Wild Combe Camping

From £36 For 1 night, 4 adults 9.7 25 reviews
Early evening (added by manager 02 Apr 2022)
Paddleboarding on the reservoir (added by manager 02 apr 2022)
Bell tent pitches (added by manager 02 apr 2022)
Five-metre bell tent (added by manager 02 apr 2022)

  • Small, dog-friendly South Downs National Park site with two reservoirs
  • A five-minute drive to the South Downs Way and paddleboarding on site
  • Logs available for firepits and a pub five minutes’ walk away
Pick a hammock in the trees or a place to lay down underneath the sky and make time to relax, stargaze and get back to the basics… in between your wild swimming and paddleboarding, that is, because Wild Combe Camping in West Sussex has two private reservoirs for the sole use of their guests. This small, rural site tucked away in the South Downs National Park has no electricity (just the stars and the odd festoon lights hanging around). This is very much a family-focused site (furry friends included) all about making memories. What memories might these be? Well, perhaps nights around the firepit (the site sells logs from their felled trees for these) and paddleboarding on one of the two reservoirs (one is a short walk across a sleeper bridge and the other across a field). It'll surely include showering under the oak trees in a small copse with four bucket showers too. There’s a splendid copse for children to have adventures, as well as a rope swing and hammocks in the trees, and handy girls and boys’ loos. When you don’t fancy yet another barbecue, walk five minutes to the pub in Elsted village, which has views of the rolling South Downs, local beer and excellent food. The fuel will come in handy for all the walks in the South Downs – the South Downs Way is easily accessed five minutes’ drive away at Beacon Hill. Petersfield (15 minutes’ drive) to the west and Midhurst (10 minutes) to the east are places to sort any other essentials. When you budding explorers aren’t here, the fields go back to the way they were, and nature takes back control. That means you’re likely to see lots of wildlife. If you’re lucky this might include bouncy deer, super-fast hares, pheasants, herons by the reservoirs and frogs that have made their way over the fields and hedgerows in search of a watery home.

Site type

Rent a tent 3
Tent sites 47
Opens 24 May
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • Group bookings of 3 or more units (e.g. tent, caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Dogs are not allowed if you are staying in the accommodation units.
  • Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • The campground/park caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • Minimum spacing of 15 metres between pitches.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the campground/park are unlit.
  • No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
  • No electric barbecues allowed.
  • There are no bins onsite: all rubbish will need to be taken home with you.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 24 May to

Open from Fri, 12 Jul to

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

100%

would recommend this site to a friend

100%

would stay here again

  • 84%
    10
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  • 16%
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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Camping as it should be done

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Ellen v. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Tennis Wells unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Lovely campsite as it should be done. Spacious pitches with firepits to hire, and dog friendly. There’s a lovely pub a short walk away and lots of dog walks within easy reach

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lots of space and beautiful views, so you can feel as if…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Sarah F. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

The Roughs unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Lots of space and beautiful views, so you can feel as if you're almost camping in the wild. Lyndsey was very welcoming and helpful and I felt really safe staying here as a solo female camper. I'll definitely be back again.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing campsite!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Aine B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Struttons unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Amazing campsite! Lyndsay is so welcoming and helpful. I rented a fire pit and it was just a magical evening! The reservoir is stunning, perfect for a paddle/swim! Will definitely be returning soon!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely setting, great touches like the lanterns in the woods, tree swings,…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Audrey C. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Struttons unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Lovely setting, great touches like the lanterns in the woods, tree swings, log fire pits.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely almost wild camping in a beautiful part of the South Downs.

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation No rating
Facilities / Activities No rating
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness No rating
Wifi No rating
Felicity M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

The Roughs unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Beautiful countryside and views, plenty of space and very quiet midweek. We stayed in the Roughs which is a huge field with pitches dotted around the edge. Lovely walk to the pub in Elsted. It has a very pleasant beer garden overlooking the South Downs hills. We enjoyed sitting by the fire in the evenings looking at the stars and watching the moon rise over the trees (it was clear the day after the supermoon). We didn’t end up going in the reservoir due to the weather (and mud), but could see it would be very attractive in warmer weather. Lovely walks up in the Downs. The National Trust Harting Down has a carpark and is a good place to start. We also visited Uppark (National Trust) which was beautiful. Lyndsay is very friendly and full of information. We also enjoyed Cowdray Farm shop and Cafe in Midhurst. Lovely spot for lunch or coffee.

Disliked: We’ve never stayed somewhere without running water and did miss having hot showers but it was such a lovely site it was worth it for a few days. There are bucket showers available with water bowsers near by.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site and host, lovely time on lake Kayaking, thank you and…

Overall 8/10
Location 8
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 8
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 8
Wifi 2
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

The Roughs unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Great site and host, lovely time on lake Kayaking, thank you and see you again

Recommend to friends Visit again

lots of space, reservoir for paddle boarding. pizza truck, nice location for…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
james m. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Struttons unpowered grass tent site

Liked: lots of space, reservoir for paddle boarding. pizza truck, nice location for walks.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site for a peaceful getaway.

