Campsites with campfires in Epping Forest

Tangled woodlands and forest trails lie within a tube ride of London.

96% (958 reviews)
96% (958 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Epping Forest

Under £50

Star Hosts in Epping Forest

12 top campsites in Epping Forest with campfires

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
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.
Showers
from 
£24
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

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

Campsites with campfires in Epping Forest guide

Overview

Forest walks don’t come more impressive than Epping Forest, with 12 miles of rambling woodlands stretching north of London. Venture into the trees to explore miles of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails; spot native wildlife; or play a game of golf at one of the two courses. Campers staying at Epping Forest can also explore the adjoining Lee Valley Regional Park, where activities include fly fishing and boat cruises along the Lea River. For a break from the forest, slip away to a country pub on the forest outskirts, or hop aboard for a ride on the Epping Ongar steam railway.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for exploring: Debden House Campsite has spacious tent sites with fire pits, electric hook-up for caravans and campervans, and direct access to the forest’s hiking trails.
  • Best for peace and quiet: Lee Valley Campsite is on the western edge of the forest and has grass pitches with or without electric hook-up, as well as cozy camping pods and tents for hire.
  • Best for a wild camping experience: Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite lets you get back to nature, with minimal amenities, quiet woodland tent pitches, and hammocks swinging from the trees.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Epping Forest campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Early bookings are essential if you want to visit these times.
  2. Unpowered tent pitches are more likely to be available without a reservation, but it’s still best to call ahead.
  3. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  4. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from May through September, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Accessible year-round, it’s worth revisiting Epping Forest throughout its changing seasons. Autumn is magical under the colorful canopy of fall foliage, while springtime sees wildlife at its most active and bursts of wildflowers. Visiting on a weekday means you’ll avoid the crowds, but the park’s walking trails are always busy in July-August, as well as during school holidays. Pack sturdy hiking boots if visiting after rainfall, as the forest trails can get muddy.

Know before you go

  • Epping Forest is on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire, about an hour’s drive north of London.
  • Central line tubes run to Epping Forest from London, stopping at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hinton Admiral, Lymington, New Milton, Sway, and Totton.
  • There are about 30 car parks located throughout the park, many of which are pay and display.
  • Epping Forest Visitor Centres are located at Chingford and High Beach, where you’ll also find restrooms and cafés. 
  • Wild camping and overnight parking are not permitted anywhere within the park. Fires and BBQs are also off-limits, except on private camping and caravan parks.
  • Epping Forest has several accessible trails, and all car parks are accessible.

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