- /
- Riverside Camping
Riverside camping near Chatham
88% (551) • 116 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
The Nut Plat Retreat
1. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
19km from Chatham · 3 units
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
2. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
41km from Chatham · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
3. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
49km from Chatham · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Hale Farm
4. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
55km from Chatham · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
59km from Chatham · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Sunset Tree
6. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
61km from Chatham · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
7. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
66km from Chatham · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Laleham Camping Club
8. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
71km from Chatham · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Constable Park
9. Constable Park
100%
(20)
76km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
Brightwell Country Park
10. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
92km from Chatham · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
11. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
120km from Chatham · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
12. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
121km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
13. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
137km from Chatham · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
14. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
144km from Chatham · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
15. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
6.8km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
The Hop Farm
16. The Hop Farm
82%
(37)
20km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light.
SITE RULES:
Admission is only permitted after registering at reception.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
No hen/stag parties permitted.
Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
17. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
36km from Chatham · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Woolton Farm
18. Woolton Farm
87%
(19)
43km from Chatham · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on an apple farm in Kent
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£34
/ night
Daisy May’s Farm
19. Daisy May’s Farm
87%
(178)
65km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm!
Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more!
PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS!
Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food
(Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm)
Local pub - 5 mins walk
Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk
Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk
Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months)
There will be mud. Bring your wellies!
Drinking water and bins available.
Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated!
CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking)
We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Belltent farm stay + activities
20. Belltent farm stay + activities
65km from Chatham · 1 unit
yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included .
The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£170
/ night
88% (551) • 116 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
The Nut Plat Retreat
1. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
19km from Chatham · 3 units
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
2. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
41km from Chatham · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
3. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
49km from Chatham · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Hale Farm
4. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
55km from Chatham · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
59km from Chatham · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
The Sunset Tree
6. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
61km from Chatham · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
7. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
66km from Chatham · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Laleham Camping Club
8. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
71km from Chatham · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Constable Park
9. Constable Park
100%
(20)
76km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
Brightwell Country Park
10. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
92km from Chatham · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
11. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
120km from Chatham · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
12. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
121km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
13. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
97%
(292)
137km from Chatham · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
14. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
144km from Chatham · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
15. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
6.8km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
The Hop Farm
16. The Hop Farm
82%
(37)
20km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light.
SITE RULES:
Admission is only permitted after registering at reception.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
No hen/stag parties permitted.
Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
17. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
36km from Chatham · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Woolton Farm
18. Woolton Farm
87%
(19)
43km from Chatham · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on an apple farm in Kent
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£34
/ night
Daisy May’s Farm
19. Daisy May’s Farm
87%
(178)
65km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm!
Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more!
PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS!
Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food
(Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm)
Local pub - 5 mins walk
Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk
Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk
Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months)
There will be mud. Bring your wellies!
Drinking water and bins available.
Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated!
CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking)
We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Belltent farm stay + activities
20. Belltent farm stay + activities
65km from Chatham · 1 unit
yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included .
The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£170
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matt
December 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
See more
A
Abigail
October 2025
With pets
While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!
See more
L
Liam
October 2025
With pets
Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.
See more
E
Elisa
September 2025
Tent
With kids
LOVED this stay. If your little one has sensitive ears you may need ear plugs/defenders as the aircrafts are rather loud. But over all, I loved this trip. Maybe need to take your own headlamp/torch as bathroom lamps were temperamental. Staff were amazing, everything well equipped. Would definitely recommend.
See more
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
See more
B
Bob
September 2025
5 m Class B
Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host
See more
L
Liam
September 2025
Tent
Had such a great stay at The Barn!!
Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries!
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!
See moreM
Millie
September 2025
Tent
Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.
See more
O
Olly
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Had a lovely, welcoming and friendly, and really enjoyed the farm, getting to hold 2 day old ducks and bottle feed baby goats. We'll be back
See more
Q
Q
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!
