Bell tents 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.

98% (568) 176 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Thetford Forest

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(254)
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
Bridge Woods

2. Bridge Woods

97%
(17)
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
Archer’s Field

3. Archer’s Field

97%
(224)
Erpingham, England · 22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Scenic, simple camping with North Norfolk's best sights on your doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Lyng Farm Camping

4. Lyng Farm Camping

Dereham, England · 1 unit
Lyng farm is a 30 acre small holding on the edge of North Norfolk. We pride ourselves on working the land for our community rather than profit. We use horse lead tools to tend the land, mill timber for local artisans, supply firewood and collect hay to support our herd of cattle. The site benefits from being run organically, and the proof of that is in the diversity of flora and fauna you will encounter on your stay here. Listen closely for turtle dove breeding pairs and keep your eyes open for orchids as you enjoy the beauty of our community home.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Secluded Woodland Camp

5. Secluded Woodland Camp

98%
(20)
Ware, England · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
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
Ashcroft Field

6. Ashcroft Field

100%
(5)
Hindolveston, England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A small bell tent site in a Norfolk meadow, just 25 minutes from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

97%
(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
Canal Camping

8. Canal Camping

98%
(128)
North Walsham, England · 39 units · Tents, Glamping
Paddle the waterways, read among the reeds and bask beneath the big, blue skies of the Norfolk Broads at this family-friendly, tent-only campsite
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Acre

9. The Acre

100%
(5)
Norwich, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite just behind the dunes of Sea Palling beach in Norfolk
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

10. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

80%
(32)
King's Lynn, England · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Springfield Farm Campsite

11. Springfield Farm Campsite

100%
(1)
Gedney Hill, England · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A family-friendly site with farm animals in the Lincolnshire Fens
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Constable Park

12. Constable Park

100%
(20)
Brantham, England · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Hillside Farm Camping

13. Hillside Farm Camping

100%
(10)
Market Weston, England · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Orchard at Fen End Farm

14. The Orchard at Fen End Farm

97%
(15)
Cambridge, England · 4 units
No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

15. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%
(46)
Norfolk, England · 4 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
The Flower Belle

16. The Flower Belle

100%
(2)
England · 2 units
Imagine having your very own private baby Lavender field on your doorstep? Well now you can with our beautiful stargazer glamping accommodation 'The Flower Belle' with wood fired hot tub. Situated on Benton End Flower farm in historic Hadleigh, The Flower Belle is a cross between a traditional belle tent and yurt, giving you the space you deserve. The interior is beautiful and most importantly comfortable with a pretty double bed, beautiful linens, soft furnishings, wood burning stove, dressing table and clothes rail. Outside are comfy seating areas, full size BBQ and tools, fire pit for your marshmallows, and a tantalising full size wood fired hot tub to soak away the evening sun! The pretty solar lights light up the outside areas at night and there is also the clean and private eco loo just behind the accommodation. Along with a lovingly converted pony trailer you step up into a full size kitchen with sink and mixer tap, double gas hob and small fridge perfect for your morning coffee and breakfasts. At the rear of the pony box is a full size hot shower too! private and yours to use during your stay. As The Flower Belle is situated on its very own field with baby lavender, you'll probably love flowers, which is good because we are an actual cut flower farm and in late August/September, the field in front of the lavender field is jam packed with dahlias and sunflowers! Whilst you are here, why not join in one of our floral workshops? Whether its a romantic break for two or two besties getting a well deserved trip away, you'll love The Flower Belle's relaxed atmosphere. Situated in the town of historic Hadleigh, Suffolk, where there is endless things to do and see. Just 1.5 hours from London, 30 mins to the beach. 5 mins to a luxury spa, restaurants, pubs and independent shops galore. We are very proud to be CERTIFIED by The Greener camping club. A compulsory membership of £12 is included in your booking rate. Important: (As part of your booking you must pay a Greener Camping Club (GCC) annual membership fee of £12 per pitch which is included in your booking cost. If your booking consists of more than one pitch please add another GCC membership as an extra to avoid a separate charge.)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Driftways Glamping and Camping

17. Driftways Glamping and Camping

100%
(13)
Pulham Market, England · 13 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in a spacious meadow on a South Norfolk smallholding
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Grove at Melchbourne

18. The Grove at Melchbourne

100%
(4)
England · 4 units
Escape from it all at our pop-up glamping site (July+August only) - The Grove at Melchbourne. Immerse yourself in nature and switch off from the world. In a beautiful shaded woodland grove which looks out over a majestic valley, you can stay in one of our four bell tents - Audrey, Roddy, Olive and Pearl. No WiFi. No electricity. No cars. Just birds, deer, trees, wildflowers and rolling parkland. It's England at its loveliest, hidden away in the North Bedfordshire countryside... We have two bell tents (Olive and Pearl) - each has a double bed and single foldaway camp bed. A further camp bed is available on request. Please note that although we can accept up to four guests (2 adults, 2 children) per booking, we can only accommodate a maximum of 2 adults per booking. Each tent has its own fire pit and there is a shared field kitchen with gas bbq, two burner hobs and simple food prep facilities, as well as tea and coffee. As there is no electricity there is no refrigerator on site, but you can rent a cooler box with a couple of bags of ice from us. There is a compostable toilet and hot shower on site. Each tent has a fire pit and we provide you with a basket of logs to get started, and each fire pit has an A-frame to grill on. You can buy additional baskets of logs from us. Please note that there is no electricity and no WIFI on site... The Grove at Melchbourne is a nature-lovers paradise, playing home to deer, foxes, rabbits, badgers, buzzards, red kites, owls and kingfishers. You can also come and say hello to our gorgeous Shetland ponies, Dolly and Pancho. We are also just a 2 mile walk across rolling unspoilt countryside to Strawberry Hill Farm, a rewilding site that is home to turtle doves, linnets, harvest mice and nightingales. You can also easily walk to three lovely local country pubs, The St John's Arms, Melchbourne, The Fox & Hounds, Riseley and the Three Compasses, Dean.
Showers
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Potable water
Wonderwild

19. Wonderwild

Woodbastwick, England · 2 units
Discover a gently wild bell tent stay tucked away in a private corner of the Norfolk Broads with exclusive access to wide open water and wildlife rich landscape. You’ll find Wonderwild nestled in the grounds of the beautiful Woodbastwick Estate. A private corner of the Norfolk Broads away from the main river, with its own secluded broad - the perfect backdrop for our bell tents and the perfect place to switch off and slow down. We’ve created a place that makes accessing nature simple and comfortable, spacious bell tents with thoughtful touches, wild swimming immersed in nature and included in your stay, plus add a session or two in our bespoke woodfired sauna with a stunning view of our broad or hire a paddleboard and explore our broad! All of our tents have their own outdoor seating and fire pit with hanging grill, so you can cook by the fire, relax under the huge, dark, star-filled Norfolk sky, wake up to bird song and have some much needed time together. You’ll also find communal kitchen facilities with sofas and table and chairs, a dedicated block for toilets and hot showers and a friendly team to help you make the most of your stay with us. All of our tents have their own outdoor seating and fire pit with hanging grill, so you can cook by the fire, relax under the huge, dark, star-filled Norfolk sky, wake up to bird song and have some much needed time together.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Willow Grove Farm Glamping

20. Willow Grove Farm Glamping

100%
(12)
Lakenheath, England · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
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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.

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

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