The best campsites near London with horseback riding
99% (58) • 95 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near London
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
94%
(180)
122km from London · 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
The T Barn
2. The T Barn
99%
(90)
125km from London · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
3. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
97%
(66)
143km from London · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£35
/ night
Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
4. Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
72km from London · 10 units · Glamping
Exclusive use glamping.
Beautiful meadow. Relax and unwind amidst glorious countryside in a beautiful rural environment. This is our entire glamping meadow, with up to 6 erected and equipped 5 metre Bell tents accommodating up to 24 adults or 30 if an adult children mix in our idyllic popular location.
For Sole (Exclusive) use minimum group size is 3 tents 12 guests. Maximum 6 tents 24 guests, higher numbers may be available on prior request
For lower numbers 1 tent 2 – 4 guests or 2 tents 4 - 8 guests book individual tents.
Along a quiet country lane, yet easily accessible by road or rail, ideal central Kent location for London from about an hour.
We offer a retreat style, rural back to nature, exclusive use, dog free, countryside experience, for groups of families, multigenerational family gatherings, couples, and respectful hen and stag groups, boot camps, yoga and wellness retreats, corporate bookings and all those respectful of our peaceful rural location and terms and conditions are welcome, sedate gatherings no music or music parties. Quiet hours 11pm - 9am. Security deposit may apply.
Well equipped and spacious, including our gorgeous 5metre natural and waterproof cotton bell tents, lovely warm duvets or sleeping bags, towels and hot showers, cutlery and crockery, sinks, fridges, BBQ s, ( incl gas) benches, chairs, tables, firepit , with nature all around, lots of space to run, play and explore.
Have a local meal delivered or cook dinner on our gas bbq s , toast marshmallows and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or wine by the campfires in the evenings.
Close to small villages with shops, village pubs, walking distance to Great Pub, Restaurant(s) and shop. Enjoy family fun, daytime games, walks and cycle rides, fresh air, open skies, wildlife plus plenty to see and do in the local area, and at the end of the day drift off under a canopy of stars.
We have a long list of local activities and attractions to choose from including days and nights out and can help you plan a great stay, see our many 5 *****reviews on the internet for confirmation of this.
Please leave the site as you find it, for example but not only, no litter or party confetti.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£144
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
5. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
70km from London · 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
Park Farm Campsite
6. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
126km from London · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
7. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
128km from London · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Woodlands Camping
8. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
84km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Shire Camping
9. Shire Camping
98%
(25)
117km from London · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
10. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
113km from London · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Heygates Lodging
11. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
118km from London · 2 units · Glamping
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Arthur's Retreat Suffolk
12. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk
100%
(6)
117km from London · 5 units · Motorhomes
A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
£15
/ night
Huckleberry Farm
13. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
86km from London · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
14. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
119km from London · 16 units · Tents
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
The Old Airfield
15. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
136km from London · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
16. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
114km from London · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Southwood Park Estate
17. Southwood Park Estate
93%
(7)
88km from London · 12 units · Glamping
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!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
18. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
67km from London · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
19. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
131km from London · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
20. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
115km from London · 12 units · Tents
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
99% (58) • 95 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near London
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
94%
(180)
122km from London · 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
The T Barn
2. The T Barn
99%
(90)
125km from London · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
3. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
97%
(66)
143km from London · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£35
/ night
Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
4. Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping
72km from London · 10 units · Glamping
Exclusive use glamping.
Beautiful meadow. Relax and unwind amidst glorious countryside in a beautiful rural environment. This is our entire glamping meadow, with up to 6 erected and equipped 5 metre Bell tents accommodating up to 24 adults or 30 if an adult children mix in our idyllic popular location.
For Sole (Exclusive) use minimum group size is 3 tents 12 guests. Maximum 6 tents 24 guests, higher numbers may be available on prior request
For lower numbers 1 tent 2 – 4 guests or 2 tents 4 - 8 guests book individual tents.
Along a quiet country lane, yet easily accessible by road or rail, ideal central Kent location for London from about an hour.
We offer a retreat style, rural back to nature, exclusive use, dog free, countryside experience, for groups of families, multigenerational family gatherings, couples, and respectful hen and stag groups, boot camps, yoga and wellness retreats, corporate bookings and all those respectful of our peaceful rural location and terms and conditions are welcome, sedate gatherings no music or music parties. Quiet hours 11pm - 9am. Security deposit may apply.
Well equipped and spacious, including our gorgeous 5metre natural and waterproof cotton bell tents, lovely warm duvets or sleeping bags, towels and hot showers, cutlery and crockery, sinks, fridges, BBQ s, ( incl gas) benches, chairs, tables, firepit , with nature all around, lots of space to run, play and explore.
Have a local meal delivered or cook dinner on our gas bbq s , toast marshmallows and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or wine by the campfires in the evenings.
Close to small villages with shops, village pubs, walking distance to Great Pub, Restaurant(s) and shop. Enjoy family fun, daytime games, walks and cycle rides, fresh air, open skies, wildlife plus plenty to see and do in the local area, and at the end of the day drift off under a canopy of stars.
We have a long list of local activities and attractions to choose from including days and nights out and can help you plan a great stay, see our many 5 *****reviews on the internet for confirmation of this.
