- Wye National Nature Reserve
Riverside camping in Wye National Nature Reserve
94% (208)
Top-rated campgrounds
94% (208)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites in and near Wye National Nature Reserve
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Stories from the community
A
Abigail
October 2025
With pets
While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!
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L
Liam
October 2025
With pets
Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.
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D
David
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely place to camp - nice open space and there was a tree the kids really enjoyed climbing and decorating with our camping lights! Really nice to have farm animals on site too. Great location to visit Eastbourne.
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Andrew
August 2025
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Vignesh
August 2025
Tent
With kids
I visited Hale Farm for 2 nights with my daughter aged 7 and 4 for their first experience of camping and could not be happier. The organisation, attention to detail and facilities were all spot on. We were greeted shortly after arrival and introduced to the layout and facilities and then left in peace to enjoy our stay. There were also frequent rounds by the campsite management to ensure guests remained respectful of others later in the evening which was very appreciated.
The small animal farm was great fun for the kids and to while away part of the mornings. There is indeed a coffee truck and an ice cream van who visit the site each day and were very reasonably priced.
We visited The Gun for lunch and enjoyed the short walk which meandered through some hedgerows and fields.
I quite enjoyed that there weren't a slew of activities available to sign up to as it meant more quality time amongst ourselves, with the added bonus of no mobile reception which means my attention was fully on the kids. We'd love to come back and perhaps bring some friends next time!
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A
Anita
August 2025
With kids
Absolutely amazing retreat! We stayed at Finlays cabin, sadly for only couple of nights. Really lovely, peaceful, private wooden cabin. The owner just let us be! Reccomend to anybody who wants to get escape from daily life.
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Becca
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a wonderful stay at Hale farm campsite, the facilities were excellent and clean. Great sized pitch, plenty of room. My 4 year old and 9 year old really enjoyed going to see the animals on the farm each morning. We all especially enjoyed eating the tasty produce sold on site. My children couldn’t believe their luck when the ice cream van turned up in the evening too. We will definitely be returning again.
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S
Samantha
July 2025
Tent
With kids
My friend and I had a delightful stay, with our kids, at this charming little site, at the end of July. Katie, the campsite owner, couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful and accommodating. She made us feel welcome from the start. Nothing was too much trouble for her. The campsite is rustic, with drinking water vessels, buckets for showers (there was a place to heat up the water), and eco friendly toilets. The location next to the river is beautiful. The kids were in heaven. They swam, paddle boarded and road bikes to the local shops, and generally went on adventures. You are surrounded by nature, with cows only a few steps away. It’s a little slice of heaven. My friend and I actually managed to relax, which is unheard of whilst camping. The kids were so content and occupied. Thank you to Katie and your beautiful family. We will be back again for sure
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Peter
July 2025
Tent
Our stay at Graham's cabin was great.
As advertised, the cabin does not have bedding, so bring your own!
The cabin was basic but enough for a good night's sleep.
The facilities were good.
While the logistics of getting booked in are a little complicated, Graham was incredibly caring in ensuring we found our way to the cabin at night. He went the 'extra mile' to ensure we would have a good stay. It all worked fine.
The location is great. Right on the river, next to the lock. And a great little canteen serving lovely food with outdoor seating.
I recommended this as a good cheap place to stay.
See moreAndrew
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Incredibly clean!
Really friendly owners. Lovely relaxing site and the kids enjoyed seeing the farm animals.
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C
Cherian
June 2025
Group trip
I can’t recommend this camping site enough. Nestled within 90 acres of serene, open land, it offers a truly secluded escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life. The setting is stunning – peaceful, untouched, and expansive – with total freedom to roam and unwind.
Georgina and Max are exceptional hosts. They’ve thought of absolutely everything, and their attention to detail shows in every corner of the site. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and clearly explained. They’ve created that perfect sweet spot between traditional camping and glamping – you get the authentic outdoorsy experience without compromising on convenience or comfort.
From essentials to thoughtful extras, everything you could possibly need has been provided. It’s clear they’ve poured a lot of love and effort into making this a truly special place.
There were zero issues – no noise, no disturbances – just nature, calm, and comfort. I’ll absolutely be coming back, and I recommend this place wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a proper, well-balanced camping getaway.
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R
Rosie
June 2025
Tent
A lovely small scale site- perfect for groups. Close to loads of places to visit for the day.
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Rachel
June 2025
Tent
We had a lovely, relaxing weekend at the Otter Channel - so much so, we didn’t leave the campsite the whole weekend!
Katie was very welcoming and the site itself was very peaceful and sheltered on all sides by dense hedgerows. It’s a beautiful place and is the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge.
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Charlotte
June 2025
Tent
With pets
We had a great time at Otter Camp. It was a very chilled out camp, with the pitches all nicely spread out. Sarah was very friendly and helpful.
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Freddie
June 2025
Tent
Lovely campsite. Beautiful spot. Lovely river nearby. Katie was responsive to questions and helpful.
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Ray
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Katie runs a lovely peaceful, quiet and clean campsite. We had a remarkable stay there and enjoyed the use of the river, log burner and the convenient little shop which has essential items.
Getting away from the rat race, this is the place to go!
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James
May 2025
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daniel
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Great camp site
Quiet and close to the river
We had a lovely stay
Will definitely be back
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Charley
May 2025
3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Had a brilliant time! Would highly recommend to a couple wanting to get away from it all. We loved our stay and will definitely go back
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S
Stephanie
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely spot for camping! Great facilities and very welcoming hosts. The kids loved wandering around the farm each morning. Also recommend a walk to The Gun Brewery 👌
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Riverside camping in Wye National Nature Reserve 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
- 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.
- You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment in advance.
- 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.