Van in a camping site
July 20, 2023

The best places to go camping near London

Staycations are here to stay! If you’re planning a holiday close to home this summer, camping is one of the best ways to get close to nature without breaking the bank. There are plenty of brilliant camp sites near London, from forest camping and family camping to yurt camping and lesser-known campsites that give the feel of wild camping. If you’re looking for camp sites that are a short drive from London, check out these great locations to jump in a Zipcar and pitch up your tent in no time!

 

Forest camping near London

Pitch your tent beneath the treetops for that wild camping experience at these forest camping spots near London.

tent in the woods

 

Chilterns Retreat

Located in a beautiful secluded woodland in the stunning Chiltern Hills, Chilterns Retreat is the perfect campsite near London for groups of friends to pitch up and enjoy the local walks and pubs or simply relax beneath the treetops. With a shower block, toilets, small farm shop and large, private pitches both in the woodland and a neighbouring field, this campsite has everything you need – and it’s within easy reach of London via the M40.

Distance from London by car: 36 miles

tree trunk with wood sign and arrow to campsite

 

Bagdells Wood Camping

It’s the closest thing to wild camping near London without breaking the law! Bagdells Wood Camping offers a range of pitches in woodland to suit groups of friends, families with children and everyone in between. Pitches all include fire pits so you can keep warm and trade stories around the fire as the night draws in.

Distance from London by car: 30 miles

campsite on the edge of a forest

 

Welsummer Camping

Choose from meadow camping, woodland camping and even luxury cabins, bell tents and unique glamping pods at Welsummer Camping. Located on the edge of Kent Downs AONB, the eco-conscious campsite is close to plenty of beautiful countryside, not to mention within an easy drive of a multitude of beaches!

Distance from London by car: 46 miles

Book a Zipcar

 

Field camping near London

From wildflower meadows to lush green fields with farm animals as your neighbours, these field camping sites near London give you sunshine by day and starry skies by night.

close up of tent peg anchor on the ground tent hook of tent camping

 

Strictly Camping

South-facing fields in the beautiful Kent countryside are ideal for camping close to London. These spacious pitches mean there’s plenty of room for ball games, and with table tennis and a boules pitch on site, Strictly Camping is perfect for groups of friends and families alike.

Distance from London by car: 43 miles

aerial view of idyllic campsite at sunset with north london countryside

 

Lucy’s Barn Camping Field

A huge, sweeping field gives you plenty of space to unwind in the beautiful Kent countryside. With individual toilets and showers, picnic benches next to pitches and plenty of beautiful walks close by, Lucy’s Barn Camping Field makes a great base for exploring Kent.

Distance from London by car: 27 miles

Book a Zipcar

 

Glamping near London

Glamping is becoming ever-more popular in the UK, and these glampsites near London have everything you need for a luxurious experience under canvas.

bell tent with bunting in a glamping field

 

Hill Farm Campsite

The beautiful bell tents at Hill Farm Campsite have everything you could need for a luxurious glamping experience in the Chilterns. Expect fluffy towels, proper beds with memory foam mattresses and duvets (not a sleeping bag in sight!), your own barbecue and many more creature comforts - including insta-worthy rugs and blankets inside the cosy glamping tents.

Distance from London by car: 42 miles

summer bell tent camping in wildflower field at sunrise

 

Home Farm Glamping

These bell tents and yurts are just 13 miles north of London! Home Farm Glamping is even near the London underground - just three miles from Stanmore station on the Jubilee Line - not that you’d know it with the beautiful countryside surrounding the campsite. Each luxurious yurt and bell tent features an outdoor seating area complete with firepit and barbecue, perfect for enjoying the outdoors in style. 

Distance from London by car: 15 miles

camping stove and kettle with chairs

 

Surrey Hills Yurts

When it comes to yurt camping near London, it doesn’t get much better than Surrey Hills Yurts. Located in the heart of Surrey Hills AONB, this eco-friendly glamping site will help you relax and unwind in nature. Choose from a range of rural crafting activities, hike the beautiful walking routes on your doorstep, try your aim at archery, or even visit a vineyard for a wine tour! Whatever you choose to do, your spacious and beautifully decorated yurt makes the perfect base.

Distance from London by car: 29 miles