Campgrounds for backpackers in South East England

Clapham Farm

• Dog-friendly farm site just off the South Downs Way and Vanguard Way
• Walking distance from Cuckmere Valley; 15 minutes’ drive to the coast
• A 10-minute walk away from Litlington’s brewery, pub and tearoom

Little Switzerland Caravan Site

Yamp Camp Firle

• East Sussex meadow camping with South Downs views near Lewes
• A 15-minute drive to Drusillas Park, and 25 minutes to Brighton
• Large flat pitches with an adventure trail for kids; group-friendly

YHA Canterbury

• Deluxe cabins sleeping up to five, less than a mile from Canterbury
• Insulated and double glazed with bathroom and kitchenette
• Breakfast buffet and supper club available seven days a week

Sandy Meadow Farm

• Peaceful working farm in the South Downs National Park
• Within 10 minutes’ drive of woodlands, stately homes and vineyards
• Haven for stargazers: in a Dark Sky Reserve

Abbotstone Wood Camping

Warren Valley Farm

• Scenic family-friendly paddock pitches alongside the South Downs Way
• An hour's walk from Devil’s Dyke; 30 minutes' drive from Brighton
• Café a few minutes' walk away; raised barbecues welcome on site

Kestrel Valley View

• Dog-friendly pop-up glampsite 15 minutes’ drive from Winchester
• South Downs National Park five minutes’ drive; Marwell Zoo 30 minutes
• Off-grid shepherd’s hut in a wildlife haven with stunning valley views

Ashfolds

• Beautiful country setting close to village of Rusper
• two local pubs walking distance, and many country walks
• Horsham town a short drive away and Brighton is 25 miles

Jemima Hut at the Farm

• Cosy shepherd's hut on a family farm in the Kent Downs
• A 25-minute drive to Canterbury; 35 minutes to Dover and the coast
• Private garden, toilet and kitchenette; pub 10 minutes' walk

West Sands Holiday Park

Glottenham

• Nearly wild pop-up site in a hay field with a woodland and wetland
• Surrounded by country walks and a 10-minute drive from Battle Abbey
• Quiet and back to basics, with village pubs 20 minutes’ walk away

Merrylands

Merrion Farm

• Quiet, family-friendly site on a working dairy farm
• Half an hour's drive from Arundel Castle or Worthing beach
• Half a mile from Downs Link National Trail; fishing by arrangement

Croquet Lawn Camping at Court Farm

• Family-run farm site in the Kent Downs, a mile from Halling village
• A 10-minute drive to Rochester, 20 minutes to Leeds Castle
• Well-stocked farm shop on site; next to the North Downs Way

Lower Gages Farm

Jacobs Copse

• Woodland hammock camping in the New Forest
• Sleep in the open air on a 10-acre woodland site
• Half an hour from both Southampton and Portsmouth

Vann Farm Camping

• Rural and informal Ockley camping field in the Surrey Hills
• A 20-minute drive to Horsham; 45 minutes to the beach
• Walking or biking distance from pubs

Longleys Farm Campsite

• Peaceful farm campsite on 180 acres, a mile from Hailsham
• Herstmonceux Castle 15 minutes’ drive; Eastbourne beach 25 minutes
• Part of a working organic dairy farm, with a mobile farm shop on site