Campsites near Bedford

From wild camping in the home counties to glamping it up in the Cotswolds, there’s plenty for Hipcampers within two hours of this historic market town.

96% (820 reviews)
96% (820 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bedford

Under £50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campsites near Bedford

92%
(55)

Holistic Woods Campsite WILD

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Woodbridge, England
We 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
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
£15.20
 / night
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

Star Hosts in Bedford

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

Campsites near Bedford guide

Overview

Nestled in the countryside just 90 minutes north of London, this county town and its scenic surrounds offer a glimpse of England’s wilder side. From secluded Thameside spots and green-belt glamping to family-friendly campgrounds on working farms, Hipcampers will find something that suits, while the wider region’s historic castles, country houses, and National Trust trails offer plenty by way of outdoor adventure.

Where to go

Bedfordshire

From reclaimed woodland around the Forest of Marston Vale to rich wetland along the River Great Ouse, there’s plenty to discover around Bedford. The region’s sprawling countryside offers plenty of camping options, including private working farms and riverside sites. Canoeing, horse riding, and cycling are all popular pastimes here, while ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is an ideal day trip attraction for Hipcampers with kids.

Hertfordshire

Nestled between London and Bedfordshire, this home county is a convenient launch point for exploration of south and east England. The enormous Lee Valley Park extends from the Hertfordshire town of Ware all the way to the East India Docks in the capital, and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, angling, and riverside camping. Beyond, miles of agricultural and green belt land provide plenty of (almost) wild camping opportunities.

Buckinghamshire

This rural county just south of Bedford is home to National Trust properties, sprawling parks, and scenic valleys, making it a top destination for hikers and bikers, as well as history lovers. Outdoor attractions include Boarstall Duck Decoy, Black Park, and Langley Park, while tent and caravan pitches can be found throughout the region’s farmland and along the Bucks stretch of the Thames.

Chiltern Hills AONB

An hour southwest of Bedford, this Area of Natural Beauty boasts bridleways, cycleways, and national trails that take adventurers deep into quintessential English countryside, and the successful reintroduction of red kites has made this a popular place for birdwatching. Glampers, caravanners, and wild campers are catered for across the region’s private farms and campgrounds.

The Cotswolds AONB

One of England’s most famous landscapes, the Cotswolds encompasses rolling hills, river valleys, and scenic villages that makes the region a rambler’s paradise. From Bedford, the protected region can be reached in just under two hours by car. Glamping is an increasingly popular option for overnight adventurers, though holiday parks and back-to-basics campgrounds are also common.

When to go

England’s great outdoors can be explored at any time of year, with many campgrounds remaining open year-round, though winter wanderers should be prepared for the cold weather. July to August are the busiest times of year, so it’s best to book accommodation well in advance—Areas of Natural Beauty get particularly booked up.

Know before you go

  • Public transport is fairly reliable around Bedford, though it can be useful to have a private vehicle to reach more secluded spots.
  • Gear can sometimes be rented on site. Otherwise, there are plenty of supply shops in central Bedford.

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