Shepherd's huts near London with swimming

From ancient woodland to modern pitches, there’s something for every camper in London’s surrounds.

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Popular camping styles for London

7 top shepherd's huts sites near London with swimming

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Shepherd's huts near London with swimming guide

Overview

Beyond London, it actually takes a surprisingly short amount of time before you can stumble across some of the UK's best campsites, hidden among woodland on the city’s edge or tucked in the rolling hills of the green belt. Take advantage of London’s transport network to discover outdoor opportunities both inside and outside the M25. Time-limited campers can jump on the tube in central London and be in Abbey Wood or Epping Forest within the hour, while hikers, bikers, and sightseers can take their time to discover the hills, farmland, and forests of London’s Green Belt. There’s plenty of camping accommodation to choose from too, from bring-your-own tent pitches in popular parks to private huts in hidden glens, and pet lovers are widely catered for with dog-friendly campsites commonly found across the area. Whether it's hopping on a train or getting in the car, you can still escape the city for a few days for a camping holiday to enjoy the best of the fresh air.

Finding the best camping within 1 hour of London

When it comes to camping near London, there's nothing we love more than a traditional night under canvas. Around London are loads of fantastic campsites where the focus is not on commercial caravanning and tarmac pitches but on the humble tent camper. Whether it's driving to the likes of Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, or Buckinghamshire, or getting a train out to the South Downs, Surrey, Sussex, or Kent, we're sure we'll have a campsite near London that's right for you.

Campsites with Good Transport Connections to London

A big part of the allure of camping near London is the convenience of being able to get in and out of the city easily while still feeling remote and cut off from the urban world. Whether it's a campsite in East Sussex or a caravan site in Berkshire, we’ve got plenty of spots with good train links to and from the city. If you really want to treat yourself, you could even hire a campervan from the city and take a roadtrip from the capital out to your chosen destination.

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.