Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Folkestone

·

For a seaside holiday in Kent, how about camping in Folkestone? This coastal town, just an hour out of London by train, is a great place for a week or a weekend away. The beaches are the main draw in summer but there’s also a delightful cobbled old high street of independent shops and art galleries as well as a harbour arm that’s lined with quirky places to eat and drink. It’s got a Victorian promenade and bandstand and there are some fantastic tourist attractions in almost every direction from Canterbury Cathedral to Dover Castle and the closer-than-you-think shores of France. Stay on one of the campsites in Folkestone or the countryside around it and you’ll have easy access to all this as well as fine views and great walks. Every type of camper is catered for here. There are plenty of old-school caravan sites hugging or even hogging the coastline but look a little harder, or simply browse our collection, to find Folkestone camping and glamping sites with a little of the "je ne sais quoi" that makes a campsite cool.

Folkestone has a range of beaches to choose from if you’re in town for a paddle. For sand underfoot head to the hopefully-named Sunny Sands beach at low tide. But if the gently shelving sands of this popular beach are too busy, there’s a huge shingle expanse on the, perhaps ironically-named, Sandgate side of town. If you prefer the wilder side of the shore there’s always The Warren which hides in the shadow of the town’s East Cliff and looks towards Dover and the nature reserve at Samphire Hoe. An exploration of the town’s other highlights might include a wander along the Harbour Arm, a mosey up the Old High Street and in to the town museum and a stroll along The Leas cliff-top promenade. Families might like the Lower Leas Coastal Park and, further afield, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway with its tiny trains. Dover with its mighty castle is just a few miles away and historic Canterbury is well within reach too.

More than just a Euro Tunnel stop, the seaside town of Folkestone in Kent has a pretty fishing harbour, public gardens and a clutch of decent independent shops. More importantly, Folkestone is is on the edge of the Kent Downs AONB making the local landscapes a boon for campers. As always, only the very best Folkestone campsites make the cut for our shortlist, so you can be sure of a special camping stay.
97% (965)

Top-rated campgrounds

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

2. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(177)
112km from Folkestone · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Sunset

3. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
37km from Folkestone · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
Dusk

8. Freedom Farm Camping

98%
(20)
128km from Folkestone · 30 units · Tents · Newmarket, England
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield. We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability. Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood. We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

19. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
43km from Folkestone · 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.
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

20. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

95%
(10)
31km from Folkestone · 1 unit · Tent · England
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just one pitch but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night

For a seaside holiday in Kent, how about camping in Folkestone? This coastal town, just an hour out of London by train, is a great place for a week or a weekend away. The beaches are the main draw in summer but there’s also a delightful cobbled old high street of independent shops and art galleries as well as a harbour arm that’s lined with quirky places to eat and drink. It’s got a Victorian promenade and bandstand and there are some fantastic tourist attractions in almost every direction from Canterbury Cathedral to Dover Castle and the closer-than-you-think shores of France. Stay on one of the campsites in Folkestone or the countryside around it and you’ll have easy access to all this as well as fine views and great walks. Every type of camper is catered for here. There are plenty of old-school caravan sites hugging or even hogging the coastline but look a little harder, or simply browse our collection, to find Folkestone camping and glamping sites with a little of the "je ne sais quoi" that makes a campsite cool.

Folkestone has a range of beaches to choose from if you’re in town for a paddle. For sand underfoot head to the hopefully-named Sunny Sands beach at low tide. But if the gently shelving sands of this popular beach are too busy, there’s a huge shingle expanse on the, perhaps ironically-named, Sandgate side of town. If you prefer the wilder side of the shore there’s always The Warren which hides in the shadow of the town’s East Cliff and looks towards Dover and the nature reserve at Samphire Hoe. An exploration of the town’s other highlights might include a wander along the Harbour Arm, a mosey up the Old High Street and in to the town museum and a stroll along The Leas cliff-top promenade. Families might like the Lower Leas Coastal Park and, further afield, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway with its tiny trains. Dover with its mighty castle is just a few miles away and historic Canterbury is well within reach too.

More than just a Euro Tunnel stop, the seaside town of Folkestone in Kent has a pretty fishing harbour, public gardens and a clutch of decent independent shops. More importantly, Folkestone is is on the edge of the Kent Downs AONB making the local landscapes a boon for campers. As always, only the very best Folkestone campsites make the cut for our shortlist, so you can be sure of a special camping stay.
97% (965)

Top-rated campgrounds

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

2. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(177)
112km from Folkestone · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Sunset

3. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
37km from Folkestone · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
Dusk

8. Freedom Farm Camping

98%
(20)
128km from Folkestone · 30 units · Tents · Newmarket, England
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield. We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability. Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood. We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

19. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
43km from Folkestone · 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.
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

20. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

95%
(10)
31km from Folkestone · 1 unit · Tent · England
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just one pitch but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night

Camper favorites near Folkestone

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Its old harbour and Victorian promenade have stood the test of time and now stand side-by-side with art galleries and trendy eateries and bars. Folkestone's location on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the sunny(ish) south coast, makes camping a great way to stay here. And the growing number of excellent camping and glamping sites in the area makes finding your ideal place to stay easy.