Campsites with swimming near Chatham, Kent

Chatham’s swim-friendly campsites pull in locals and travellers alike, with over 170 options set up for easy access to water. The average night runs about £95, but you’ll spot pitches as low as £9 if you book ahead. Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and offer hot showers—handy after a long day by the water. You’ll find camps tucked beside quiet ponds and along shaded rivers, ideal for a post-swim wildlife watch or a spot of fishing. Favourites include Tomkins Farm (87 reviews), where campers rave about the facilities and friendly hosts, Pett Camping (31 reviews), known for its laid-back vibe, and Elham Treehouse (19 reviews), a quirky spot with leafy views. Expect muddy boots, lively evenings round the fire, and plenty of spots to cool off when the sun’s out.

99% (298)

Top-rated campgrounds

Chatham’s swim-friendly campsites pull in locals and travellers alike, with over 170 options set up for easy access to water. The average night runs about £95, but you’ll spot pitches as low as £9 if you book ahead. Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and offer hot showers—handy after a long day by the water. You’ll find camps tucked beside quiet ponds and along shaded rivers, ideal for a post-swim wildlife watch or a spot of fishing. Favourites include Tomkins Farm (87 reviews), where campers rave about the facilities and friendly hosts, Pett Camping (31 reviews), known for its laid-back vibe, and Elham Treehouse (19 reviews), a quirky spot with leafy views. Expect muddy boots, lively evenings round the fire, and plenty of spots to cool off when the sun’s out.

99% (298)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(177)

100km from Chatham · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England

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

2. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%

(292)

137km from Chatham · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed

3. Luna Domes

100%

(9)

35km from Chatham · 8 units · Glamping · East Grinstead, England

High-end glamping with hot tubs in the Garden of England

4. Sunnyside Campsite

133km from Chatham · 1 unit · Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk

5. Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

135km from Chatham · 26 units · Tents, Glamping · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia

A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold

6. Small Meadow Farm

100%

(18)

53km from Chatham · 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.

7. Elham Treehouse

100%

(25)

45km from Chatham · 2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

Rustic glamping in the Kent countryside between Folkestone and Canterbury

8. Camping with a festival spirit

92%

(38)

121km from Chatham · 32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bedfordshire, England

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

9. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

139km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

10. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

113km from Chatham · 12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

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!

11. The Secret Campsite

99%

(91)

59km from Chatham · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged

12. Battle Pods & Bells

100%

(13)

49km from Chatham · 10 units · Glamping · Battle, England

Off grid bell tents and pods in a woodland just outside Battle

13. Hillside Farm Camping

100%

(9)

116km from Chatham · 12 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Weston, England

Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border

14. Pett Camping

98%

(61)

52km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents · Rye, East Sussex, South East England

Back-to-basics camping on an East Sussex farm less than a mile from the beach

15. Tomkins Farm

96%

(164)

58km from Chatham · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England

Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels

16. Little Thakeham Farm

97%

(57)

82km from Chatham · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Sussex, South East England

Almost wild camping in rural Sussex, with campfires, good footpaths and a pub within 15 minutes' walk

17. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping

100%

(14)

70km from Chatham · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Finchingfield, England

Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench. Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs. We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms

18. Earth Camp

90%

(34)

57km from Chatham · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

19. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

45km from Chatham · 4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

20. Ninham Country Holidays

100%

(38)

144km from Chatham · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shanklin, England

A stunning, family-friendly campsite on the stunning, family-friendly Isle of Wight

Camper favorites near Chatham

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Hillside Farm Camping

100%

(9)

116km from Chatham · 12 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Weston, England

Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border

Pett Camping

98%

(61)

52km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents · Rye, East Sussex, South East England

Back-to-basics camping on an East Sussex farm less than a mile from the beach

Tomkins Farm

96%

(164)

58km from Chatham · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · North Chailey, England

Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels

Little Thakeham Farm

97%

(57)

82km from Chatham · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Sussex, South East England

Almost wild camping in rural Sussex, with campfires, good footpaths and a pub within 15 minutes' walk

Finchingfield Lavender & Camping

100%

(14)

70km from Chatham · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Finchingfield, England

Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench. Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs. We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms

Earth Camp

90%

(34)

57km from Chatham · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

45km from Chatham · 4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

Ninham Country Holidays

100%

(38)

144km from Chatham · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shanklin, England

A stunning, family-friendly campsite on the stunning, family-friendly Isle of Wight

Stories from the community

c

chris

2 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Holistic Woods is exactly that.. the tranquility, no light pollution.. it was amazing, quiet and the first time for as long as I can remember my brain switched off from the noise of life.. can't wait to get back and chill out

J

Julie

November 2025

4 m travel trailer

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Amazing place .and very close to local attractions and nice walks ..very helpful friendly people ..relaxing peaceful ..loads of wildlife ..I’ll be going back would definitely recommend if you like rustic /nature..

