Best Beach Camping Near Crawley 2025

Pitch your tent or park your camper just outside Crawley, with over 120 campsites offering easy access to the Sussex coast. Here, sandy stretches and shingle bays are a short drive away, perfect for those who crave the sound of waves and salty air. Campsites like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), and Housedean Farm Campsite (44 reviews) top the local list—expect grassy pitches, clean shower blocks, and plenty of space for pets and campfires. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average closer to £90. Bring your walking boots or saddle up for horseback rides along coastal trails, and keep your binoculars handy—this patch is known for wildlife-watching and long, scenic hikes. Travellers tend to praise the tidy facilities, relaxed rules, and easy-going coastal vibe.

97% (499)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent or park your camper just outside Crawley, with over 120 campsites offering easy access to the Sussex coast. Here, sandy stretches and shingle bays are a short drive away, perfect for those who crave the sound of waves and salty air. Campsites like Chalky Downs (241 reviews), Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), and Housedean Farm Campsite (44 reviews) top the local list—expect grassy pitches, clean shower blocks, and plenty of space for pets and campfires. Prices start as low as £11 a night, with the average closer to £90. Bring your walking boots or saddle up for horseback rides along coastal trails, and keep your binoculars handy—this patch is known for wildlife-watching and long, scenic hikes. Travellers tend to praise the tidy facilities, relaxed rules, and easy-going coastal vibe.

97% (499)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Chalky Downs

96%

(605)

31km from Crawley · 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. Small Meadow Farm

100%

(18)

64km from Crawley · 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.

3. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%

(99)

85km from Crawley · 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.

4. Teddy's Farm

99%

(154)

103km from Crawley · 95 units · Tents, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

5. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

58km from Crawley · 4 units · Glamping · Rye, England

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

6. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%

(100)

29km from Crawley · 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

7. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%

(149)

89km from Crawley · 20 units · Tents · New Forest, England

Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?

8. Pett Camping

98%

(61)

65km from Crawley · 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

9. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

62km from Crawley · 18 units · Tents · East Sussex, South East England

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

10. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

112km from Crawley · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

11. Woodfire at Westerlands

99%

(51)

37km from Crawley · 22 units · Tents · West Sussex, South East England

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

12. Camp Hartland

94%

(66)

143km from Crawley · 40 units · Tents · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

Traditional camping on the Isle of Purbeck with campfires allowed and a pub next door

13. Ninham Country Holidays

100%

(38)

88km from Crawley · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shanklin, England

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

14. Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks

98%

(48)

36km from Crawley · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park

15. Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

106km from Crawley · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

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

16. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

148km from Crawley · 6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

17. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

107km from Crawley · 1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

18. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

116km from Crawley · 2 units · Glamping · Essex, East Anglia

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

19. The Downs Stables Holidays

100%

(2)

31km from Crawley · 2 units · Glamping · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

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

20. Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

98km from Crawley · 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

Camper favorites near Crawley

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Ninham Country Holidays

100%

(38)

88km from Crawley · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shanklin, England

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

Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks

98%

(48)

36km from Crawley · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park

Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

106km from Crawley · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

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

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

148km from Crawley · 6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

107km from Crawley · 1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%

(21)

116km from Crawley · 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)

31km from Crawley · 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)

98km from Crawley · 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

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

S

Stuart

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Hartland

Lovely site, 3 open fields to just choose your spot. Eco loos and 2 bathrooms, had to wait a few minutes at times but not an issue. Great cafe on site with very friendly staff. We walked along the old tram line and the river walk into Wareham which was beautiful and it’s an easy 15 minute walk to the pub for dinner. Will definitely be back next August 😊

K

Kyle

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Hartland

Absolutely loved it, such a great spot, amazing vibe, super chill. Can't say a bad word about the place.

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 :)

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

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

L

Laura

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Teddy's Farm

Wonderful experience camping at Teddy’s! Huge space, clean facilities, brilliant hot showers, and close to lovely walks and beaches. Highly recommend!

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.