Dog-friendly camping in Wye National Nature Reserve

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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.

96% (998) 1,725 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wye National Nature Reserve

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

1. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(105)
Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Hook Farm Campsite

2. Hook Farm Campsite

98%
(203)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Tomkins Farm

3. Tomkins Farm

96%
(167)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Secret Pondside Pitches

4. The Secret Pondside Pitches

England · 10 units
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only. The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions: 1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common. 2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. 3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine! 4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill. Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care. More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
Campfires
Oak Valley Lodges & Camping

5. Oak Valley Lodges & Camping

100%
(16)
England · 32 units
At Oak Valley Campsite, simplicity and space are part of the charm. Tucked among ancient oaks in the gentle countryside of Pett, East Sussex, this peaceful spot is all about traditional camping. Pitches are generous, grassy, and flat – ideal for tents and campers who like room to breathe. There are hot showers, proper loos, and fresh water on tap. At night, toast marshmallows around a hired fire pit, watch the stars, and enjoy the quiet. Explore local walks, pop down to Winchelsea Beach, or lose a few hours in the pretty streets of Rye, just 15 minutes away. Need to know: - No electric hook-up - Family-friendly & dog-friendly - Fire pits and logs available - Check-in from 2 pm
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Housedean Farm Campsite

6. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%
(103)
Lewes, England · 4 units
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Alciston Court Farm

7. Alciston Court Farm

95%
(42)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
Campfires
Otter Channel Campsite

8. Otter Channel Campsite

95%
(159)
East Sussex, England · 15 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Painters Farm Campsite

9. Painters Farm Campsite

99%
(44)
Whitstable, England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Far and Away Camping

10. Far and Away Camping

100%
(22)
England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Small Meadow Campsite, Fairlight

11. Small Meadow Campsite, Fairlight

100%
(18)
Fairlight, England · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area (with views) on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £20 pppn Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Campfires
Showers
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

12. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

93%
(14)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just a few tiny pitches but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
Campfires
The Nut Plat Retreat

13. The Nut Plat Retreat

94%
(79)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
The Hop Farm

14. The Hop Farm

82%
(37)
Brenchley, England · 25 units
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. Bookings only accepted once all guest names and vehicle registration number is sent by direct message after booking 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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Coxhill Camping

15. Coxhill Camping

100%
(51)
Dover, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Earth Camp

16. Earth Camp

90%
(34)
Lewes, England · 32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

17. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(65)
Waldron, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

18. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(20)
Cranbrook · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Knowler Farm Wild Camping

19. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

100%
(35)
England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

20. Sunnyside Pop Up Camping

94%
(8)
England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
We are a pop-up campsite, which means we are open most weekends during the summer with some longer stints at the beginning and at the end of our season. We offer different activities each weekend, varying from damper bread making to wild food walks and bush craft skills. We also celebrate Midsummer (Juhannus) in Finnish style! 22nd May - 31st May - Opening: Sauna hot all Week 😃🙌🏻 19th - 21st June Summer Solstice/Juhannus ☀️☀️☀️ 26th - 28th June - Fairy Garden Making 🧚🏻🧚🏻‍♀️🧚🏻‍♂️ 3rd -5th July - Damper Bread 🥨 10th-12th July - DJ BBQ 🎶🍗 17th -19th July -Whittling 🥄🔪 24th - 26th July - Wellness weekend 🧘🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️ 31st July - 3rd August - Wand Making and 🪄🧚‍♂️ 7th - 9th August - Communal Curry Night 🥘 14th - 16th August - Fire Making for Kids 🔥 20th - 23rd August - Wild Food Walk 🍄‍🟫🫐 27th - 31st August - Closing Week ☀️🔥🥂🍾 FINNISH SAUNA We light our authentic Finnish sauna on Saturday evenings for all to use. Otherwise you can book the Sauna area for private use on Friday nights and Saturday day. Do give us more than an hours notice, it is wood heated and it takes a while to get hot! CAMPFIRES We love campfires and see them as an integral part of the camping experience. Campfires bring people together at the end of the day, to cook, socialise and relax. The smell of the wood smoke at twilight and the excitement on the kids faces when the marshmallows come out are bound to set you up for a perfect night away from the city lights! We sell crates of firewood, and hire fire pits for you to use during your stay. MUSIC The Lower Fields are for quiet camping. We would like it to be the perfect place for children to sleep and adults to chitchat around the campfires. On the Upper Field and near the Centre Camp we do allow you to listen and enjoy any music. But please respect your fellow campers! We want everybody to be able to enjoy their weekend without being disturbed. We ask for quiet across the whole site from 11.30pm. Overall we are quite a sociable site, with things happening at center camp every weekend. and a public campfire to sit around for a few mins after your sauna. We have a great area for large family groups. We pride ourselves on helping new campers get the most out of the experience come and hay hello at center camp.
Showers
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Wye National Nature Reserve camping guide

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

Popular Wye National Nature Reserve holidays