Best Beach Camping Near Gillingham 2025

Set up your tent in Gillingham and wake to the scent of salt air—this spot puts you within reach of over 130 beachside campsites. You’ll find pitches close to sandy stretches and shingle coves, often just a stroll from the water. If you’re after simple comforts, most sites offer toilets, showers, and welcome pets. Horseback rides along the shore, wildlife-watching at dawn, and fishing off the rocks fill your days. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average around £120. Check out Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), or Housedean Farm Campsite (44 reviews) for tried-and-tested favourites. Don’t forget to bring a windbreak—coastal weather can turn quickly, and you’ll want a dry spot for your boots. Rubbish bins aren’t always on hand, so plan to leave no trace. Beach camping here means waking up to gulls and falling asleep to the sound of waves—no fuss, just the essentials and the sea.

97% (529)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up your tent in Gillingham and wake to the scent of salt air—this spot puts you within reach of over 130 beachside campsites. You’ll find pitches close to sandy stretches and shingle coves, often just a stroll from the water. If you’re after simple comforts, most sites offer toilets, showers, and welcome pets. Horseback rides along the shore, wildlife-watching at dawn, and fishing off the rocks fill your days. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average around £120. Check out Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), or Housedean Farm Campsite (44 reviews) for tried-and-tested favourites. Don’t forget to bring a windbreak—coastal weather can turn quickly, and you’ll want a dry spot for your boots. Rubbish bins aren’t always on hand, so plan to leave no trace. Beach camping here means waking up to gulls and falling asleep to the sound of waves—no fuss, just the essentials and the sea.

97% (529)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Chalky Downs

96%

(605)

75km from Gillingham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

2. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%

(34)

119km from Gillingham · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other

3. Small Meadow Farm

100%

(18)

55km from Gillingham · 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.

4. Firs Glamping

132km from Gillingham · 5 units · Glamping · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia

Our small site of 5 spacious bell tents is the perfect spot for a romantic couples retreat, or a relaxed family holiday in this unspoilt village, just 4 miles from the coastal town of Southwold. Nestled between the stunning nature spots of Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and the Norfolk Broads, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside. Just throw open the doors of your bell tent to enjoy a beautiful view of the rolling fields, right from the comfort of your luxurious double bed and goose down duvet.

5. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

48km from Gillingham · 4 units · Glamping · Rye, England

The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats

6. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%

(99)

40km from Gillingham · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.

7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

148km from Gillingham · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

8. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%

(100)

71km from Gillingham · 3 units · Tents · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way

9. Pett Camping

98%

(61)

54km from Gillingham · 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

10. Woodfire at Westerlands

99%

(51)

97km from Gillingham · 22 units · Tents · West Sussex, South East England

A foodie campsite with outdoor feasts, set in the heart of the South Downs

11. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

42km from Gillingham · 18 units · Tents · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

12. Ninham Country Holidays

100%

(38)

147km from Gillingham · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shanklin, England

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

13. Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks

98%

(48)

94km from Gillingham · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park

14. Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

54km from Gillingham · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

15. Toad Hall Lodges

100%

(2)

130km from Gillingham · 5 units · Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Chic timber lodges for cosy couples near Southwold, handy for exploring East Suffolk's quiet coast and heathland

16. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

60km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting

17. The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

88km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

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

18. Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

52km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

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

19. The Orchard Wagon

100%

(2)

122km from Gillingham · 1 unit · Glamping · Halesworth, England

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!

20. Skoolie Stays

100%

(5)

85km from Gillingham · 1 unit · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

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

Camper favorites near Gillingham

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks

98%

(48)

94km from Gillingham · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park

Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

54km from Gillingham · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

Toad Hall Lodges

100%

(2)

130km from Gillingham · 5 units · Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Chic timber lodges for cosy couples near Southwold, handy for exploring East Suffolk's quiet coast and heathland

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

60km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting

The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

88km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

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

Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

52km from Gillingham · 2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

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

The Orchard Wagon

100%

(2)

122km from Gillingham · 1 unit · Glamping · Halesworth, England

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!

