Campgrounds for backpackers in South East England

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

Brightling Park Campsite

• Spacious site next to woodland in the middle of a country estate
• A 10-minute drive from Battle and half an hour from Hastings
• Campfires, barbecues and kids welcome on the peaceful grounds

Broadlands Lake Campsite

• Camping on an 82-acre estate between the New Forest and river Test
• A 10-minute drive from Romsey town centre and Paultons Park
• Well-stocked fishing lakes and clubhouse serving hot meals or snacks

Hunts Farm

• Rural Surrey site over 35 acres, 10 minutes' drive from Guildford
• Thorpe Park and Chessington theme parks within a half-hour drive
• Pick your own pitch; pub 10 minutes' walk away

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

Joanland Field

• Secluded wild camping just outside Warnham village in West Sussex
• South Downs National Park and Knepp Castle Estate a 20-minute drive
• Quiet and off-grid grass pitches within 20 minutes’ walk of a pub

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

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

Kingsdown International Camping Centre

Lake on the Farm Camping

• A stay on a dog-friendly farm site next to a lake with rural surrounds
• A 10-minute drive from Compton Beach and 20 minutes from The Needles
• Pub 20 minutes’ walk away, with woodland and beach walks locally

Dedham Lodge

• Well-equipped caravan with private garden and barbecue
• Constable Country: five minutes' drive to Dedham, 20 to Flatford Mill
• Free-range eggs and local produce available; horses and dogs on site

West Sands Holiday Park

Whitehouse Farm Campsite

• Pop-up site for guests aged over 25 and families in Essex countryside
• Free kids’ zorbing on site; Tropical Wings Zoo 10 minutes’ drive
• Free live music and crafting activities for Essex Farm Family Festival

Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Camping

• Dog-friendly glamping site on an Essex farm
• Next to a nature reserve and a 15-minute drive from Clacton-on-Sea
• Within walking distance of an aqua park; fishing reservoir nearby

Lower Gages Farm

Little Leigh’s Campsite

• Simple but well-maintained Essex pitches in Little Leighs
• A 20-minute drive to Chelmsford or Stansted Airport
• Barbecue area on site; village shop and pub five minutes' drive

Merrylands