Riverside camping near Chelmsford

Chelmsford isn't exactly known as the Mecca of all things camping, but this often-overlooked Essex city is an excellent focal point for any easy getaway in the South East of England, with its cathedral, river and RHS gardens along with beautiful surrounding countryside.

93% (283 reviews)
93% (283 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chelmsford

Star Hosts in Chelmsford

Under £50

12 top river, stream, or creek campsites near Chelmsford

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
90%
(15)

Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

39 units · Motorhomes, Tents15 acres · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the thermals and micro pigs grazing the wildflower meadow and wallowing in the ponds full of dragonfly and newts. Natural spring water issues from underground and was pumped by hand up the hill to the Manor House in victorian times by hand as their drinking water. More recently this high quality water was diverted into fish stock ponds and now is tapped as the finest fresh water for water ceremonies bathing therapy and herbal preparations. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be lower after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is 20 per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds. I have trouble pricing with hip camp as I can't get it to reflect my pricing structure. You can find us on Wethersfield eco project on social mediafb.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£39
 / night

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

There are plenty of excellent campsites near Chelmsford if you know where to look and, as always, only the very best make the cut for our Hipcamp shortlist.

Riverside camping near Chelmsford guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate destination for all your camping needs! If you're looking for a riverside camping experience near Chelmsford, England, we've got you covered. With over 880 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your caravan. Looking for reviews? Check out some of our top campsites like Cuckoo Farm Campsite, Otter Channel Campsite, and Whitlingham Broad Campsite (all with 45+ reviews). Our campsites offer popular facilities such as showers, campfires, and rubbish disposal. And if you're into hiking, off-roading, or biking, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful terrain near the river. Average price per night is £24, with options as low as £10. So why wait? Start planning your riverside camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

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