Best campsites for surfing 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.

93% (240) 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thetford Forest

2. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England
🌅 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
from 
£17
 / night

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.

93% (240) 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Thetford Forest

2. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England
🌅 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
from 
£17
 / night

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Best campsites for surfing in Thetford Forest 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.

Top towns in and near Thetford Forest