Thinking of going camping near London? From beautiful locations like the Surrey Hills and South Downs, to picking the right tent, this guide will help you plan.
I’ve always been surprised by how quickly you can escape London and feel like you’re immersed in the countryside. After a busy week in the city, there’s something particularly satisfying about pitching a tent, heading out for a walk and spending the evening outside. Even better, you can cook up a delicious meal over a campfire and wind down with some stargazing. What’s not to love?
The good news is that you don’t need to drive for hours to reach places that offer all of this. From the Surrey Hills and the rolling landscapes of the Chilterns, to the South Downs and Kent countryside, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to pitch a tent near the capital.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family camping trip or simply want a break from your busy life in the city, these are some of my favourite places to visit.
Best Places To Go Camping Near London
If you’re looking for the best campsites near London, here are some of my top picks.
Camping in the Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills are one of the easiest places to go camping near London. Just south of the capital, this beautiful landscape combines rolling hills, historic woodlands, charming villages and some excellent walking routes.
Alderstead Heath Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite near Redhill is one of my top picks. It’s really convenient for Londoners and provides access to walking and cycling routes around the Surrey Hills. Another option is Waggoners Campsite near Farnham, an off-grid campsite surrounded by woodland and countryside.
For something more rustic, I’d recommend looking at Etherley Farm near Dorking, which offers non-electric grass pitches and a back-to-basics camping experience. Let’s face it, we’re all addicted to our phones, so somewhere like this is perfect for a digital detox.
With attractions including Box Hill and Leith Hill nearby, Surrey is an excellent choice for a one or two-night camping trip.
Camping in The Chilterns
Head north-west from London and you’ll find the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for beech woodland, rolling countryside and historic villages. I’m probably biased, as it’s where I grew up, but I think this is one of the prettiest regions in the south of England!
Chiltern Retreat Rural Camping near Henley-on-Thames is a really great option for getting closer to nature. Or you could book a pitch at Hill Farm Camping, Glamping and Caravan Site. This one is really close to Wendover Woods, a gorgeous area of woodland with plenty of trails for families to explore.
The Chiltern Hills are particularly good for walkers. You can spend the day exploring the countryside, stopping at cute village pubs for meals, before relaxing by your tent in the evening.
Camping in The South Downs
If you’re happy to travel a little further, the South Downs make an excellent destination for a weekend camping trip from London.
The South Downs National Park offers spectacular views, rolling chalk hills and miles of walking trails. Campsites in and around the park range from traditional pitches to glamping options.
For a quieter experience, The Secret Campsite near Lewes is worth considering. Alternatively, Littleton Farm Campsite near Petworth provides a rural base for exploring the western side of the South Downs. We’ve stayed around here before and absolutely loved it. One of my favourite days was spent exploring the area around Cowdray Ruins – if you get the chance to visit, do!
The area is particularly good if you’re planning a long weekend away. It’ll give you time to combine camping with hiking, sightseeing and visits to the area’s historic towns.
Camping in Kent and the Kent Downs
For countryside, woodland and easy access to the coast, how about heading towards Kent? The Kent Downs offer rolling hills, ancient woodland and plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling. There are also numerous campsites where you can combine a traditional camping trip with visits to nearby towns and attractions. I did a lovely trip to the village of Wye, and spent a whole afternoon following one of the spectacular walking routes.
Kent is a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a camping weekend that feels like more of a holiday without travelling too far from London. You could combine a country walk with an afternoon in Folkestone, a vibrant and arty town on the coast.
Camping in West London and Surrey
You don’t always have to head deep into the countryside to enjoy a camping trip near London.
If you’re based in West London, how about visiting Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site? This one is in a great location beside the Thames, and is close to attractions including Thorpe Park!
Another option I’d pick out is Horsley Camping and Caravanning Club Site near Leatherhead. You’ll be close to lovely Surrey countryside, but it’s also nice and close to places such as RHS Garden Wisley.
While these options won’t give you the big country landscapes, they’re worth considering if you want a short journey while all the elements of a great camping experience.
Tips For Camping Near London
Treat It As A Digital Detox
I think the best camping trips are the ones where you don’t try to do too much. We’ve tried to pack in too many places to trips before, and we end up feeling frazzled by the end. The beauty of camping is partly the experience of slow mornings waking up in nature, stargazing at night and simple meals and chats around the campfire or fire pit (where campsites allow them).
I’d recommend choosing a quiet campsite, putting your phone away and spending the weekend walking, reading, cooking and enjoying the outdoors. The Surrey Hills and Chilterns are particularly well suited to this kind of escape, with plenty of countryside to explore without needing a packed itinerary.
Choosing comfortable tents for you and your family will make a big difference to your enjoyment of your camping trip. This is particularly true if you’re camping with children or staying for more than one night. I’d look for something spacious, weatherproof and easy to pitch, so you’re not spending half the weekend wrestling with tent poles.
For a short camping trip near London, look for a tent that suits the number of people travelling with you, has enough room for your gear and is straightforward to pitch. After all, if you get the setup right, you can spend less time worrying about the weather and more time enjoying your weekend outdoors!
Extend Your Trip To Two Nights
If you’re camping near London, don’t underestimate the difference an extra night can make.
Arrive on Friday evening, set up camp and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the site. On Saturday, head out for a long walk or explore a nearby town before returning for dinner. Then you can have a leisurely Sunday morning, with breakfast around the campfire and one final walk before heading home.
This approach makes camping feel much more like a proper break rather than simply sleeping outdoors for one night.
The best campsite near London depends on what you’re looking for. For countryside and walking, the Surrey Hills and Chilterns are hard to beat. For dramatic landscapes and longer hikes, choose the South Downs. Or if you’d like to combine camping with beaches and ocean views, take a trip to Kent.
I hope you have a great trip, wherever you decide to go. When you get the perfect camping setup, weather and group of friends or family, there’s no better adventure!