Camping Near London England – Best Sites, Nature Escapes & Travel Tips

Looking for a breath of fresh air without straying too far from the city? Whether you’re craving starry skies, forest walks, or countryside relaxation, there are plenty of scenic spots for camping near London, England. Within just 1 to 2 hours of the capital, you can find a wide range of options—from traditional tent pitches to luxury glamping pods, family-friendly parks, and riverside retreats.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top camping spots near London, what to expect, what to pack, and how to get there for the ultimate weekend getaway.

Where Can You Go Camping Near London?

The areas surrounding London include:

Surrey Hills AONB
Chiltern Hills
South Downs National Park
Epping Forest
Kent countryside
East Sussex & West Sussex
Thames Valley & Berkshire

These regions offer easy access by car, train, or coach, making them ideal for weekend escapes.

Top 10 Campsites Near London, England

Home Farm Glamping – Elstree, Hertfordshire

Distance from London: 30 mins
Why Visit: Stylish bell tents, campfires, and peaceful countryside just outside Zone 6.

Highlights:

Bell tents with real beds
On-site farm shop
Yoga and wellness retreats

Keywords: glamping near London, Hertfordshire camping, luxury tents London

Alderstead Heath Campsite – Redhill, Surrey

Distance from London: 45 mins
Why Visit: Popular with walkers exploring the North Downs Way.

Highlights:

Spacious pitches
Great for families and dogs
Woodland walking trails

Keywords: Surrey camping, family campsites near London

Lee Valley Camping & Caravan Park – Edmonton, North London

Distance from Central London: 30–40 mins
Why Visit: Close to Waltham Abbey and the Lee Valley Park for active getaways.

Highlights:

Electric hookups and glamping pods
Canoeing, cycling, and horse riding nearby
Accessible by public transport

Keywords: London camping sites, urban camping England

Eco Camp UK – East Sussex

Distance from London: 1.5 hours
Why Visit: Wild camping meets eco-living in the beautiful High Weald AONB.

Highlights:

Compost toilets and off-grid experience
Campfires and forest scenery
Walkable nature trails

Keywords: eco camping London, wild camping near London

Etherley Farm – Leith Hill, Surrey Hills

Distance from London: 1 hour
Why Visit: Working farm with views of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Highlights:

Free-range eggs and local meat
Pet-friendly camping
Walking and cycling routes

Keywords: rural campsites near London, farm camping England

Town Farm Campsite – Ivinghoe, Chiltern Hills

Distance from London: 1.5 hours
Why Visit: Perfect for hiking the Ivinghoe Beacon and Ridgeway Trail.

Highlights:

Panoramic hill views
Close to Dunstable Downs
Family and couple-friendly

Keywords: Chiltern Hills camping, Ridgeway walking holiday

Welsumer Camping – Kent Downs

Distance from London: 1 hour
Why Visit: Boho glamping and tent pitches in a peaceful woodland.

Highlights:

Safari tents and shepherd huts
Campfires allowed
Wildlife-friendly environment

Keywords: Kent glamping, camping Kent near London

Longberry Farm – Biddenden, Kent

Distance from London: 1.5 hours
Why Visit: Chic glamping with hot tubs and romantic settings.

Highlights:

Fully furnished bell tents
Adults-only areas
Close to vineyards and country pubs

Keywords: romantic glamping near London, couples camping retreats

Debden House Campsite – Loughton, Essex

Distance from London: 45 mins
Why Visit: Budget-friendly camping in Epping Forest, ideal for families.

Highlights:

Huge grassy pitches
Close to the forest for biking and walking
Dog-friendly and accessible

Keywords: Epping Forest camping, cheap campsites near London

Embassy Gardens (Camping Pods) – Berkshire

Distance from London: 1.5 hours
Why Visit: Tranquil riverside setting on the Thames.

Highlights:

Modern pods with en-suite bathrooms
Fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks
Barbecue and picnic areas

Keywords: riverside camping near London, Thames camping sites

What to Pack for Camping Near London

Tent, sleeping bag, and ground mat
Flashlight or headlamp
Cooking stove or fire pit tools (if allowed)
Warm clothing (even in summer evenings)
Offline maps or printed directions
Eco-friendly toiletries and wipes
Food and drinks (many sites offer farm shops)

Best Time to Go Camping Near London

Spring (April–June) – Pleasant weather, wildflowers, fewer crowds
Summer (July–August) – Peak season with family-friendly activities
Autumn (September–October) – Quieter, crisp evenings, stunning foliage
Winter – Limited options unless glamping with heating

How to Get There

Many campsites are easily accessible from London by:

Car – Via M25, A2, A3, or M11 depending on direction
Train + Taxi – Many sites are a short cab ride from nearby stations
Coach – National Express and local buses service key towns near campgrounds

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LSI Terms: outdoor breaks UK, camping holidays England, tent camping London, eco camping UK, family camping sites

Conclusion

If you’re craving nature without the hassle of a long journey, camping near London England is the perfect solution. From luxury glamping pods in Kent to tent camping in Surrey or Essex, you’ll find the right balance of adventure, comfort, and convenience. So pack your sleeping bag, leave the city lights behind, and reconnect with nature—just a stone’s throw from London.

FAQs

1. Where can I camp close to London?

Top nearby areas include Surrey Hills, Chilterns, Kent, Essex, and Lee Valley—all offering great campsites within 1–2 hours of London.

2. Are there glamping options near London?

Yes! Sites like Home Farm Glamping, Welsummer, and Longberry Farm offer luxury tents, pods, and shepherd huts.

3. Can I go wild camping near London?

True wild camping isn’t legal in most of England without landowner permission, but eco-friendly sites like Eco Camp UK offer a wild-camping experience legally.