Camping in Sussex

Coastal cliffs and verdant countryside are within easy reach in this south England county.

96% (1694 reviews)
96% (1694 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Sussex

Under £50

Available this weekend

12 top campsites in Sussex

98%
(31)

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

12 units · Tents8 acres · 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, 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.
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
100%
(20)

Knowler Farm Wild Camping

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · England
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!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£25
 / night
Booked 5 times

Secluded Woodland Camp

4 units · Tents10 acres · 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
Cooking equipment
from 
£12
 / night

Star Hosts in Sussex

Dog-friendly getaways

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

Camping in Sussex guide

Overview

From the buzzing seaside resort of Brighton to the wild landscapes of the South Downs National Park, Sussex sets the stage for a country getaway—all within a 2-hour drive of London. Hike along white-chalk sea cliffs, picnic on the grounds of a medieval castle, or stroll along pebble beaches with views across to the Isle of Wight. Here the quaint countryside gives way to Sussex’s quirky and cool seaside resorts—plus, camping in Sussex is all about variety. Choose a woodland, river valley, or farmland backdrop; pitch your tent right by the beachside; or check into a glampsite and spend a night in a treehouse, luxury yurt, or gypsy caravan. The south-coast location means Sussex benefits from some of the best weather in the UK, too.

Where to go

East Sussex

The coastal cities of Hastings and Eastbourne are perennial favourites for summer campers. Walk the sea cliffs, hit the beach to kayak or windsurf, or venture inland to explore medieval battlefields. The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty blankets much of the countryside, with nearly 1,500 miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails to discover. The ancient woodlands of the High Weald are a fantastic place to see amazing displays of bluebells in springtime, and here, campers can find woodland campsites, farm sites, and places where you can have a campfire.

West Sussex

Brighton is Sussex’s flagship resort and the day-trip destination of choice for sun-seeking Londoners. Continue along the coast to traditional seaside towns like Worthing and Shoreham, enjoy woodland walks or river kayaking in the South Downs National Park, then park your campervan at a tranquil country campsite. Stretching from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne, the rolling hills and Chalky Downs that characterise South Downs cut a swathe across almost all of Sussex. There are plenty of campsites in the park, many within easy reach of the 100-mile South Downs Way.

Surrey

Southwest of London, Surrey’s country estates and historic towns sit among miles of picturesque countryside. Come in spring to experience the region’s many parks and gardens in full bloom, take a cruise along the River Thames, or head into the Surrey Hills to hike the North Downs Way national trail. It’s just as good for a quick camping fix at the weekend as it is for a week-long summer camping holiday.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Winchester is Hampshire’s headline act, with its medieval cathedral and lively street markets. Outside the city, head to the New Forest National Park to walk, camp, and admire the free-roaming herds of wild ponies. Along the coast, there’s beachside camping at Barton on Sea and Milford-on-Sea, and ferries set sail for the Isle of Wight.

Family-friendly camping in Sussex

Adults-only sites aside, camping is kid-friendly more often than not. It doesn’t really matter if there’s a playground—children tend to take to camping like ducks to water. Plus, many campsites do have kid-friendly facilities and special activities—think nature trails, forest school activities, or storytelling sessions. Some have tree swings, and farm sites may have the opportunity to meet some farm animals. Apart from all this fun, Sussex houses plenty of kid-friendly attractions, from English Heritage sites like Battle Abbey to seaside funfairs in Hastings and Brighton. You might like to visit Drusillas Park too, a zoo with lots of play areas.

Popular places to visit in Sussex

During your camping holiday in Sussex, you may just fancy sitting by the campfire and gazing at the scenery. But if you do want to get out and about, there are plenty of places to visit.

  • Brighton is popular for its pier, pavilion, and lively cultural scene.
  • East along the coast, Eastbourne and Hastings are other seaside resorts worth a visit for ice cream, amusements ,and Victorian architecture.
  • The towns of Rye, Lewes, and Battle are all charming spots with fascinating histories. In Battle, you can visit the site of the Battle of Hastings and the nearby Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre for hands-on activities.
  • Nature lovers love Knepp Wildland, a 500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex.
  • The National Trust has a number of properties in Sussex including Sheffield Park and Gardens and the moated Bodiam Castle.
  • Heritage railways are popular, too—the Bluebell Railway and Kent and East Sussex Railway can be great days out for all ages.

Top counties in and near Sussex

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