Camping in Wye National Nature Reserve

Magnificent views await at the Devil’s Kneading Trough—a star attraction of the Kent Downs AONB.

97% (1202 reviews)
  1. Wye National Nature Reserve
97% (1202 reviews)

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12 top campsites in Wye National Nature Reserve

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Bramley Park Camping

61 units · Tents13 acres · England
Bramley Park Camping is in an area of outstanding natural beauty beside the South Downs with plenty of options within walking distance, such as restaurants, shops, pubs, walks, cycling routes and fantastic public transport connections. Relax and enjoy the experience with camping or glamping. Choose your own pitch and campfires are encouraged. We are family friendly, just 15 minutes from Eastbourne beach and the closest site to the Seven Sisters. Tents + Campervans only (NO MOTORHOMES OR RV's) In a nutshell: - Facilities include toilets, showers, and washing up area - Pitch where you like system - Campfires are encouraged - Dogs stay for free - On-site fresh Pizza, Breakfast and Coffee from our food station - On-site shop stocking camping essentials, drinks, ice, ice creams etc. - Closest site to the Seven Sisters - Close to the coast (Eastbourne beach) With breathtaking views, comfortable pitches and glamping, plus all the essential facilities, you'll have everything you need for a top getaway here. This excellent area has just enough activities to suit every taste, group or person, with days out at the beach, the zoo, adventure parks, historic castles, hiking, walking, mountain biking and even wine tasting. Campers can enjoy the comfort of their own tent or campervan on a set of wild camping pitches. Upon arrival, you can choose where you would like to pitch and there will be plenty of space for you to enjoy the scenery. You can enjoy a touch of luxury in the South Downs National Park with 5m bell tents, each sleeping up to four people. These come fully furnished (with linen provided) and add a little more luxury to a regular camping visit. There are local attractions catering to any type of group, family, interest or person. The South Downs Way is very popular for walking/hiking and Friston Forest is ideal for mountain biking. Other things to see and do: *The Seven Sisters walk *The beach and seafront *Pevensey Castle *Knockhatch Adventure Park *Drusillas Zoo *Brighton (including the Lanes and the Royal Pavilion)
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£12.50
 / night
80%
(27)

The Hop Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents500 acres · Brenchley, England
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
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£28
 / night
82%
(17)

Dogwood Cottage Campsite

8 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Rye, England
Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.
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£18
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98%
(29)

Painters Farm Campsite

46 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Whitstable, England
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
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£24.50
 / night
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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 Wye National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

At the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this small nature reserve encompasses one of the area’s most visited viewpoints. Make a beeline for the Devil’s Kneading Trough, where the steep coombes afford views across the Romney Marshes and along the Channel coast. Once you’ve admired the views, stop for a picnic on the hillside or follow the hour-long Wye NNR nature trail to spot rare orchids, butterflies, and wildflowers. Hikers can also set out along the long-distance North Downs Way, which passes through the reserve.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for country views: The Sunny Field has off-grid tent pitches, campervan sites, and glamping in bell tents, amid miles of open countryside. It’s a 10-minute drive from the reserve.
  • Best for budget campers: Flying Horse Inn is a country pub just west of the reserve and offers free overnight campervan parking for evening diners.
  • Best for escaping the crowds: Sunnyside Farm has plenty of grass and hardstanding pitches, optional electric hook-ups, and tranquil surroundings. It’s a 20-min drive away.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Kent Downs campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Plan up to six months in advance for popular sites or those with limited pitching. 
  2. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment in advance. 
  3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates. Many campsites open from March through October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

The most pleasant weather for camping is from April through September, and this is the main hiking season in the Kent Downs. Wildflowers bloom throughout this period, but come in late spring to admire them at their most colourful. Sites like the Devil’s Kneading Trough fill up with day-trippers throughout July and August, so make an early start to get a jump on the crowds or opt for a weekday visit in the off-season to enjoy the view to yourself.

Know before you go

  • Wye National Nature Reserve is located in the Kent Downs AONB, about a 20-minute drive from Ashford. Trains from London take about an hour to reach Wye train station, just 2 miles from the reserve. 
  • Free parking is available at the Wye Nature Reserve car park along Coldharbour Lane.
  • Camping is not possible in the reserve itself, and wild camping is not permitted throughout the Kent Downs AONB.
  • The reserve has a restaurant, but for public restrooms or to purchase picnic supplies, head to Wye village.