Camping in Thetford Forest

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Across the level heathland of North Suffolk and South Norfolk spreads England’s largest human-made lowland forest: Thetford Forest. The King’s Forest also lies to its south, and together, they are an arboreal wonderland where you’ll find well-kept hiking and biking routes, including the Icknield Way, which claims to be Britain’s oldest road. Nearby, campers can also find ancient sites like the Grime’s Graves prehistoric flint mine, delightful waterways like the River Lark, and an abundance of picnicking spots. For camping, Thetford Forest’s northern fringes have the best choice.

97% (1.7K) • 2,489 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Thetford Forest

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

93%
(288)
Woodbridge, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Campsite manage :07733521815 We are a wild campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Plum Camping at White House Farm

2. Plum Camping at White House Farm

95%
(217)
Rackheath, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family camping with campfires on a fruit orchard near Norwich, with a farm shop, café and butchers
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bridge Woods

3. Bridge Woods

97%
(33)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet. Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer. There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed. The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Pitt Wood

4. Pitt Wood

100%
(3)
Halstead, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitt Wood is a quiet and secluded forest set in the borders of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. The site is off grid offering private and spacious pitches for campers wanting a more authentic woodland camp. We have a large communal cooking area and tipi as well as compost toilets. The woods is a short drive from Sturmer and Halstead which hosts real ale pubs and country cafes.
Pets
Campfires
The Roost

5. The Roost

91%
(11)
Halesworth, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Welcome to The Roost — a relaxed, small-scale campsite set within the meadows of Brook Farm, Wenhaston. ​Open skies, hedgerows, chickens wandering nearby, and space for families to slow down and enjoy summer as it should be The Roost, because you’re staying on a working smallholding — and our resident chickens inspired the name. ​Just like them, you’ll find your own little patch of meadow to settle into, wake with the sunrise, and wind down as the light fades across the fields. ​It’s camping with character. Perfectly Placed to Explore Suffolk We’re tucked away in the countryside, yet close to some of Suffolk’s most loved spots. ​ Within 15 minutes you’ll find: Seaside days in Southwold & Walberswick Wildlife adventures at RSPB Minsmere Coastal walks at Dunwich Heath & Beach The market towns of Halesworth & Saxundham ​ And from the campsite itself? Quiet footpaths, big skies, and proper countryside calm Thorington Theatre, the outdoor idyllic woodland amphitheatre, a 15 minute walk Local pubs, The Star, a 5-10 minute walk The Bramfield Queen's Head or Blythburgh White Hart 30 minute walks Further Afield:​ Woodbridge, Saxmundham, Beccles & Bungay Beaches and fresh fish at Thorpeness, Aldeburgh or Orford Sutton Hoo: The Anglo Saxon royal burial site History at Framlingham Castle​ Africa Alive zoological reserve Pleasurewood Hills family theme park Peacefully rural. Surprisingly close to everything.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

6. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

92%
(65)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

7. King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

90%
(44)
King's Lynn, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A well located Norfolk campsite with great access to the coast, fens and traditional market towns
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Rosehip Woods Campsite

8. Rosehip Woods Campsite

100%
(23)
England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

9. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

88%
(20)
Sheringham, England · 195 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping Shepherds Huts & Yurts utilise gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. Glamping 🎪 We have Glamping Shepherds Huts and Yurts, nestled within our woodland retreat. Rustic with wood burners, cosy linens and everything you need to enjoy your time. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation Our campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches and in our glamping accommodation. The open meadow and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for paddling. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away. It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay. Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Daisy May’s Farm

10. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(191)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
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Campfires
Showers
Secluded Woodland Camp

11. 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
Archer’s Field

12. Archer’s Field

97%
(247)
Erpingham, England · 22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Scenic, simple camping with North Norfolk's best sights on your doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Fire and Feast Suffolk

13. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%
(38)
Cratfield, England · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Field of dreams

