Newhaven

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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.

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
60km from Newhaven · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
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
Potable water
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

16. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
43km from Newhaven · 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.
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

17. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

95%
(10)
70km from Newhaven · 1 unit · Tent · England
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just one pitch but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
0
from 
£13
 / night

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.

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
60km from Newhaven · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
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
Potable water
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

16. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
43km from Newhaven · 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.
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

17. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

95%
(10)
70km from Newhaven · 1 unit · Tent · England
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just one pitch but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
0
from 
£13
 / night

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Campsites with campfires near Newhaven guide

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.