Please leave the site as you find it, for example but not only, no litter or party confetti.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£144
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
5. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
70km from London · 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
Park Farm Campsite
6. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
126km from London · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
7. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
128km from London · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Woodlands Camping
8. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
84km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Shire Camping
9. Shire Camping
98%
(25)
117km from London · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
10. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
113km from London · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Heygates Lodging
11. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
118km from London · 2 units · Glamping
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Arthur's Retreat Suffolk
12. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk
100%
(6)
117km from London · 5 units · Motorhomes
A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
£15
/ night
Huckleberry Farm
13. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
86km from London · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
14. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
119km from London · 16 units · Tents
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
The Old Airfield
15. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
136km from London · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
16. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
114km from London · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Southwood Park Estate
17. Southwood Park Estate
93%
(7)
88km from London · 12 units · Glamping
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!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
18. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
67km from London · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
19. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
131km from London · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
20. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
115km from London · 12 units · Tents
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
V
Victoria
October 2025
5 m Class B
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!
See more
A
Abi
October 2025
5 m car
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!
See moreK
Katie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.
See more
D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
Nice pitches at a pretty little campsite in a surprisingly beautiful environment. And the coffee cart is nice.
See more
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
See more
N
Nick
September 2025
Tent
We had a brilliant stay at Shire camping. The site is really nice and peaceful. Great communication from Harry. Will definitely return.
See moreS
Sally
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
See more
S
Sandra
August 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Great one night stop over with my grandson. Great showers and we were there on a Sunday morning so went on the farm tour which was brilliant
See more
A
Ade
August 2025
With pets
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!!
See more
N
Nuala
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.
See more
D
Daniela
August 2025
Tent
With kids
It was my first time camping and the views were amazing. Really nice and relaxing
See more
lauren
August 2025
5 m Class B
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!
See more
Dan
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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 👍
See more
M
Monique
August 2025
Tent
With pets
It was mine and my partners first camping trip together with our dog and honestly couldn't have had a better experience! It was easy to get to and the toilets and showers were very well kept and clean:) The campsite is very well set up and not to noisy at any point in the day but a perfect balance. Would 100% return and couldn't recommend more!! Harry was also a lovely host who makes you feel nothing less then at home here!
See moreM
Michelle
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely spaced out campsite. Clean compost toilet and well stocked pantry. Eva was helpful when asked about local walks.
Would recommend x
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See more
James
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
This is a beautiful campsite in a stunning area of England and the hosts are so delightful. its all simple and safe and we had a really good time.
A few points of clarity for us would have been, the purchases for site ( logs ) need to be a bit more structured on how much you can have per purchase, but we paid up for what we used in the end.
Truly cannot compliment the hosts and site enough though, thank you for a wonderful stay.
See more
C
Charlotte
August 2025
5 m Class B
Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!
See more
O
Owen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature.
A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay.
One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail.
All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.
See more
Stephanie
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See more
The best campsites near London with horseback riding guide
Where to go
Lea Valley
Home to the enormous Lee Valley Park, this urban-to-rural floodplain is popular among thrill seekers, thanks in part to its White Water Centre, built especially for the London 2012 Olympics. Several campsites dot the region, with accommodation options including (almost) wild camping, fully furnished cabins, and safari tents, plus motorhome and caravan parks. Most train stations connect to London’s Liverpool Street directly, offering countryside escape within 30 minutes.
Epping Forest
Just east of the River Lea, Epping Forest marks the spot that London blends into the home county of Essex. The forest’s paths are popular with ramblers and riders, while its wildlife-rich ponds are great for nature photographers. Camping is prohibited within the forest itself, but there are plenty of pitches nearby in spots like the Lee Valley Park. The forest is on the outer reaches of London’s Central Line, making it a destination for city dwellers as well as holidaymakers.
South London
If you’re keen to stay within the confines of the capital, the leafy suburbs of Abbey Wood and Crystal Palace both boast campsites with a London postcode. Whether you’re after a break from the city or a city break, conveniently located campsites offer caravan parking, tent pitches, and—in the case of Abbey Wood—some luxury pods with private bathroom facilities.
Surrey Hills
With Area of Natural Beauty status under an hour’s train ride from the capital, Surrey Hills and its many campsites serve as an ideal springboard for areas like Box Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl, and Newlands Corner. Accommodation options range from simple tent pitches to exclusive glamping experiences.
Sussex
The home county of Sussex is a great spot within two hours’ reach of the capital. From the coastal towns of Worthing, Littlehampton, and the LGBTQ+ capital of Brighton to the ancient landscapes of the South Downs Way, this rural county is a great choice for campers in search of authentic British culture, with several farms providing back-to-basics tent camping.
When to go
The best time to explore London area camping spots is undoubtedly during spring and summer, when the grass is green and the days are long. Autumn brings its own charms too, as well as smaller crowds, while those who brave December’s chillier climes are rewarded with arguably one of the most beautiful city winters in the world. Not all campsites remain open year-round, so check ahead. If travelling with all your gear, avoid public transport during rush hour.
Know before you go
- When travelling beyond city limits, it’s worth booking your train ticket in advance for the best deals. Trains are spacious, so it’s generally no problem to travel with your camping gear (outside of rush hour).
- Some campsites offer on-site gear rentals or can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own or visit a camping shop such as Blacks, Millets, or Cotswold Outdoor.
- City explorers need an Oyster card, which provides access to all inner-city transport services. Purchase one at any tube station or newsagents displaying the Oyster sign, but know you won’t need this out in rural areas.