14. Field of dreams

100%
(6)
Duxford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The site is nearly an acre set in the corner of a five acre meadow we have a maximum of 10 pitches in our arable farm sitting on one of the highest spots in Essex on the Cambridgeshire border overlooking Duxford IWM . If it is a show weekend we are able to take more pitches . we have a pond in the middle of the meadow and nesting owls in a tree on the hedgerow Surrounded by fields but a short walk to a very good pub and short drive to nearest well stocked village shop If you want to relax and restore this is the place to come
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Lakeview Paddock

15. Lakeview Paddock

100%
(8)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

16. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(170)
Norfolk, England · 69 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Snettisham Meadows

17. Snettisham Meadows

96%
(24)
Snettisham, England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches. Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs. Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery. After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing. Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

18. Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

93%
(21)
Beccles, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Situated in NR34 Suffolk , 15 Minute drive to beaches and market towns . *6 large camping pitches *8 Birth caravan - Gas central heating - Bedding included *Indoor & outdoor eating area's *2 communal fire pits and seating *Woodland walk *Wildflower meadows *Shower and toilet Room Welcome Barn with -washing station - microwave - Fridge - Toaster - Kettle - charging point - Drinking water-Honesty Shop.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Benton End Camping Pitches

19. Benton End Camping Pitches

100%
(9)
England · 3 units
****N.B in order to book with us, you are required to be a member of the GREENER CAMPING CLUB. (Only 1 person per pitch required)**** This MUST be done before your booking. Please see their website to join. (DOG friendly) Three Lovely ADULT ONLY Camping pitches situated on Benton End Flower Farm ( n.b please note this field is for tents only, we currently do not have provisions for campervans or caravans at this moment, hoping to be ready in 2027) The camping field is close to a 4 mile lovely railway walk, 5-10 minute walk to Hadleigh high street, riverside walks, pubs, bars and restaurants. Independent shops. Including a short drive to some beautiful Suffolk villages, Jimmys Farm, The Marquis, Coastal towns. There are lots of lovely walks around the area. Dogs 🐕 are welcome, however they MUST be well behaved, long leads recommended and never left unattended. Each pitch has a dry compost loo, picnic bench and bbq. There is a communal fire pit, basic kitchen and shower. There is a short walk from car park to the field but we can help you with equipment using tractor and trailer or you can borrow a barrow. Any issues just drop me a message.
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Showers
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

20. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

98%
(279)
March, Cambridgeshire, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

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Thetford Forest camping guide

Where to go

The King’s Forest

Together with Thetford Forest to its north, the King’s Forest helps comprise the biggest human-made lowland forest in England. The Icknield Way long-distance trail passes through, while a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village sits in the south by West Stow Country Park and a number of camping options.

Isleham & the River Lark

From its confluence with the Great River Ouse, the River Lark winds southeast to Isleham, nine miles from Thetford Forest, before continuing upstream to Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Navigable until Jude’s Ferry between Isleham and Mildenhall, and with a major marina at Isleham, the waterway is a favourite among pleasure boaters and walkers who frequent the footpaths lining the river. Several campsites dot the area, some near the water.

East of Thetford

The town of Thetford hugs the forest’s southeast corner, east of which are many important wildlife areas including Brettenham Heath National Nature Reserve with its nationally rare chalk grassland and heathland habitats, plus the SSSI Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve. The Peddars Way long-distance path runs east of landscaped 18th-century parkland Shadwell Park, then intersects with Icknield Way near Knettishall Heath. Look for a fair number of kid-friendly campsites nearby.

Ely & Around

West of Thetford Forest, pancake-flat farmland spreads across to Ely. This is one of Britain’s smallest cities, arranged around a stunning cathedral on the highest land in all the East Anglian fens  (with a whopping elevation of 85 feet!). Ely’s countrified surroundings, also known as Bedford Level, are the place to come for excellent boating and a fine choice of campsites, many with pitches scattered through lovely wildflower meadows.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several campsites in the area, some near the water. You can also explore different options for camping near Thetford Forest on Hipcamp.

Nearby, campers can also find ancient sites like the Grime’s Graves prehistoric flint mine, delightful waterways like the River Lark, and an abundance of picnicking spots. For camping, Thetford Forest’s northern fringes have the best choice.

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

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