Campgrounds for backpackers in South East England

Merrylands

Southdown Way Caravan & Camping Park

High Barn Retreats

• Dog-friendly wild camping site in the South Downs National Park
• A 25-minute drive from Lewes and half an hour’s drive from Brighton
• A five-minute drive to pubs, local shops and the beach in Rottingdean

The Merry Camper

• A peaceful pop-up campsite with pub access, scenic walks, and direct links to London – all set in the heart of rural Essex.

Morleys Farm

• Relaxed adults-only Sevenoaks Weald campsite with stunning views
• A 15-minute drive to Hever Castle and Penshurst Place
• Barbecues, firepits and communal campfire; pub 15 minutes' walk

Holden Farm Camping

• Traditional site on a scenic working farm
• On the South Downs Way close to the South Downs National Park
• Close to local cafés, pubs and a farm shop

Park Farm Camping

• Pop-up campsite on a family farm near Calbourne on the Isle of Wight
• A 20-minute drive to The Needles, and 15 minutes to Carisbrooke Castle
• Grass pitches close to walking routes; beaches, pubs and shops nearby

Column Wood Campsite

• Wild pop-up site in the High Weald National Landscape
• Seven acres of scenic woodland half an hour's drive from Hastings
• Half an hour’s walk from Robertsbridge village shops and pub

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

Wishwood Glamping

• Family-friendly glamping accommodation in a 16-acre woodland
• A 10-minute drive to Canterbury and Herne Bay; Whitstable, 20 minutes
• Private garden areas with sheltered outdoor kitchen and dining areas

The Moon Pod

• A couples’ sleeping pod up-cycled from an observatory in East Sussex
• Battle Abbey and Bodiam Castle 15 minutes’ drive; Rye 20 minutes
• Private shower hut plus garden and wildlife pond overlooking farmland

Perching Manor Farm Wild Camping

• Dog-friendly wild camping site on a South Downs working farm
• A 15-minute drive from Shoreham-by-Sea; half an hour from Brighton
• Walking and cycle paths directly accessible from the site

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

Ashcroft Coast Holiday Park

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

Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel

Swift Farm

• Small and simple campsite deep in the Kent countryside
• Deal 15 minutes' drive; Broadstairs 25 minutes
• On an eco-friendly smallholding; families/solo travellers welcome