Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Margate

Margate is just the place for hipsters, scenesters and Cool Campers. Within easy reach of London, it’s known for its beaches but is now also home to the retro theme park Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary art gallery - both great days out for families on a camping holiday in Margate. This place has been attracting tourists since seaside holidays were invented and camping, in some form or another, has always been a popular way to stay. But campsites in Margate, like so many other places on our coast, have tended to cater for caravans, motorhomes and masses of people. We’ve turned our attention towards finding campsites in Margate, or within reach of Margate, which are more focused on campers and sometimes glampers. Camping and glamping sites which are as cool as the the bustling bars, eateries and independent businesses in Margate itself - not to mention the sea off this part of the Kent coast.

There may be more than one reason to go camping in Margate but there’s no denying that the big attraction is the beach. With 16 sandy beaches in and around Margate, you could visit a different one every day of a two-week holiday and still not see them all. If you’re looking for surfing and watersports, head to Joss Bay, if you want fun fair rides and ice cream stay on Margate’s main beach and if you want somewhere more natural for rockpooling and shell collecting, try beautiful Botany Bay. If you (somehow) tire of the beach, you could take the kids to Dreamland for funfair rides with a retro theme or in to the less-deliberately retro amusements along the front. For a more serious visit, head into the Turner Contemporary art gallery to gaze at paintings of the area by JMW Turner and then, perhaps, stroll down the harbour arm, in front of the gallery, for lunch at one of its hip eateries. More timeless and tucked away is the teeny-tiny quirky hidden gem, the Shell Grotto - where you can while away an hour or two and, if you don't mind heading slightly further afield on your Margate camping trip, how about visiting nearby Whitstable or Canterbury? Both are within 20 miles of town.

The Victorian seaside town of Margate is back on the up, with a cool, vibrant, retro buzz that's making it the holiday destination of choice for those looking for an easy break from London. There are plenty of great campsites nearby, with only the very best making the Hipcamp shortlist.

97% (1.1K) • 2,112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Margate

The Hut @ Bride Farm

1. The Hut @ Bride Farm

100%

(10)

10km from Margate · 1 unit

A luxury octagonal hut with a wood-fired hot tub, close to Sandwich and the Kent coast

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

2. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

96%

(137)

24km from Margate · 24 units · Tents, Glamping

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Coxhill Camping

3. Coxhill Camping

100%

(55)

25km from Margate · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Chapter Farm Camping

4. Chapter Farm Camping

100%

(23)

26km from Margate · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Family-friendly camping in a quiet countryside setting close to the beach at Whitstable

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Berty the yurty

5. Berty the yurty

95%

(19)

29km from Margate · 1 unit

Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Greenhill Glamping

6. Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

31km from Margate · 1 unit

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

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Elham Treehouse

7. Elham Treehouse

100%

(29)

31km from Margate · 2 units

Rustic glamping in the Kent countryside between Folkestone and Canterbury

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

Knowler Farm Wild Camping

8. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

98%

(47)

32km from Margate · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes

We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!

Pets

Showers

Potable water

The Sunnyfield Campsite

9. The Sunnyfield Campsite

95%

(111)

35km from Margate · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Painters Farm Campsite

10. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(47)

38km from Margate · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

11. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

96%

(25)

45km from Margate · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just a few tiny pitches 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.

Pets

Campfires

Far and Away Camping

12. Far and Away Camping

100%

(52)

56km from Margate · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Campfires

Showers

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

13. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(22)

56km from Margate · 2 units

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

Showers

Potable water

Cooking equipment

Frittenden Orchard

14. Frittenden Orchard

95%

(20)

62km from Margate · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Glamping @ Rankins Farm

15. Glamping @ Rankins Farm

100%

(39)

64km from Margate · 6 units

Family-friendly pod glamping beside a 30-year-old plum orchard, with far-reaching views across the Kent countryside

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

Otter Channel Campsite

16. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(164)

65km from Margate · 15 units

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

The Hare lodge

17. The Hare lodge

100%

(12)

67km from Margate · 2 units

Luxury safari tent glamping on a rural Kent farm within walking distance of the local vineyards yet speedily reached from London

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Constable Park

18. Constable Park

100%

(20)

68km from Margate · 8 units

A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

Star Field Camping

19. Star Field Camping

97%

(62)

69km from Margate · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Off-grid camping and glamping in the High Weald of Kent with campfires, acres of space and a farm shop on site

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Glassenbury Camping

20. Glassenbury Camping

99%

(81)

69km from Margate · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Sunrises don't get much better than those at Far and Away Camping

Natalie

1 week ago

11 m pop-up camper

Group trip

1 night at Far and Away Camping

Friendly hosts, quiet campsite, clean toilets, well located. Suitable for car/ EV camping

Nicholas

2 weeks ago

4 m campervan

Weekend Trip to Far and Away Camping

Lovely peaceful campsite. Host Jayne is very accommodating and checked if everything was ok or I needed anything. Will definitely be coming again.