Skoolie Stays

100%

(5)

85km from Gillingham · 1 unit · Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

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

Stories from the community

M

Maz

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Lovely campsite. Welcoming hosts, nice toilets and showers, fridge and freezer available, and a kettle! We had a great stay here

P

Paul

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Chalky Downs

Our host was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were fine, clean and tidy. You will probably need some ramps if you want to be completely level but wasn’t a problem for us.

Entrance to the farm land where the campsite is.

N

Nina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chalky Downs

Me and my partner stayed at Chalky downs for 2 nights for a little get away ✨. Sharen’s land is beautiful, everyone is so friendly and we even got to order a sausage bacon and egg bap with tea and coffee in the morning! ☀️. We went into Brighton town for a bit of shopping and to see the sea, only a 14 minute drive and we parked in the station car park 👏🏼. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be going back! Thank you so much. 🫶🏼

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.

E

Emmie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Views were gorgeous, spots were well laid out. Encourages a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, everyone we came across was lovely. Toilets were lovely which we were not expecting!! So many great features to this campsite including the little shop. Has everything you could need. Absolutely loved it.

C

Chloe

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Excellent facilities, very generous pitch sizes and a great location. 10/10

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

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Pett Camping

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

E

Eva

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Chalky Downs

Owners of the camp were so welcoming and friendly. We loved it there !!

L

Louise

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We had a lovely weekend in Pett, this is a great campsite. The site is very basic, a couple of compost loos and a tap which was all we needed. We found it was a nice quiet site and appreciated being able to have a fire to cook on. The farm shop down the road is a very small one, eggs, milk, apple juice and usually lamb burgers but they had all been sold when we were there. The site is hilly but there is plenty of space and we found a good flat space to pitch our tent on comfortable grass. Great location for walking and close to the beach. Also lots of interesting places nearby to visit, Kent and East Sussex railway, Bodiam Castle, Hastings etc etc.

K

Keith

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We decided to get away for the last bank holiday of the year, and chose Pett Camping for two nights. Located on a sheep farm it's a wonderful site - lovely countryside, rolling hills, the most spacious we've ever experienced on a camp site. Whether you are tenting or have a motorhome/campervan, this is a great site. Yes it has the one composting loo (regularly cleaned) and one cold standpipe, but that seems ok. Everyone is really quite chilled. This site is perfect if you want to relax and recharge. If you don't self cater there is a great country pub in The Royal Oak (10mins stroll, huge portions, great value), or The Two Sawyers (20mins, a busier pub and placed more upmarket). Down the hill is Pett Level, a great long shingle beach with a local village vibe, and a short drive away are Hastings town and the more quaint and boutique Rye. During our stay we met the couple who run the farm and site who are really nice people and we'd love to come back next year :)

H

Harriet

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Lovely camp site and host, close to the beach with georgous views

A

Alan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Really nice site, very clean, will be back for sure

B

Ben

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

We had a great stay. Really nice and clean campsite in a great location. Thankyou

R

Rossi

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Lovely campsite! The woodfired pizza on Friday was a great addition!

J

John

August 2025

5 m Class B

3 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

All you could wish for in a campsite. Every detail carefully considered from the horse box showers, ingenious and plenty of space, roomy pitches with butterflies and wild flower boarders, a gem, look forward to visiting again. Thanks Philip and congrats on creating such an amazing and peaceful place.

S

Simon

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Very nice site. Camped here half way on a hike between Rye and Hastings. Plenty of space, nice and quiet. Royal Oak up the road was nice for a drink.

R

Ryan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

Pett camping was a peaceful and spacious campsite that offered simple amenities with great views. Caroline was incredibly welcoming and a great host. Would recommend

F

Frank

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pett Camping

What a lovely campsite. As described, simple no frills as it should be. Plenty of space, lovely views, easy access to Rye and beaches and a cracking pub within walking distance. Great value for money, highly recommended.