Camping in Swinley Forest

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Known for 15 miles of varied-level mountain bike trails and its adrenalin-addled zipline courses just south of Bracknell in Berkshire, Swinley Forest is packed with outdoor fun for adventurers of all ages. Dog-friendly walks weave through the trees (pick up maps at the Look Out reception centre), and shaded forest tracks attract cycling. This area also makes an ideal base for trips to Legoland, Ascot, Windsor, and Thorpe Park, all within 30 minutes’ drive. Campers will delight in retreating to lakeside pitches, local working farms and secluded forest grounds nearby.

95% (2.6K) • 4,285 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Swinley Forest

Penn Meadow Farm

1. Penn Meadow Farm

91%
(292)
Beaconsfield, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed but must be off the ground BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 10pm and 8am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 10pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; but must be kept off the ground in BBQs or firepits. Fire pits are available to rent from check in. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 8mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Woodlands Camping

2. Woodlands Camping

97%
(121)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

3. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%
(131)
Pulborough, England · 56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Stockbridge View Campsite

4. Stockbridge View Campsite

94%
(115)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Secret Pondside Pitches

5. The Secret Pondside Pitches

100%
(7)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only. The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions: 1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common. 2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. 3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine! 4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill. Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care. More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
Pets
Campfires
Spring Hill Wild Camping

6. Spring Hill Wild Camping

96%
(104)
Andover, England · 15 units
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
Camping at Tomkins Farm

7. Camping at Tomkins Farm

96%
(184)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Secluded Woodland Camp

8. Secluded Woodland Camp

97%
(30)
Ware, England · 30 units
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
The Nut Plat Retreat

9. The Nut Plat Retreat

94%
(88)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
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
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

10. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%
(18)
Emsworth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
1 events @ the candlesticks

11. 1 events @ the candlesticks

100%
(3)
Hatfield, England · 1 unit
Nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, the campsite at The Candlestick offers a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland walks, and open skies. Located beside the historic Candlestick country pub on the outskirts of Essendon, guests can enjoy the perfect combination of countryside camping and traditional pub hospitality. The pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food service, garden, and popularity with walkers and cyclists. Whether you're travelling by tent, campervan, motorhome, or touring caravan, this tranquil setting provides an ideal base for exploring the Hertfordshire countryside while remaining within easy reach of London and local attractions. Guests can relax with a meal or drink at the pub after a day of walking or cycling through the surrounding rural landscape. The elevated location offers attractive countryside views and a genuine escape from the pace of everyday life. Highlights Peaceful countryside location in Essendon, Hertfordshire Adjacent to a traditional country pub serving food and drinks Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers Suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and touring caravans Dog-friendly environment Convenient access to local footpaths and village amenities Easy access to Hatfield, St Albans, and London transport links Whether you're stopping for a single night or planning a longer countryside getaway, The Candlestick campsite offers a relaxed and welcoming setting to unwind and enjoy the best of rural Hertfordshire. **dog friendly**
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Chanctonbury Corner

12. Chanctonbury Corner

92%
(13)
England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
🌿 Exclusive Use. Wild Camping with Stunning South Downs Views Escape to nature on our peaceful 9-acre smallholding, set at the end of a private drive with breathtaking views of the South Downs and the iconic Chanctonbury Ring. Just a short walk to the South Downs Way and the local pub, The Bull, famous for its homemade pizzas to eat in or take away. It is dog and family friendly with a large garden. This is the perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, and anyone craving space and seclusion. Enjoy exclusive use of the land for the night – it’s just you, the big skies, and the freedom to relax undisturbed. What’s included: • 🌄 Exclusive access to 9 acres of open meadow and wild areas • 🔥 Fire pit with logs provided • 🚰 Fresh water from outside taps • 🚶‍♀️ Walking distance to the South Downs Way • 🚲 Excellent cycling straight from the gate • 🍺 Walking distance, 10 mins, to a family and dog friendly country pub • 🌌 Dark skies for stargazing (watch out for the barn owl at dusk) • 🐾 Dog-friendly (well-behaved pets welcome) No crowds, no neighbours – just space to roam, unwind and soak up the views. Ideal for couples, solo adventurers, small families or anyone seeking peace, nature and total privacy.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

13. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(74)
Newbury, England · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Wild Boar Wood Campsite

14. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

98%
(50)
Haywards Heath, England · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Beech Farm Camping

15. Beech Farm Camping

100%
(5)
England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A rural getaway doesn’t have to involve a long drive or lots of winding lanes to negotiate – and an excellent example of this is Beech Farm, in the West Sussex countryside about five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst. This site is about a mile and a half from the nearest A road, half an hour’s drive from the A3 and M23, and about 45 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25. All of that adds up to a quick-to-reach destination for residents of London and most of the South East, as well as easy access for those coming from further afield. This is a fairly simple site with just essential facilities (toilet block, rubbish area and chemical disposal point), but it’s all well maintained. It’s a laidback place where families, dogs and groups are all welcome, but please note that campfires and barbecues are not allowed for safety reasons. Bed down here and you’ll be in an excellent spot for all sorts of days out – the site is just outside the South Downs National Park for scenic walks and bike rides, and within easy reach of Chichester (40 minutes), the Goodwood Estate (35 minutes) and the beaches of the south coast (half an hour). Billingshurst has a good selection of shops and places to eat, plus a railway station for days out by train. - Simple but well-kept site five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst - Just outside South Downs National Park; farm park two minutes' drive - Rural location with easy access from main roads and motorways
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Wonderland Festival Retreat

