Ouse Meadow Campsite

View prices & book 9.7 103 reviews
Peaceful setting
Peaceful setting
Calm evening
Campsite across the river
Railway meadow wide
End of riverbank meadow
Railway meadow space
Railway meadow looking down
View across to the national trust gardens
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Calm evening
Campsite across the river
Railway meadow wide

  • Almost-wild camping on the banks of the Ouse river by Sheffield Park
  • Bluebell Railway station over the road; Ashdown Forest 10 mins' drive
  • Rope swings, hammocks and play area; firepits for hire on site
What an excellent spot for an East Sussex break – as the name suggests, Ouse Meadow Campsite is on the banks of the Ouse river, and it’s got views out over the lovely National Trust-owned scenery of Sheffield Park (which is free to wander around and can be accessed via a bridge and footpath from the site). Just across the road is another splendid attraction in the form of Sheffield Park station, a stop on the steam-powered Bluebell Railway line – you’ll be able to board trains here or just watch them puff past (a real treat for train fans of all ages…). The site is also just on the southern edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so there are walks galore to be had nearby – and handily there’s a brewery and taproom just over the road for a restorative drink when you get back. Shops for other supplies (and indeed more pubs) are 15 minutes’ drive away in Lewes. ‘Wild camping stays with a few little luxuries’ is how the owners describe their site – the emphasis is on maintaining a peaceful environment, but you will have access to basic amenities of drinking water, toilets and showers, and will be allowed to bring along off-ground barbecues (or hire firepits and buy logs on site if you’d like to have a campfire). There are no set pitches, so you can choose the spot you most like the look of and set it up how you wish (within reason…) with things like an awning or a gazebo. Free-range kids can play swingball and badminton or use the rope swings; there are also a few hammocks around for chillout time.

Campground type

Tent sites 50
Open now
Opens May 2
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality flashlight with them as parts of the park are unlit.
  • There are no garbage cans onsite: all garbage will need to be taken home with you.
  • Please be aware that there is a river running along the boundary of the campsite so children must be monitored at all times.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, May 2 to

Reviews

9.7

Overall rating from 103 Pitchup.com customers

  • 86%
    10
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    9
  • 7%
    8
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Peaceful

100% would recommend this campground to a friend

97% would stay here again

What customers say

Ouse Meadow provides a spacious, peaceful camp, lauded for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic riverside setting. Guests loved the generous pitch spacing, well-kept outdoor facilities, and plentiful kids' activities like rope swings. Proximity to the Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park is a big plus. Most feedback is excellent, though a few noted occasional noise and no on-site trash disposal.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 11
Arrival date (latest first)

This is an excellent site, clean and very peaceful. A lovely host too.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Nick S.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked The meadows, the host, the amenities the peace and quiet.

Disliked There was nothing to dislike.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Spotless facilities and attention to detail. Great communication and Hospitality. Beautiful Views…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
S G.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked Spotless facilities and attention to detail. Great communication and Hospitality. Beautiful Views and walks and an even steam railway opposite and a national trust garden next door . Camp is based on trust and respect for your fellow camper and respect for those providing a lovely location for others to spend time. It is not an effort to take one’s rubbish home , in fact it makes one generate less of it which is something we should all address in our daily lives .. Showers are spacious and spotless as are the loos and handbasins . Many Thanks to Neil and to Macie. We will be back I’m sure .

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very large fields so plenty of room

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Kerry H.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked Friendly staff. Helped when needed.
Fire pits and kindling available
Very spacious
Location is perfect for the bluebell railway

Recommend to friends Visit again

Good access to facilities, friendly check in and extremely helpful with extras…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked Good access to facilities, friendly check in and extremely helpful with extras like fire pits and wood etc., as well as checking in on guests in heat to make sure they were okay.
Loved adult only field. Easy access to beautiful hikes. Great tea/coffee can and pizza van - made the stay even more enjoyable.

Would definitely recommend!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Worth a visit

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked All of it!

Disliked Bins on sight would have helped but not a big problem

Recommend to friends Visit again

We loved Ouse Meadow, it was a beautifully calm and quiet place…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked We loved Ouse Meadow, it was a beautifully calm and quiet place right next to the river.
The on site amenities were great, I especially loved the open air showers. There's a coffee shop, bar and pizza van and just over the road is a brewery bar, an easy walk away. It's a big place so it's not cramped with campers, we stayed in the adult only field which was a nice touch when we arrived. Thanks guys, a lovely weekend was had!

