Dog-friendly caravan parks near Canterbury

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With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined riverbanks, Canterbury is steeped in history. A tour of the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral is a must, followed by a stroll around the ancient city walls or a scenic cruise along the River Stour, but travel outside the city walls to find plenty of camping variety, with Kent coast and countryside within easy reach of the city. Farmers’ fields, orchards, and woodlands surround the city—park your motorhome at a peaceful caravan park, check into a beachfront holiday park, or have fun glamping in a bell tent or treehouse.

93% (292) 65 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Canterbury

Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

1. Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

88km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Situated just a brief ten-minute drive away from the stunning coastline and merely five minutes from Sutton Hoo, this welcoming site is perfectly positioned for exploring all that Suffolk has to offer. Embracing a commitment to sustainable, low-impact living, the campsite aims to preserve its natural surroundings. Visitors have the option to settle into one of the site's 50 generously-sized pitches, 30 of which are equipped with electric hook-up. Spread across five small fields adorned with native trees and bushes, these pitches cater to tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and RVs. For those in search of a touch of luxury, a 6m bell tent awaits, providing an ideal glamping experience. Housing up to five guests, the bell tent boasts a king-sized bed, double futon sofa-bed, single futon chair bed, complete bedding, electric amenities, a small fridge, and a kettle. Outside, a spacious decking area beckons with a shaded table and chairs, accompanied by a fire pit, gas BBQ, and a hot plate, setting the scene for delightful al fresco dining (complete with cooking utensils and crockery). Nestled within a smallholding, the campsite is home to rare breed pigs, alpacas, goats, and chickens, and guests are invited to join in the evening feeding sessions. Depending on the season, visitors may even have the chance to meet baby alpacas, goats, chicks, piglets, and more. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, available for hire on-site, and firewood can be purchased (though guests are welcome to bring their own). Dogs are welcome on secure leads, and the campsite offers direct access to walking trails meandering through acres of picturesque countryside.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Lions Row

2. Lions Row

96km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
When it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

3. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

100%
(7)
99km from Canterbury · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes
You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£33
 / night
Chanctonbury Corner

4. Chanctonbury Corner

93%
(7)
104km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
🌿 Exclusive Use. Wild Camping with Stunning South Downs Views Escape to nature on our peaceful 9-acre smallholding, set at the end of a private drive with breathtaking views of the South Downs and the iconic Chanctonbury Ring. Just a short walk to the South Downs Way and the local pub, The Bull, famous for its homemade pizzas to eat in or take away. It is dog and family friendly with a large garden. This is the perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, and anyone craving space and seclusion. Enjoy exclusive use of the land for the night – it’s just you, the big skies, and the freedom to relax undisturbed. What’s included: • 🌄 Exclusive access to 9 acres of open meadow and wild areas • 🔥 Fire pit with logs provided • 🚰 Fresh water from outside taps • 🚶‍♀️ Walking distance to the South Downs Way • 🚲 Excellent cycling straight from the gate • 🍺 Walking distance, 10 mins, to a family and dog friendly country pub • 🌌 Dark skies for stargazing (watch out for the barn owl at dusk) • 🐾 Dog-friendly (well-behaved pets welcome) No crowds, no neighbours – just space to roam, unwind and soak up the views. Ideal for couples, solo adventurers, small families or anyone seeking peace, nature and total privacy.
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£45
 / night
Peacocks Farm Campsite

5. Peacocks Farm Campsite

100%
(1)
112km from Canterbury · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A private nature reserve with secluded wild pitches for both tents and campervans. Flushing toilets, hot showers, campfires and a nature rich experience
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined riverbanks, Canterbury is steeped in history. A tour of the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral is a must, followed by a stroll around the ancient city walls or a scenic cruise along the River Stour, but travel outside the city walls to find plenty of camping variety, with Kent coast and countryside within easy reach of the city. Farmers’ fields, orchards, and woodlands surround the city—park your motorhome at a peaceful caravan park, check into a beachfront holiday park, or have fun glamping in a bell tent or treehouse.

