Wildlife-watching campsites in Sussex

Looking to immerse yourself in wildlife watching while camping in Sussex, UK? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1683 options in Sussex alone, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite for your wildlife adventure. And with an average price per night of just £13 and options as low as £11, you can enjoy nature without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like Fontmills Farm Campsite (26 reviews), Beech Estate Campsite (27 reviews), and Cattlestone Farm (24 reviews) for a truly memorable experience. Plus, popular facilities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly options make your stay comfortable and convenient. And if you're feeling adventurous, nearby historic sites, paddling, and wind sports are just a few of the activities waiting for you. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience in Sussex!

96% (965)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to immerse yourself in wildlife watching while camping in Sussex, UK? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1683 options in Sussex alone, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite for your wildlife adventure. And with an average price per night of just £13 and options as low as £11, you can enjoy nature without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like Fontmills Farm Campsite (26 reviews), Beech Estate Campsite (27 reviews), and Cattlestone Farm (24 reviews) for a truly memorable experience. Plus, popular facilities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly options make your stay comfortable and convenient. And if you're feeling adventurous, nearby historic sites, paddling, and wind sports are just a few of the activities waiting for you. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience in Sussex!

96% (965)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

2. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

3. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

4. Freshwinds Camping

15 units · Tents · Watermill Lane, England

Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you.

5. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

97%

(68)

9 units · Glamping · Haywards Heath, England

Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires

6. Beech Estate Campsite

97%

(185)

57 units · Tents, Glamping · Battle, England

Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway

7. Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

8. Small Meadow Farm

100%

(18)

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.

9. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%

(122)

36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.

10. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%

(13)

3 units · Glamping · East Hoathly, Near Lewes, England

The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.

11. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

4 units · Glamping · Rye, England

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

12. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(38)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Whitstable, England

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.

13. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%

(14)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Emsworth, West Sussex

We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.

14. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

15. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

16. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

17. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

18. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

19. The Secret Campsite

99%

(91)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged

20. Little Thakeham Farm

97%

(57)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Sussex, South East England

Almost wild camping in rural Sussex, with campfires, good footpaths and a pub within 15 minutes' walk

Camper favorites in and near Sussex

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%

(14)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Emsworth, West Sussex

We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.

Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

Hale Farm

100%

(152)

38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

The Secret Campsite

99%

(91)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged

Little Thakeham Farm

97%

(57)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Sussex, South East England

Almost wild camping in rural Sussex, with campfires, good footpaths and a pub within 15 minutes' walk

Stories from the community

V

Victoria

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!

A

Abi

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers. Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need. There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing! Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here. (There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.) The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.

L

Lee

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Great welcome and although the windiest weekend of the year so far a decent pitch with a little shelter. Two walks over the weekend one directly from camp and the other from the Swale estuary car park, both worth it.

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

I

Issy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!

C

Craig

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc. After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display. The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.

R

Rosemarie

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

We loved the setting, the camping field is surrounded by trees. We heard owls hooting at night. There is a small herd of fab Highland Cattle, a piggy wig and two cute goats. Donna & Allen are very hospitable and the farm has been in Allen's family since the early 1800's. We spent three days there in September...it was quiet and the perfect setting to relax and reset.

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.

L

Laurence

September 2025

5 m Class B

4 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

We had a wonderful time, the place is beautiful and quiet, away from roads and houses. Vans, campers and tents are well spaced from each other. Everybody very respectful. Facilities are great: shower and loos are immaculate, fire pits available to rent and wood to buy, pub in walking distance, and even home pizzas nights at the weekend. Location is great too, we will definitely be back!

S

Sally

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!

C

Christine

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury. The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

S

Simon

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs. My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities

S

Sophie

September 2025