Camping in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

·

Nature flourishes amid the marshes and fenlands of the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, home to more than 9,000 wetland species. Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve.

94% (984)

Top-rated campgrounds

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(177)
47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Rosehip Woods Campsite

4. Rosehip Woods Campsite

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
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
from 
£13
 / night
Secluded Woodland Camp

7. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
27 units · Tents, Glamping · Ware, England
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
Trash
from 
£12
 / night
The  Meadow @ Waples Mill

12. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%
(40)
12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England
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
from 
£24
 / night
Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford

14. Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford

84 units · Tents, Motorhomes · CA
🌲 Go Wild Thetford: Forest Camping & Glamping Escape Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford, managed by mYminiBreak, provides a truly back-to-basics woodland escape on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Nestled deep within the towering pine and broadleaf woodlands of Thetford Forest, the site offers a peaceful, natural atmosphere perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. 🌳 High Lodge Proximity and Activities The site's main advantage is its location just a short walk (approx. 300 meters) from High Lodge, the main Forestry England visitor center. This allows immediate access to a wealth of activities: Go Ape! high ropes course. Extensive network of walking, running, and cycling trails (suitable for all abilities). Play areas, Archery, Disc Golf, a café, and seasonal events. The forest itself, as Britain's largest lowland pine forest, is a wildlife haven known for its deer, unique flora, and clear, starry night skies. 🐕 Back-to-Basics & Dog-Friendly Go Wild embraces a rustic, "wild-style" camping philosophy. Size & Pitches: The site is a large, spacious campsite offering plenty of room to relax. Pitches are available for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, alongside glamping options including rustic Shepherd's Huts and Bell Tents (some with electricity for small appliances). Dog-Friendly: The campsite is super dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged companions on all pitches, with vast forest trails accessible directly from the site. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are provided, including shared showers and toilets, fresh drinking water, and waste disposal. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, making for traditional, memorable evenings under the stars. 🗺️ Local Area The site is an ideal base for exploring the historic Brecks region. Nearby attractions include Grimes Graves (Neolithic flint mine), Thetford Priory ruins, and the Dad's Army Museum in Thetford town. Go Wild Camping offers an authentic outdoor experience where you can fall asleep in the forest and wake up ready to hit the trails.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Snettisham Meadows

15. Snettisham Meadows

96%
(24)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Snettisham, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night
Daisy May’s Farm

18. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England
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!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night

Nature flourishes amid the marshes and fenlands of the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, home to more than 9,000 wetland species. Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve.

94% (984)

Top-rated campgrounds

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(177)
47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Rosehip Woods Campsite

4. Rosehip Woods Campsite

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
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
from 
£13
 / night
Secluded Woodland Camp

7. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
27 units · Tents, Glamping · Ware, England
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
Trash
from 
£12
 / night
The  Meadow @ Waples Mill

12. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%
(40)
12 units · Tents · Dunmow, England
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
from 
£24
 / night
Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford

14. Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford

84 units · Tents, Motorhomes · CA
🌲 Go Wild Thetford: Forest Camping & Glamping Escape Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford, managed by mYminiBreak, provides a truly back-to-basics woodland escape on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Nestled deep within the towering pine and broadleaf woodlands of Thetford Forest, the site offers a peaceful, natural atmosphere perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. 🌳 High Lodge Proximity and Activities The site's main advantage is its location just a short walk (approx. 300 meters) from High Lodge, the main Forestry England visitor center. This allows immediate access to a wealth of activities: Go Ape! high ropes course. Extensive network of walking, running, and cycling trails (suitable for all abilities). Play areas, Archery, Disc Golf, a café, and seasonal events. The forest itself, as Britain's largest lowland pine forest, is a wildlife haven known for its deer, unique flora, and clear, starry night skies. 🐕 Back-to-Basics & Dog-Friendly Go Wild embraces a rustic, "wild-style" camping philosophy. Size & Pitches: The site is a large, spacious campsite offering plenty of room to relax. Pitches are available for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, alongside glamping options including rustic Shepherd's Huts and Bell Tents (some with electricity for small appliances). Dog-Friendly: The campsite is super dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged companions on all pitches, with vast forest trails accessible directly from the site. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are provided, including shared showers and toilets, fresh drinking water, and waste disposal. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, making for traditional, memorable evenings under the stars. 🗺️ Local Area The site is an ideal base for exploring the historic Brecks region. Nearby attractions include Grimes Graves (Neolithic flint mine), Thetford Priory ruins, and the Dad's Army Museum in Thetford town. Go Wild Camping offers an authentic outdoor experience where you can fall asleep in the forest and wake up ready to hit the trails.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Snettisham Meadows

15. Snettisham Meadows

96%
(24)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Snettisham, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£22
 / night
Daisy May’s Farm

18. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England
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!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Camping in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Summer is peak season at Wicken Fen, and the boardwalks can get crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays. Some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities are in springtime, while increased rainfall through autumn and winter makes the wild landscapes appear even more dramatic. The reserve is open year-round, but boat tours and bike rentals are only available from Easter through October.

Know before you go

  • Wicken Fen is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge. 
  • There’s no public transport to the park, but trains run to Ely, a 20-minute taxi ride away. 
  • The reserve has restrooms, a café, and a visitor centre. Bike rental is available, but advance booking is recommended. 
  • There is an entrance fee to visit the reserve, as well as a parking fee. 
  • The boardwalks are accessible for wheelchairs, but advance booking is recommended as access can be tricky at busy times.