93% (292) 65 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Canterbury

Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

1. Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

88km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Situated just a brief ten-minute drive away from the stunning coastline and merely five minutes from Sutton Hoo, this welcoming site is perfectly positioned for exploring all that Suffolk has to offer. Embracing a commitment to sustainable, low-impact living, the campsite aims to preserve its natural surroundings. Visitors have the option to settle into one of the site's 50 generously-sized pitches, 30 of which are equipped with electric hook-up. Spread across five small fields adorned with native trees and bushes, these pitches cater to tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and RVs. For those in search of a touch of luxury, a 6m bell tent awaits, providing an ideal glamping experience. Housing up to five guests, the bell tent boasts a king-sized bed, double futon sofa-bed, single futon chair bed, complete bedding, electric amenities, a small fridge, and a kettle. Outside, a spacious decking area beckons with a shaded table and chairs, accompanied by a fire pit, gas BBQ, and a hot plate, setting the scene for delightful al fresco dining (complete with cooking utensils and crockery). Nestled within a smallholding, the campsite is home to rare breed pigs, alpacas, goats, and chickens, and guests are invited to join in the evening feeding sessions. Depending on the season, visitors may even have the chance to meet baby alpacas, goats, chicks, piglets, and more. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, available for hire on-site, and firewood can be purchased (though guests are welcome to bring their own). Dogs are welcome on secure leads, and the campsite offers direct access to walking trails meandering through acres of picturesque countryside.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Lions Row

2. Lions Row

96km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
When it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

3. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite

100%
(7)
99km from Canterbury · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes
You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£33
 / night
Chanctonbury Corner

4. Chanctonbury Corner

93%
(7)
104km from Canterbury · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
🌿 Exclusive Use. Wild Camping with Stunning South Downs Views Escape to nature on our peaceful 9-acre smallholding, set at the end of a private drive with breathtaking views of the South Downs and the iconic Chanctonbury Ring. Just a short walk to the South Downs Way and the local pub, The Bull, famous for its homemade pizzas to eat in or take away. It is dog and family friendly with a large garden. This is the perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, and anyone craving space and seclusion. Enjoy exclusive use of the land for the night – it’s just you, the big skies, and the freedom to relax undisturbed. What’s included: • 🌄 Exclusive access to 9 acres of open meadow and wild areas • 🔥 Fire pit with logs provided • 🚰 Fresh water from outside taps • 🚶‍♀️ Walking distance to the South Downs Way • 🚲 Excellent cycling straight from the gate • 🍺 Walking distance, 10 mins, to a family and dog friendly country pub • 🌌 Dark skies for stargazing (watch out for the barn owl at dusk) • 🐾 Dog-friendly (well-behaved pets welcome) No crowds, no neighbours – just space to roam, unwind and soak up the views. Ideal for couples, solo adventurers, small families or anyone seeking peace, nature and total privacy.
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£45
 / night
Peacocks Farm Campsite

5. Peacocks Farm Campsite

100%
(1)
112km from Canterbury · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A private nature reserve with secluded wild pitches for both tents and campervans. Flushing toilets, hot showers, campfires and a nature rich experience
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

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Dog-friendly caravan parks near Canterbury guide

Where to go

North Sea Coast

Herne Bay and Whitstable are two of Kent’s most popular beach resorts, both less than a half-hour drive from Canterbury. Swim and sunbathe on the pretty pebble beaches, hire out a traditional painted beach hut, or tuck into Whitstable oysters at a seafront restaurant. To the west, the Isle of Sheppey is a favourite among campers, and its sandy beaches fill up with holidaymakers in the summer months.

South Coast

East of Canterbury, sea-cliff walks and windswept beaches tempt adventurers to the English Channel coast. Margate, Ramsgate, or Broadstairs beaches are surf hotspots, and further south, the White Cliffs of Dover are among the UK’s most iconic natural wonders. Laid-back Folkestone makes a picturesque choice for summer campers, with its long sandy beach, while bird-watchers flock to the nearby Romney Marshes.

Kent Downs

Just south of Canterbury, the rolling hills and farmlands of the Kent Downs AONB are responsible for Kent’s nickname: the Garden of England. Hike through ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, take in the views from the Devil's Kneading Trough, or go cycling or horseback riding through Perry Wood. Along the way, stop for lunch at rural village pubs, enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards, and pitch your tent at quiet campsites far from the crowds.

When to go

Canterbury fills up with day-trippers in July and August—plan an early start to beat the crowds at top attractions if visiting at this time. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with fewer crowds and mild weather. Springtime is particularly beautiful in Kent, when the bluebell woods and wildflower meadows are in full bloom. There are options for winter campers too, when Canterbury pulls out all the stops for the festive season.

Know before you go

  • Canterbury has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip. 
  • Canterbury has public transport links to many of Kent’s towns and beaches, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for full payment upfront. Check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Kent.

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