Discover the best beach campsites near Bodiam Castle, East Sussex with fishing

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Popular camping styles for Bodiam Castle

7 top beach campsites near Bodiam Castle with fishing

Under £50

95%

(135)

Otter Channel Campsite

18 units · Tents3 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

Small Meadow Farm

3 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Fairlight, England

This low-impact, off-grid campsite is set within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm, with a small flock of sheep that are helping restore a wildflower meadow. There is a strip of woodland at the top of my field where you can escape summer heat under the trees and put up hammocks or hammock tents. I am offering only two pitches at any one time (up to 6 people per pitch). Each pitch has their own fire pit at the top of the field near the woodland, with camping lower on the slope nearer to shower unit and compost toilet. Each pitch also has its own compost toilet tent in the woodland, near the fire. Should the weather be uncertain there is the option of renting the group tent in addition to fire and camping areas, the group tent has a yoga deck/ flat outside area and can be used for sleeping or hanging out. Up on the top field we can open the horsebox as a field shelter/ field kitchen at a small extra cost, great for keeping food and camp cookers in when your are off exploring the beaches and surrounds. There are stunning far-reaching views form the fire pits and even more stunning views of Rye Bay, a short walk away on Mountain Field or at the Balehouse -which is the info centre and cafe of the Hastings Country park. Nature and the species I'm surrounded by are paramount, such as butterflies, wildflowers and birds. The whole site is full of birdsong, especially up near the woodland by the fire pits. At night you get clear views of the stars and my favourite thing is to wake up in the morning in the summer, seeing the dew on the grass, connecting with natural peacefulness and first rays of sun. In May the woodland and field are covered in bluebells and the blossom in the permaculture orchard is astounding. Do bring a yoga mat at stretch first thing on the yoga deck! Please Note: This is a working farm so farmer and woofer(s) are sometimes on site, in areas that are not part of the camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to campsite areas not the entire farm. New option for 2024, exclusive rental of campsite area, £250 for up to 10 people, 5 extras at extra £20 a night! Why not meet friends and family on the field and enjoy the scenery over a fire, BBQ or giant cook out/ picnic. It's a very peaceful and natural spot, yet only 10 minutes drive away from the Old Town in Hastings with all the music, people and festivals that go on. It really is the best of both worlds and I'm happy to share it!

Lepe Beach Campsite

20 units · Tents7 acres · New Forest, England

Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach campsites near Bodiam Castle with fishing guide

Overview

Bodiam is a small village in East Sussex that’s most famous for its 14th-century castle. With a classic turreted exterior, a moat, and a railway running beneath it that connects Bodiam Station to Tenterden, campers with an interest in history and culture–and a dislike of big, busy cities–will enjoy little Bodiam. Set up a tent or park your campervan at the campground beside the River Rother, which also rents out kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and row boats. Bodiam lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) so there are plenty of walks and other adventures to be found nearby.

Where to go

High Weald AONB

Spanning across East Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, High Weald AONB is a naturally and culturally important landscape with wooded, rolling hills dotted with limestone outcrops, farmsteads, and ancient roads. Bodiam is a village within the AONB and makes a good base for exploring this beautiful landscape. Campers can also find other campsites within the AONB and beyond Bodiam.

Ashdown Forest

West of Bodiam, Ashdown Forest is a must-visit place for campers who grew up with A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh books, as it’s where the books were set (fictionalised as the Hundred Acre Wood). It’s the largest public open space in southwest England and is a place of scientific interest for its unique heathland. The nearest campsite to Ashdown Forest is in Hartfield village and there are many other places to camp throughout East Sussex.

Bewl Water

Northwest of Bodiam, Bewl Water is a large reservoir that doubles as an outdoor recreation area, with watersports, walking and cycle paths, fishing, flora and fauna, and camping. Bring your own tent or campervan or book a yurt for a glamping experience. Scotney Castle is near Bewl Water and is another must-see 14th-century castle that’s very different from Bodiam Castle.

When to go

Like much of southern England, summer is the best time to camp in and around Bodiam. The temperatures are usually mild, there’s less rain, and the days are long. School holidays tend to be the busiest time to camp as families from across southern England and London head to the countryside. Some campsites may be closed in the off-season, when most travellers find tent camping in an English winter very uncomfortable anyway—book a cabin or cottage during this time instead.