Karin

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Large pitches, facilities well maintained, really peaceful

Victoria

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

We had a really wonderful time at Sunnyfield. The showers are lovely and the toilets are clean, even the pizza’s great! We will be back, highly recommend🫶🏼

Jessica

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Knowler Farm Wild Camping

Lovely clean and quiet camping with plenty of space.

Peter

2 weeks ago

5 m Class A

5 nights at Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

Private, peaceful, perfect!!

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

Myself and my friend had a great night camping on Hilltop farm. We had the whole place to ourselves and enjoyed a campfire under the stars. The location is great and the owners are accomodating and friendly. I will definitely be back.

Louisa

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glassenbury Camping

Really great peaceful campsite with beautiful views. We all had a lovely few days at Glassenbury - the facilities were all we needed and the owners friendly and helpful. Lots of space in between pitches and fun tyre swing and bus for the kids to play on. Nice walk through woods from the site and farm shops and pubs nearby. Great stay thanks!!

Daf

3 weeks ago

5 m car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

Lovely quiet site, amazing views, really enjoyed our night there.

Eddie

3 weeks ago

5 m car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

Jasmine's land was wonderful. excellent views and very peaceful. additionally her communication was great making it very easy to find!

Nigel

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glassenbury Camping

My son and I had a lovely 2 nights on this well appointed campsite. The eco-friendly facilities are excellent and kept in immaculate condition by the staff. The large field affords plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy their own space in comfort. Recommended.

Helena

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

Great campsite for mix of ages. Good facilities which are kept clean. Excellent for watching the sunset with a fire pit and marshmallows. Really helpful and friendly owners. Good size pitch. Would recommend.

Sophie

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

This campsite is so wonderful! It’s quiet and there’s a lot of space. When you take a shower you can see the rabbits hop in the field across! LOVED IT.

Malcolm

August 2026

2 nights at Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

The peaceful setting,, the Hut itself is very very nice. The setting and the view is amazing,,we have been to a few Huts over the years and this is the best spot.

Elizabeth

August 2026

Tent

2 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

This campsite is absolutely perfect! The pitches were tidy and spacious so you didn’t feel on top of other campers. It was picturesque, peaceful, private and clean. The showers were pretty immaculate and honestly gave Soho House Boutique hotel vibes. From a couple who love luxury as well as the outdoors this was a perfect mix. Would (and have) recommend to anyone!

Owen

August 2026

Tent

2 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

Gorgeous campsite in a really great location. Thoughtfully cared for and put together - notably the showers! Great experience all round.

Naomi

August 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

I loved this site.Everything thought about and straight forward.Lovely spot.Will definitely be back.

Judy

August 2026

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Lovely site, very peaceful. Philip gave us a great recommendation for the local woodlands where my eight year-old spent a happy morning cycling all the trails. Pizzas were delicious.

Tom

August 2026

6 m campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Beautiful site with fantastic amenities, the on site barista and pizza is a great addition. Amazing for kids, our daughter had so much fun playing with other polite and well behaved kids. Great atmosphere and feels like you’re right in the heart of nature!

Cristina

August 2026

7 m pop-up camper

With kids

5 nights at Far and Away Camping

Great spot with all the necessary facilities, great host

Top camping destinations around Margate

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular activities to do in Margate?

In Margate, you can enjoy activities such as surfing and watersports at Joss Bay, fun fair rides and ice cream at Margate’s main beach, and rockpooling and shell collecting at beautiful Botany Bay. You can also visit Dreamland for funfair rides with a retro theme, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, and the Shell Grotto. Nearby Whitstable and Canterbury are also within 20 miles of town and worth visiting.

Why is Margate a popular holiday destination?

Margate is a popular holiday destination due to its 16 sandy beaches, surfing and watersports at Joss Bay, fun fair rides and ice cream at Margate’s main beach, and rockpooling and shell collecting at beautiful Botany Bay. Additionally, visitors can enjoy attractions such as Dreamland, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, and the Shell Grotto. Nearby Whitstable and Canterbury are also within 20 miles of town and worth visiting.

What are some attractions for families on a camping holiday in Margate?

Families on a camping holiday in Margate can enjoy attractions such as the retro theme park Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary art gallery. Additionally, there are 16 sandy beaches, surfing and watersports at Joss Bay, fun fair rides and ice cream at Margate’s main beach, and rockpooling and shell collecting at beautiful Botany Bay. Nearby Whitstable and Canterbury are also within 20 miles of town and worth visiting.

What are some unique camping options near Margate?

There are unique camping and glamping sites near Margate that cater to campers and glampers, offering a cool and vibrant experience similar to the bustling bars, eateries, and independent businesses in Margate itself. You can also explore different options for camping near Margate on Hipcamp.

What are some nearby towns worth visiting during a camping trip in Margate?

During a camping trip in Margate, visitors can also explore nearby towns such as Whitstable and Canterbury, both of which are within 20 miles of town and offer unique attractions and experiences. Additionally, there are 16 sandy beaches, surfing and watersports at Joss Bay, fun fair rides and ice cream at Margate’s main beach, and rockpooling and shell collecting at beautiful Botany Bay. You can also visit Dreamland, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, and the Shell Grotto.