Recommend to friends Visit again

A beautifully spacious site, well kept site, great scenery, friendly.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 1
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked A beautifully spacious site, set in stunning countryside, and within walking distance of a National Trust site, the Bluebell Railway, and most importantly, the excellent 360 degrees Brewery.
There were separate fields for adults only, families, and groups, which was brilliant, and great views across the fields from the field we were on, the adult only.
Loads of space on the fields, so there was loads of room between tents.
It was only a few minutes walk to the facilities, which were basic, but good enough, and not too busy, even on a scorching weekend in June.
The owner/manager was very welcoming and informative.
We’re already looking at going again soon.

Disliked The only thing that may be improved, is possibly the number of showers - only three for the site, and the showers themselves. Whilst they were lovely and hot and spacious, they were open air, and no duck board or something to stand on when you’re getting dry. That’s the only reason it doesn’t get 10/10!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The site was spacious. Toilets clean and showers were lovely and warm. The…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Patsy G.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked The site was spacious. Toilets clean and showers were lovely and warm.
The owner was very friendly and helpful.

Disliked I wished people would respect the quiet time 10 pm to 8 am

Recommend to friends Visit again

Location is perfect - right next to Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
Rosie W.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked Location is perfect - right next to Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park National Trust so no need to move the van. Brewery across the road is nice and the owner had a little bar on the site too which was fun! There is no WiFi but we knew that in advance and it didn’t bother us at all.

Disliked Nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked the adults only camping field, position of the site to Sheffield…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Neil W.

Primitive grass tent, campervan or trailer tent campsite

Liked Liked the adults only camping field, position of the site to Sheffield Park and the bluebell railway. Friendly host and good vibe.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports Wild swimming

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Hikers’ paradise Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Outdoor pool nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Ouse Meadow Campsite

Sheffield Park

Lewes

East Sussex

England

TN22 3QL

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.9937°N
0.00247°E

Route directions

Look out for the site directly opposite the Bluebell Railway (Sheffield Park station)

Nearest transport

Bus
3.5 mi School Lane
3.6 mi School Lane
4.4 mi Bus Station
Rail
4.4 mi Uckfield Rail Station
4.8 mi Haywards Heath Rail Station
5.3 mi Plumpton Rail Station
Ferry
14.2 mi Newhaven Harbour Ferry Terminal
Airport
13.4 mi London Gatwick Airport South Terminal
13.4 mi London Gatwick Airport
14 mi London Gatwick Airport North Terminal

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

You’ll definitely want to pack your walking boots for a stay here, as there are lots of options for exploring on foot. A short 10-minute walk gets you to Ringwood Toll, which has a great natural woodland play trail for the kids, while a half-hour wander along the riverbank takes you to Newick for a butcher, a baker and three pubs. You’ll want to take a stroll around Sheffield Park (next door) as well – and quite possibly the lovely trails of Ashdown Forest (10 minutes’ drive), which inspired AA Milne and has various Winnie-the-Pooh-themed areas. The gorgeous gardens of Wakehurst (20 minutes) and Nymans (25 minutes) are well worth a visit too. Heading south, you’ll get to the South Downs National Park within about 15 minutes’ drive for lots more great walks. It’s also easy to get to places like Drusillas Park (35 minutes) for animal spotting, or Brighton (40 minutes) for a day at the beach.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Brighton Kemptown 13.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentGood
Saltdean 13.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Brighton Central 13.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Hove 13.9 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Southwick 15.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Sheffield Park Garden 0.5 mi

Bluebell Railway 0.6 mi

Wakehurst Place 6.4 mi

Standen 7.6 mi

Nymans 9.5 mi

National Trust

Sheffield Park Garden 0.5 mi

Wakehurst Place 6.3 mi

Standen 7.6 mi

Nymans 9.6 mi

Monk's House 10.8 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

SHEFFIELD PARK 0.6 mi

Danehill - Cumnor House - Newnhams - Buttocks Bank Wood 2.8 mi

NEWICK PARK 2.9 mi

Horsted Keynes - Sheffield Park 4.2 mi

Fairwarp - Ashdown Forest - Fairwarp 4.2 mi

Local events

  • Arundel Festival (Saturday, August 16, 2025 – Saturday, August 16, 2025)

    Arundel, England 26.1 mi

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.

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in East Sussex?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Ouse Meadow Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Ouse Meadow Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Ouse Meadow Campsite? You’ll definitely want to pack your walking boots for a stay here, as there are lots of options for exploring on foot. A short 10-minute walk gets you to Ringwood Toll, which … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Ouse Meadow Campsite?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Ouse Meadow Campsite? From $34.89 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.