The best campsites near Dover, Kent with horseback riding

Few natural wonders are as iconic to Britain as the White Cliffs of Dover, the towering chalk sea cliffs that stand watch over the English Channel. Hike the 10-mile trail along the clifftops, take a tour of Dover Castle, and admire the views from South Foreland Lighthouse. Or, set sail on a boat cruise to marvel at the cliffs from the water and spot seals and seabirds along the coast. Hopping over to France for a day—ferries from Dover to Calais take just 90 minutes—is a popular choice, but this travel hub is also ideally situated for exploring the Kent countryside.

100% (24) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dover

Few natural wonders are as iconic to Britain as the White Cliffs of Dover, the towering chalk sea cliffs that stand watch over the English Channel. Hike the 10-mile trail along the clifftops, take a tour of Dover Castle, and admire the views from South Foreland Lighthouse. Or, set sail on a boat cruise to marvel at the cliffs from the water and spot seals and seabirds along the coast. Hopping over to France for a day—ferries from Dover to Calais take just 90 minutes—is a popular choice, but this travel hub is also ideally situated for exploring the Kent countryside.

100% (24) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dover

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(178)

97km from Dover · 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

2. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

147km from Dover · 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.

3. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%

(6)

127km from Dover · 5 units · Motorhomes

A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk

4. Wood View Farm Sole use Glamping

43km from Dover · 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.

5. The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

124km from Dover · 2 units · Glamping

Modern glamping pods on a working racing stables in the South Downs

6. Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

11km from Dover · 2 units · Glamping

Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs

7. Hartfield Farm

84km from Dover · 8 units · Tents

Private paddocks with horses and outstanding views. Lots to do and see locally- Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle. Very scenic Lots of walks and cycling routes. can walk/cycle along the worth way for miles. Option to ride horses at the campsite (three people per session at extra cost) Quiet and peaceful. There is running water but no electric/showers/toilets. There is a nearby caravan park up the road with a shower/toilet block.

8. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

131km from Dover · 2 units · Glamping

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

9. Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

56km from Dover · 2 units · Glamping

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

10. The Orchard Wagon

100%

(2)

122km from Dover · 1 unit · Glamping

A true escape in the wild, our secluded Orchard Wagon is nestled in the corner of the apple orchard. Close to delightful beaches at Dunwich, Walberswick and Southwold, and a walk to the local pub. Perfect for those that want to get back to basics in nature, the wagon comfortably sleeps 2 people and includes a private bathroom, washing and kitchen cabin. The Orchard Wagon has a double bed (1.5m x 2m) with a smart little wood-burning stove to keep you toasty as you watch the stunning Suffolk sunsets. White Egyptian cotton sheets and towels provided. Cooking couldn’t be easier with the well-equipped cooking cabin next door or the barbeque on the stone terrace in front. Fire up the Chiminea to keep you warm as you eat al fresco. Take the stepping stone path up behind the wagon to find the washing shed with three separate rooms for washing up, showering, and the composting loo. Plenty of hot water and for those who like communing with nature try showering with the door open - it’s a lovely experience and what a view. This is camping in style!

11. Nelson Park Riding Centre

93%

(7)

16km from Dover · 3 units · Glamping

Glamping with a view of the horses in Thanet's largest riding centre.

12. Skoolie Stays

100%

(5)

124km from Dover · 1 unit · Glamping

A converted, characterful and cool all-American yellow school bus parked up near the South Downs

13. Sunnyside Campsite

131km from Dover · 1 unit · Glamping

Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk

14. Secluded AONB group glamping

100%

(5)

63km from Dover · 1 unit · Glamping

Babylon Woods is made up of 90 acres of unspoilt countryside, most of which is ancient woodlands. Our glamping site is located in a 19 Acre field which is exclusively yours, not another soul (certainly no other campers) will disturb you apart from the odd rabbit or dear! The south coast is only 10 mins away with all kinds of water activities and hikes to enjoy. On site you have plenty of woodland walks to explore and if you are a fan of English Wine, we are slap bang in the middle of wine country with numerous vineyards to explore locally.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

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

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!

B

Barb

August 2025

2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.

M

Mandy

August 2025

5 m Class B

3 nights at Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

The setting was prefect it was quiet adult only with great space and a beautiful lake lots of walks around .Great for biking around as well! Hollie was very friendly, we would definitely recommend it! and will be going back.

R

Rezaur Rahman

August 2025

4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot. The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity. One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day. Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!

F

Fiona

July 2025

3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut. A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊

E

Eric

July 2025

4 nights at The Downs Stables Holidays

The Downs stables is lovely place to spend quality time. All the directions were clear and precise, Theo's pod was perfectly prepared for our arrival and the premises are comfortable. We got to see many horses too. We sure will return to Ruth's land.

