Camping in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

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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.

96% (1.1K) 3,098 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(230)
Woodbridge, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
07733We 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
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

2. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

98%
(306)
March, Cambridgeshire, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Freedom Farm Camping

3. Freedom Farm Camping

98%
(23)
Newmarket, England · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield. We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability. Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood. We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Norfolk Coast Path Camping Glamping

4. Norfolk Coast Path Camping Glamping

Hunstanton, England · 215 units · Tents, Motorhomes
🌊 Norfolk Coast Path Camping & Glamping: Holme-next-the-Sea Norfolk Coast Path Camping & Glamping provides a tranquil, back-to-basics coastal escape in one of North Norfolk’s most secluded villages. Located on a spacious 5-acre meadow, the site is perfectly situated for those seeking adventure, peace, and wide-open skies. 📍 Proximity to Path and Beach The site's primary draw is its location at the junction of two major walking routes: the Norfolk Coast Path and the Peddars Way. Beach Access: The secluded golden sands of Holme-next-the-Sea Beach (home of the historic Sea Henge) are a short 10-minute walk away. This highly special location allows guests to witness a rare spectacle on the East Coast: sunsets over the sea, followed by incredible stargazing under the vast, dark Norfolk skies. Hiking Base: The campsite is an ideal base for hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers, with easy access to wild areas like the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve and RSPB Titchwell Marsh. 🐕 Dog-Friendly & Local Life The site is dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved companions in all camping and glamping units. The coastal path offers miles of walking, and Holme Beach is vast and dog-friendly. Local Businesses & Activities: The site is close to the village centre, putting you near welcoming local pubs and shops for essential supplies and dining. Nearby coastal towns like Hunstanton (3 miles) and the harbours at Brancaster offer opportunities for watersports (paddleboarding, kitesurfing) and sampling local seafood (like the famous Crab Hut). 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Space Under the Stars The campsite embraces a rustic, back-to-basics philosophy focused on the outdoor experience: Accommodation: Pitches are available for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans. Glamping options include cosy Shepherd's Huts and Bell Tents. Units often benefit from seclusion and privacy on the 5-acre meadow. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with glamping units providing dedicated fire pits/braziers. Facilities: Amenities are designed to be simple, clean, and functional, including flushable toilets, shower blocks, and fresh water. The site offers a pure, authentic outdoor retreat blending simple facilities with a prime coastal location.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

5. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

93%
(45)
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
Riverside Farm experience camp fire

6. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

87%
(31)
England · 83 units · Tents, Glamping
NEW we have 2 brand new toilet blocks with multiple toilets , showers , basins . NEW we have 2 full kitchens for you to use with fridge freezers , gas hobs , electric , and everything needed for your stay we have many different options including bring your own tent , belltent yurts cabins . please enquire for info farm riverside camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. NEW Goldings sandy mini beach , next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . We have many activities at the farm including woodland activities , cooking campfire with our unique forest school . Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, bottle feed our piglets walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bridge Woods

7. Bridge Woods

100%
(9)
England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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
Daisy May’s Farm

8. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(180)
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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Barn Owl Camping

9. Barn Owl Camping

97%
(18)
Suffolk, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Secluded Woodland Camp

10. Secluded Woodland Camp

97%
(15)
Ware, England · 26 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
Fire and Feast Suffolk

11. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%
(36)
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
Ashcroft Field

12. 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
Cuckoo Farm Campsite

13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%
(204)
Rutland, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Snettisham Meadows

14. 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
Lions Row

15. Lions Row

100%
(3)
Woodbridge, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive (or a 35 walk) from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive). If you would like to book multiple pitches for a big group, do get in touch directly if easier. We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bircham Windmill

16. Bircham Windmill

97%
(136)
Norfolk, England · 17 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

17. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(168)
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
Lakeview Paddock

18. Lakeview Paddock

100%
(1)
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
Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

19. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%
(148)
Ely, England · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Ling's Meadow

20. Ling's Meadow

100%
(25)
Hepworth, England · 6 units
Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife
Campfires
Showers
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve camping 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best wildlife-watching opportunities are in springtime, while increased rainfall through autumn and winter makes the wild landscapes appear even more dramatic. Summer is peak season at Wicken Fen, and the boardwalks can get crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays. The reserve is open year-round, but boat tours and bike rentals are only available from Easter through October. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.

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. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.

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. You can also explore different options for camping near Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.

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. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.

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

Popular Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve holidays