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Katie M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Struttons unpowered grass tent site

Liked: The campsite was beautiful. Really peaceful. Lyndsay greeted us as soon as we arrived and made us feel very welcome. The fire pit was lovely and really easy to order. The toilets were very clean too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wide open spaces. Only essential developments. Back to nature!…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 8
Wifi No rating
Alan S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

The Roughs unpowered grass tent site

Liked: Wide open spaces. Only essential developments. Back to nature!

Disliked: Basic toilets are fine. Just don't understand how some people think it's OK to not clean up after themselves!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect wild weekend away!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Zahra D. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Struttons unpowered grass tent site

Liked: We loved having the chance to paddle board with our family and relax on site in such beautiful surroundings!

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house

Cycle hire

Evening entertainment

Fishing

Fitness centre

Games room

Indoor swimming pool

Kids' club

On-site restaurant/cafe

Outdoor swimming pool

Play area

TV room

Take away

Tennis

Watersports

Wild swimming

Amenities on site

Bath available

Car parking by site/unit

Composting toilet

Disabled facilities

Dog park

Drying room

Food shop

Free wifi

Ice pack freezing

Internet access

Laundry

Parent & baby washroom

Pick-up from public transport

Portable toilet

Pub toilets

Public telephone

Shower available

Toilet block

Washing-up area

Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly

Motorcycle friendly

Single-sex groups welcome

Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided

Barbecues allowed

Campfires allowed

Commercial vehicles allowed

Dogs allowed

Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker

Bush

Lake and/or mountain

Peaceful

Remote location

Spectacular scenery

Walkers' paradise

Wild camping

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Dump point

Electric car charging point(s)

Gas cylinders available

No hot water

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Convenience store nearby

Dog walk nearby

Nearby farmers' market

Type

Farm

Medium (26-50 sites)

Pop-up campsite

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby

Cycling nearby

Mountain biking nearby

Restaurant nearby

Location

Wild Combe Camping

Elsted

Midhurst

West Sussex

England

GU29 0JY

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.97278°N
-0.83125°W

Nearest transport

Coach
8 km Dragon Street
8 km Dragon Street
13.4 km Precinct
Rail
8.6 km Petersfield Rail Station
9 km Liss Rail Station
11.2 km Liphook Rail Station
Ferry
18 km Bosham Hoe Ferry Landing
18.6 km West Itchenor Ferry Landing
23.9 km Hayling Island Ferry Landing
Airport
37.2 km Southampton Airport
41.1 km Shoreham Brighton City Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Your time in the South Downs might take you to valleys, farm parks and historic estates… the National Trust’s Harting Down (10 minutes’ drive) is a peaceful pocket of wildlife with plenty of wildflowers and valley views. Sky Park Farm (10 minutes) is another place for wildlife fans – the deer farm has opportunities to get up and close with the herds, as well as playgrounds and a farm shop. While you’re here, you might want to catch a horse or motor race at the Goodwood Motor Circuit (25 minutes), or have your own driving experience over the circuit. Cowdray House (15 minutes) has a fine range of activities across its country estate, including golf, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing or polo lessons. What else? Paddleboarding, surfing or swimming from the West Wittering Estate (45 minutes)? There’s also a popular pilgrimage route to Chichester Cathedral (25 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020 2019 2018 2017
West Wittering 22.6 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Eastoke 23.4 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Bracklesham Bay 23.6 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Bognor Regis (Aldwick) 23.6 km Sea Good Good N/A N/A
Pagham 23.8 km Sea N/A Excellent Good Good

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Uppark House and Garden 4.5 km

West Dean Gardens 8.5 km

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum 8.9 km

Goodwood House 12.9 km

Fishbourne Roman Palace 15.2 km

National Trust

Uppark House and Garden 4.8 km

Petworth House and Park 15.5 km

Hindhead Commons and The Devil's Punch Bowl Caf� 17.1 km

Oakhurst Cottage 22.9 km

Hinton Ampner 23.7 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Elsted - Didling - Treyford - Elsted 0.5 km

Elsted - Treyford and the Downs 0.5 km

Harting - Hooksway 3.6 km

Midhurst Area - Stedham - Trotton - Iping 3.7 km

South Harting - West Harting Down - Torberry Hill 3.8 km

Local events

  • Goodwood Festival of Speed (Thursday, 11 July 2024 – Thursday, 11 July 2024)

    Chichester, England 12.9 km

  • Arundel Festival (Saturday, 17 August 2024 – Saturday, 17 August 2024)

    Arundel, England 23.4 km

  • Wickham Festival (Thursday, 1 August 2024 – Thursday, 1 August 2024)

    Fareham, England 26.2 km

  • Farnborough International Airshow (Monday, 22 July 2024 – Monday, 22 July 2024)

    Farnborough, England 33.5 km

  • CarFest (Friday, 23 August 2024 – Friday, 23 August 2024)

    Basingstoke, England 40.4 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in West Sussex?

  • Does Wild Combe Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Wild Combe Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Wild Combe Camping? Your time in the South Downs might take you to valleys, farm parks and historic estates… the National Trust’s Harting Down (10 minutes’ drive) is a peaceful pocket of wildlife with plenty … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Wild Combe Camping?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Wild Combe Camping? From $75.53 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.