Discover the best forest campsites near Mersea Island, Essex with hiking

Mersea Island is a popular summertime camping destination with its pleasant beaches and famous painted beach huts. Its natural beauty and slow pace, governed by tides, promises campers a relaxing getaway complemented by seabirds and sailboats year-round. During winter, campers enjoy cod fishing excursions on popular boat charters. During any season, travel to East and West Mersea Island for access to West Mersea Beach glampsites, historic vineyards, and salt marshes. Then take the caravan to coastal campsites near Cudmore Grove Country Park and explore its grassy meadows and wildlife. Or spend the night at a campsite for caravans and tents inside Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to spend time by River Stour.

Where to go

West Mersea Beach

The colourful beach huts of West Mersea Beach brim with holiday allure. Rent a beach hut for a bit of shade and a relaxing place to rest during a day on the beach. Many come with amenities like gas stoves, kettles, cups, and plates. Then, go swimming in the North Sea during the warm seasons, or set sail along the waters. Beach lovers can go shelling and then visit cafes and pubs in the area for a local treat. To spend the night along the water, look for Mersea Island campsites that host campervans, motorhomes, and tents. Electricity is available as well as children’s play areas and creeks for crabbing.

Cudmore Grove Country Park

Travel to the other side of the island to see Cudmore Grove Country Park—a nature reserve, a Special Site of Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site, and a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area that encompasses 102 acres. It sits where the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries meet. Campers with kids or dogs can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, and grassy meadows, while birdwatching, hiking, fossil hunting, beachcombing, or picnicking throughout the park. To spend a couple of days nearby, set up at coastal campsites that accommodate double axle caravans and motorhomes as well as tents. Cottage rentals and static caravan hires are also available.

Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Celebrated for its biodiversity and efforts in conservation, Dedham Vale AONB is an Essex-Suffolk border attraction with ancient fens, woodlands, and meadows. For a day away from the beach, spend time on a boat trip down River Stour, which is a Dedham Vale focal point. The river and famed attractions like Flatford Mill have attracted painters for decades, including John Constable. Take a couple of days touring the AONB from adult-only glamping pods near Colchester, Britain’s oldest town, that are pet-friendly with ensuite showers and private firepits. Or take the family to a caravan and camping park with electric hookups that’s open from March to October.

When to go

During the warm season, the weather near Mersea Island is ideal for beach days and sailing excursions. July is the warmest month with highs around 21°C. November through March marks the cold season on Mersea Island where temperatures dip down to 3°C at night. Many Mersea Island rentals close down for winter. However, campers can still find rental cottages available year-round.