Caravan campsites near Hastings with hiking
Discover castle ruins, maritime heritage, and delicious seafood in this historic port.
Community favorites near Hastings
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
12 top caravan sites near Hastings with hiking
Caravan campsites near Hastings with hiking guide
Overview
Hastings might be one of the South Coast’s most underrated beach towns, but there are plenty of good reasons for campers to stop by. History buff? Visit the site of the Battle of Hastings, then explore the evocative ruins of Hastings Castle. Beach lover? Stroll down the pier or head down to the shingle beach to swim or sunbathe. Foodie? Tuck into fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood at a sea-view restaurant. If you need a break from the beach, ride the East Cliff Railway up to the hilltop to enjoy a walk through the Hastings Country Park.
Where to go
High Weald
Wildflower meadows, farmlands, and woodlands stretch north of Hastings in the High Weald AONB. Escape the crowds for scenic walks or bike rides through the hills, admire the seasonal blooms at National Trust gardens, or go glamping in a tipi or bell tent. Over the Kent border, take a ride on the Spa Valley Railway, visit the market town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, or sample Kent wines at a local vineyard.
Kent Coast
East of Hastings, rocky coves and soaring sea cliffs give way to sandy beaches along the Kent coast. The White Cliffs of Dover draw the biggest crowds, but charming Folkestone is a favorite among coastal campers, with its pretty marina and burgeoning art scene. Nearby, the Romney marshes are a breeding ground for birds and other wildlife.
East Sussex Coast
To the west, Eastbourne and Brighton are two of the most popular destinations along the south coast. Check into a coastal campsite within easy reach of the beach and spend your days swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding along the shore. Just past Eastbourne, the lighthouse of Beachy Head and the white chalk sea cliffs of the Seven Sisters lie within the South Downs National Park, where hikers can set out along the South Downs Way.
When to go
June through August draws beach-goers to Hastings, which is the liveliest time to visit, with festivals and alfresco concerts taking place throughout. Reserve camping sites and holiday parks a few months in advance if visiting at this time. Temperatures are mild along the Channel coast, making it possible to explore by campervan or caravan year-round.
Know before you go
- Hastings has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip.
- Hastings has excellent public transport links to the surrounding towns and AONBs, making it possible to get around without your own transport.
- Wild camping is illegal throughout Hastings and the UK, although there are some areas where it is possible with permission from the landowners.