See moreI
Issy
September 2025
Tent
Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!
See moreC
Craig
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc.
After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display.
The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.
See more
G
Greg
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Martin was a great host! Welcomed us upon arrival and was very relaxed about where we could pitch up. The campsite is a hidden gem! Peaceful location. Perfect for our festival weekend in Chelmsford! Campsite has many toilets and heated showers. Would stay here again!
See more
Paul
September 2025
Tent
Plenty of space where you’re pretty much left to your own devices. Portaloo in close proximity which was immaculate. You can pick your own pitch either in the wood, the field or next to the lake. We absolutely loved it. A great place to sit round the fire pit, listen to music, sink a beer and reminisce the good times. I found it the perfect place to decompress and forget the outside world! Took paddle boards and a kayak for a day down at Paper Mill Lock and it was perfect. Well worth a visit. £5 for all day parking, tea room and ice cream stall. The place was buzzing!! Tim’s land was the perfect base camp. Bravo Tim!!
See moreS
Simon
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs.
My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.
See moreG
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities
See moreS
Sophie
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch
See more
T
Teddy
August 2025
With kids
Great place to glamp, would love to go back and would certainly recommend.
See more
Riverside camping near Chatham guide
Where to go
Kent Downs AONB
Within a 30-minute drive of Chatham, the Kent Downs AONB makes an idyllic, on-the-doorstep escape for outdoors lovers. Pick from glamping yurts, cabins and huts, or just set up your tent or caravan at a deliciously rural campsite, before exploring miles of designated walking paths through ancient woodlands and farmed landscapes. There’s also wonderful horse riding and cycling, not to mention arty Folkestone by the beach.
High Weald AONB
Whether you’re keen to cycle, hike, kayak, paddle-board or splash about in a lake, this 1500-sq-km AONB is just the ticket. The High Weald spreads across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and is easily accessible from Tunbridge Wells, an hour’s drive southwest of Chatham. The area is known for its cobblestone villages, wide-open heaths, secluded farms and age-old paths, all of which you can explore from countryside campsites, glamping yurts and huts tucked into organic farms, and fully-equipped caravan parks.
Coastal Kent & Sussex
Kent’s pretty coastline stretches east from Chatham to trendy Margate, then south past Dover’s famous white-chalk cliffs. Beyond, Sussex hugs England’s south coast, with more spectacular scenery, especially around the unmissable Seven Sisters cliffs and Beachy Head. There are terrific walks all along the coast here, including the long-distance England Coast Path, and water sports and view-drenched campsites abound.
South Downs
Extending inland from Eastbourne on the Sussex coast and within two hours’ drive of Chatham, the South Downs National Park is one of southeast England’s back-to-nature jewels. Rippling chalk hills, endless sea views and gorgeously green fields patrolled by chatty sheep provide the backdrop for outstanding hiking (tackle some of the 160 km South Downs Way). You can also go cycling, horse riding and even paragliding, before pitching up on a remote farm or settling into a safari-style glamping tent in a hidden valley.
When to go
England’s southeast gets packed in warmer July and August (and over bank holiday weekends in spring), and you’ll need to book camping spots and glamping accommodation far ahead, especially along the coast. Spring can be a rewarding time to explore, with the countryside bursting into bloom before the summer masses arrive, and weekdays year-round see fewer crowds. If you aren’t fussed about the weather, autumn brings both changing colours and low-season prices.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is generally illegal in England, but you’ll find plenty of campsites with secluded pockets in this region, and you can request landowner permission to set up camp elsewhere.
- Chatham is an easy hop by train from London (under an hour) and has good rail links with Margate, Ramsgate, Dover and other coastal towns as well as Canterbury.
- Don’t miss the chance to explore nearby Canterbury’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, one of the southeast’s greatest attractions.
- Chatham has plenty of shops for stocking up on outdoors gear, camping kit and food supplies.