16. Wonderland Festival Retreat

93%
(7)
Henfield, England · 3 units
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Swan Island Glamping and Camping

17. Swan Island Glamping and Camping

89%
(315)
Oxfordshire, England · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Lagnersh camping

18. Lagnersh camping

77%
(108)
Bognor Regis, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Dog-friendly camping near Chichester and the West Sussex coast
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Fit in the Wild

19. Fit in the Wild

East Grinstead, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Fit in the Wild is a furnished bell tent on the grounds of Homestall Manor, a Grade II* listed medieval Tudor estate in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Sussex. Wake up to 28 acres of formal gardens, ponds, woodland, and views across the Sussex countryside. Step outside your tent and walking trails into Ashdown Forest from the gate. Tennis and padel courts are available for guests throughout your stay, as well as the grounds for outdoor exercise, yoga, or simply sitting still for five minutes. Your tent is a bell tent with a two single beds, cotton linen, rugs, lighting, and a side table. Toilets and hot showers are available on site. Three miles from East Grinstead station with direct trains to London Bridge and Victoria. The village of Ashurst Wood is a 10 minute walk for a pub, shop, and post office. Bring your own breakfast or pick up supplies in the village. Quiet, adult, considered glamping. No music after 10pm. Balance for body and mind. Pets £10 per night and wood logs for fire pit available for £10. Pain on site.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Cotswolds Camping

20. Cotswolds Camping

87%
(174)
Charlbury, England · 56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple camping surrounded by all the delicious Oxfordshire and Cotswolds village food offerings
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Swinley Forest camping guide

Where to go

Windsor & Eton

Queen Elizabeth’s beloved weekend escape, millenium-old Windsor Castle lords it over the twin Thames-hugging towns of Windsor and Eton, a half-hour drive northwest of Swinley Forest. Wander the swish galleries and boutiques, jump aboard a boat trip along the Thames, then explore Windsor Great Park, filled with footpaths, gardens, and a much-loved deer park.

Chiltern Hills AONB

Northwest from London (and just an hour’s drive north of Swinley Forest), the Chiltern Hills AONB rolls across 320 square miles of beautiful Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire countryside. Sprawling farmland, secluded beechwoods, brick-built villages, and chalk hillsides characterise the area, which is also famous for its rare red kites. There are miles of bucolic walking paths, while cyclists can tackle the 167-mile Chilterns Cycleway. 

Along the Thames

From Windsor, the River Thames flows southwest to Tudor-tastic Hampton Court and Kingston, then onward into London, sweeping past the tiny village of Bray. Go kayaking, rowing, boating, and more before settling in at a riverside campsite.

South Downs

The chalk hills rippling between Winchester in Hampshire and Eastbourne on the East Sussex coast make up one of southern England’s most beautiful natural spaces, protected as a 628-square-mile national park. Venture here for hikes along the South Downs Way and the impossibly scenic Seven Sisters cliffs; visits to delightful country pubs and on-the-up vineyards; strolls around buzzy market towns such as Lewes; and oodles of other adventure activities. Sea-view campsites and caravan parks, along with glamping pods, bell tents, and lodges, cater to outdoors lovers in every budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Known for 15 miles of varied-level mountain bike trails and its adrenalin-addled zipline courses just south of Bracknell in Berkshire, Swinley Forest is packed with outdoor fun for adventurers of all ages. Dog-friendly walks weave through the trees (pick up maps at the Look Out reception centre), and shaded forest tracks attract cycling. This area also makes an ideal base for trips to Legoland, Ascot, Windsor, and Thorpe Park, all within 30 minutes’ drive.

Sea-view campsites and caravan parks, along with glamping pods, bell tents, and lodges, cater to outdoors lovers in every budget. You can also explore different options for camping near Swinley Forest on Hipcamp.

From Windsor, the River Thames flows southwest to Tudor-tastic Hampton Court and Kingston, then onward into London, sweeping past the tiny village of Bray. Go kayaking, rowing, boating, and more before settling in at a riverside campsite.

The chalk hills rippling between Winchester in Hampshire and Eastbourne on the East Sussex coast make up one of southern England’s most beautiful natural spaces, protected as a 628-square-mile national park. Venture here for hikes along the South Downs Way and the impossibly scenic Seven Sisters cliffs; visits to delightful country pubs and on-the-up vineyards; strolls around buzzy market towns such as Lewes; and oodles of other adventure activities.

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

Popular Swinley Forest holidays