M

Martin

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

We had a great time camping here in early November. It was just us, and the surroundings are really nice. You could hear the nearby road at times but otherwise it was everything you’d like from wild camping. We’ll be back.

J

John

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Had very chilled 2 nights accept for the wet and windy night and was just me on site, Joe was helpful when arrived, just me and my hammock can’t wait to go back.

A

Aalish

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pigs in Blankets

We loved the site the toilets clean excellent showers. really nice barn for washing up and chilling in. We had our own pitch/space and was lovely and well maintained area. A nice private walk into southwold that was about 20 minutes to the pier. would recommend. When there was a little problem they didn’t hesitate to help and sorted it all out. ☺️ overall wonderful place to stay.

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Another fab weekend, thank you all so much! To note the maintenance of the place was even better than my last visit. And yet again I'm looking forward to my next visit 👍

G

Gillian

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Small Meadow Farm

We felt very lucky to be able to stay on Anna’s farm. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place with wonderful views. There’s an orchard and some very pretty sheep! We enjoyed the hammocks in the woods and the firepit. Would definitely recommend.

A

Adrian

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Absolutely wonderful campsite. Perfect for hiking the Sandlings Walk. This site is approximately 13 miles from start of walk. My son and I loved the basic nature of site just porta loos and drinking water what more do you need. Very relaxed, peaceful and a wonderful welcome. We camped in woods are were virtually alone. Will be back with family as you can have campfires as well. I would highly recommend this site as it is absolutely what camping should be about. Wish more were like this site.

c

carla

September 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

Brilliant site, lovely views. Perfect for launching kayak or a bit of wild swimming. Stayed for 2 nights in our motorhome with dog. Great pizza can on Friday evening with plant based options. Will definitely be coming back

A

Alexander

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Battle Pods & Bells

It was great for my first trip with my son 11. Everything was exactly as advertised and more. Will definitely be returning next year and will certainly explore more of the 460acres of stunning woodland.

M

Maria G

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

I love camping in the woods at the Holistic’s so relaxing, can’t wait to go back 🧡

L

Leila

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Absolutely loved our short but sweet stay here with our toddler + dog! This was the most lo-fi camping we've done with our little one, so we were a little bit apprehensive about how it would go, but we will 100% be coming back as soon as we can! Getting a wilder experience in the knowledge that we had assistance nearby if needed was perfect + seeing my toddler in his absolute element dragging a stick through the woods in his nappy is a memory I'll keep forever! Loveliest, calmest place to wake up + wish we hadn't had to zoom back to London chaos so soon Thanks for a wonderful stay!

B

Bob

August 2025

3 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Friendly welcome. Good space. Hot water in wash up and showers. Weather changed so I baled one day early so didn't get to try their Saturday night pizzas which sounded fab!

W

William

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tomkins Farm

Phil, family, and staff made us all feel extremely welcome (especially the kids). The showers and facilities were great 😅. The breakfast rolls and the pizzas were really tasty and very handy as we had a lot of rain on one day 😋. Having a forest play area for kids as well as llamas nearby makes it an ideal family camp site.

D

Demi

August 2025

3 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Earth Camp

really lovely welcome onto the site and friendly hroughout. facilities were nice and clean! loved the coffee van int he morning :)

E

Evelyn

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Pett Camping

Lovely spacious area and campers were not on top of each other. Fantastic for a simple night or couple of days of simple off grid camping with friends. Would deffo go again!

S

Sheffa

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Pett Camping

Put the coordinates provided into Google Maps. No trouble getting there. I love how you can go straight into the field and set up camp. Beautiful location, very peaceful. 100% recommend.

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

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!!

A

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Pett Camping

Great value, lovely peaceful spot within driving distance of shops etc