D

Danilo

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Such a great place, Matt is really friendly too. Highly recommended

Y

Yasko

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Orchard Wagon

The lovely wagon by the apple trees farm. Bed room, toilet, shower, everywhere is clean, tidy, and organised. Very quiet, no one distracted us. Lots of starts in the night, wake up with sun rise.. .... Everything was super perfect!! Caroline, the host was generouse and kind , too. We defnitly get back the wagon again!

C

Cherian

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded AONB group glamping

I can’t recommend this camping site enough. Nestled within 90 acres of serene, open land, it offers a truly secluded escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life. The setting is stunning – peaceful, untouched, and expansive – with total freedom to roam and unwind. Georgina and Max are exceptional hosts. They’ve thought of absolutely everything, and their attention to detail shows in every corner of the site. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and clearly explained. They’ve created that perfect sweet spot between traditional camping and glamping – you get the authentic outdoorsy experience without compromising on convenience or comfort. From essentials to thoughtful extras, everything you could possibly need has been provided. It’s clear they’ve poured a lot of love and effort into making this a truly special place. There were zero issues – no noise, no disturbances – just nature, calm, and comfort. I’ll absolutely be coming back, and I recommend this place wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a proper, well-balanced camping getaway.

J

Jessica

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Had such a lovely weekend staying at the Shepard's Hut. Everything we needed for cooking and eating at the hut, an amazing hot shower, and beautiful views from the bedroom windows. Matt and his wife were super friendly and helpful. We will definitely be coming back!!

N

Nasrin

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

Everything was perfect and very safe and nice and clean place.

m

mike

March 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

Brilliant little site and such a bargin to boot, site is well equipped and secure hard standing pitches. Owners great and friendly. Site is placed for good access to local tourist sites. Definitely will return this year.

C

Caroline

February 2025

With kids

3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Gorgeous shepherds hut in a beautiful location! Everything was perfect. The hut was immaculate, super cozy and really comfortable and they provided everything you could need, plus some really special touches like the eggs and biscuits. I cannot praise it enough. Thank you so much, we will definitely be back.

J

James

January 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Property and farm was lovely; position and nearby villages were great. Felt both very welcome and like we had all the privacy in the world. Highly recommend if you wish to get away from London for a couple days.

A

Amy

January 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had a fantastic time in the shepherd's hut on Hazelbank farm. It was a beautiful location on the farm with views of the surrounding South Downs. There is easy access to public footpaths where we encountered fab views and a plethora of wildlife. The hut was exceptionally clean and well maintained, and gave us the ability to access all the fun of staying in the great outdoors whilst still having the comforts of home. The little extras provided by the host, such as eggs from the farm were a great touch. Overall, great value for money and a very relaxing weekend. Thank you

J

Joanne

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Greenhill Glamping

We were so delighted by our stay at the Ploughman's. The interior is a testimony to true craftsmanship, with so many exquisite, authentic details. The view of the green hills, horses and sheep calmly munching away in the distance gave a feeling of timelessness. The log fire was warm and cosy and the bed is extremely comfy. Total peace and relaxation! Many thanks for such a deeply restful stay.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near Dover with horseback riding guide

Where to go

South Coast of Kent

Kent’s south coast is a rugged expanse of chalk sea cliffs, rocky coves, and shingle beaches. South of Dover, the sleepy seaside town of Folkestone has a sandy beach and seafront camping, while bird-watchers should head to the Romney Marshes. To the north, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs have the best waves for surfers, and golfers can tee off at one of the many coastal golf courses.

Kent Downs

The 153-mile North Downs Way national trail sets out from Dover, climbing its way through the chalklands and woodlands of the Kent Downs AONB. If that sounds like too much of an effort, there are also miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails to choose from, with camping and glampsites dotted along the way. Highlights include the view from the Devil's Kneading Trough, the wildflower meadows of Perry Wood, and the Iron Age ruins in White Horse Country Park.

North Sea Coast

Blue Flag beaches line the shores of Kent’s North Sea coast. Head to Herne Bay or Whitstable for some old-fashioned seaside fun—swim and sunbathe on the pebble beaches, stroll the seafront promenade with an ice cream, then tuck into fresh oysters at an oceanview restaurant. Many campsites and caravan parks are within walking distance of the coast, or you could even rent one of the traditional beach huts right by the water.

When to go

Daily passenger ferries run from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk in France year-round, but the busiest period is May through September. Day-trippers flock to the Cliffs of Dover walk in July and August, so make an early start to beat the crowds, or visit in low season to enjoy the views to yourself—the cliff-top trail is accessible year-round. Winters can be wet and windy, and morning frosts are common, but this is also the best time for bird-watching along the coast.

Know before you go

Dover has a few camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip.
Dover 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 the full payment up-front. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Kent.