Camping In The South Downs [2023]: Wild Camping, Best Campsites, South Downs Way & More!

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Last updated on July 2, 2023 by Wandering our World

The stunning South Downs is known for it’s striking chalk cliffs, fresh sea air and epic long-distance walks. That’s why camping in the South Downs is becoming more and more popular every year.

There are several good campsites in and around the South Downs – we recommend some of our favourites in this article.

Wild camping in the South Downs is also possible, although wild camping is technically illegal in most of England. It is, however, sometimes tolerated if certain guidelines are adhered to.

If you are determined to wild camp here – like many who walk the 160km South Downs Way do – we have some tips and guidelines to be a considerate camper later on in this article.

So grab your tent, some walking boots, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. It’s time to begin your South Downs camping adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Jacoblund

Camping In The South Downs: A Holiday Of A Lifetime

The lush green South Downs and its beautiful range of chalk hills have been a popular camping destination for decades, thanks to the timeless towns and remarkable scenery throughout this region.

Many campsites are located close to some of the main walking, hiking and cycling routes. So they’re a good place to stay if you are planning a multi-day walking or cycling holiday such as the South Downs Way.

A good book with many of the walking trails in the South Downs – like this one – or a book which details the South Downs Way, can be an invaluable resource in helping to plan your walk and what campsites you should stay at.

However if you’re looking for some great campsite recommendations, below we share some of our favorite campsites in and around the South Downs. Before then taking a closer look at wild camping in the South Downs, and how it can be done respectfully.

Photo via Unsplash+

Our Favourite Campsites In The South Downs For Fun, Views & Adventure

1. Housedean Farm Camping

Situated on the South Downs Way, this small campsite is perfect for walking enthusiasts who want direct access to the region’s famous hiking routes.

However Housedean Farm is also a fantastic campsite in itself. Serene and unspoiled, we love the gorgeous unspoiled views here, and every pitch is spacious and comes with its own fire pit. After all, there’s no better camping experience than making a roaring fire under the moonlight.

It’s quiet, laid back, and rustic. Facilities are basic, but there are hot showers available, clean toilets, a communal fridge and freezer, and a washing up area too.

Housedean are reasonably priced too, charing £15 per night per adult which includes everything and no hidden costs. This place is mainly for tents, but they take small campervans too.

Address: Brighton Rd, Lewes BN7 3JW

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

2. Blackberry Wood

This national park woodland campsite is the ideal getaway for those who want a taste of nature, but with hot showers, flushing toilets, and a quirky side.

Along with private and pretty camping and caravan pitches, there’s also some really unique glamping options, so you have the option to stay in an (actual) helicopter, fire engine, bus, or treehouse!

Kids will love this place too as Blackberry has plenty to explore in its forest, a kids play area, tyre swings, a steam to splash around in and even a zip line! And with prices starting at £10 in low season, this has got to be one of the most affordable South Downs camping options out there too.

As it’s situated close to the South Downs Way, there’s access to many cycling and walking routes. So it’s a great place to be based if you’re looking for an active holiday. And if you get peckish after all that outdoor adventure, a range of food trucks often come to this campsite in the evening! Fresh pizza anyone?

Address: Streat Ln, Ditchling, Hassocks BN6 8RS

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/doble-d

3. Manor Farm Campsite

Manor Farm Campsite is little known, but for the panoramic views alone it should be.

Set on a working farm in the middle of the South Downs National Park, this friendly campsite is basic and rural. But with that comes a proper sense of camping, and a real feeling of being close to nature.

The facilities they have – toilets, shower, drinking water – are all clean and well maintained, and there’s also a pub, The Blue Bell, just a few steps away from the campsite.

On top of that the South Downs Way is just 150m away, there’s loads of walking trails close by, and there’s a bus service nearby that will take you to Midhurst and Chichester. 

But what we really love here is the serenity in the evenings, the sunsets, and the incredible stargazing opportunities. At £10 per person per night, we think this place is a real steal!

Address: South Downs National Park, Hillbarn Lane South Downs Cocking, Midhurst GU29 0HS

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

4. Fox Wood Campsite

Situated on the edge of the South Downs, Fox Wood Campsite is perfectly located to explore the region – including the historic cathedral city of Chichester.

But what this place is famous for locally is how family friendly it is! They don’t allow adults only groups to camp here, but rather encourage families and couples to stay. With three pubs just a short walking distance away – with playgrounds too – it’s little surprise this place is popular with adults and kids!

The pitches are spacious, secluded and each has a fire pit for evening campfires and stories. And there’s often entertainment and food options at the weekend like a circus, mobile bar, birds of prey handling, and food vans! Fox Wood really does know how to please the whole family!

Address: Fox Wood, Selden Lane, Patching BN13 3UL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Valerii Apertroaiei

Wild Camping In The South Downs

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Like other areas of England, wild camping in the South Downs isn’t officially allowed, however people still do it. Although campers are allowed to pitch their tent if they have the permission of a landowner.

However as the South Downs is a popular walking and hiking area, many outdoor enthusiasts often wild camp here.

If you are planning to wild camp in the South Downs – and can’t be swayed to stay in a campsite instead – we’ve compiled the following guidelines to help keep you out of trouble and camp in a considerate manner:

  • You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place which will not be easily seen. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission. They may request a small fee.

  • Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet, blends in with the landscape, and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to wild camp in the South Downs.

  • If you are walking a main trail, make sure you choose to camp in a place that won’t be in any other hiker’s or walker’s way.

  • When wild camping in the South Downs you must never make a campfire. You might want to think about bringing a storm cooker with you for cooking. They tend to be safe, and are often fine to use – but you should check local laws first. Our recommendation would be the Swedish brand Trangia, as their storm cookers are safe and virtually indestructible. Portable solar ovens, like this one by GoSun, are also a good fuel-less option.

  • Take any rubbish with you, and leave your camping spot exactly the way you found it.

Below are our top tips for camping in the South Downs:

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Tips For Camping In The South Downs

  • Heavy rain can happen in the South Downs – even during the summer months. Therefore make sure you have a rainproof tent that can survive rain. A lightweight one-man walking tent like this or similar would be perfect. For a good value tent that fits more than one person, this mosquito-proof one would work well too.

  • Keep an eye out for animal poo – if there’s a lot near your perfect camping spot, you may end up being woken up by some enthusiastic animals at 3am!

  • There are many water sources in the South Downs. But remember to always have plenty of water on you when you’re walking and camping. A space-saving collapsible water bottle would be a good purchase.

  • If you’re wild camping, then go to the toilet at least 30-50 meters away from water sources, such as rivers. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste – don’t just leave it out in the open.

  • Like many rugged and wild rural areas around the world, there are flora and fauna to be aware of. So read up and make sure you know what to expect in the region or area you are planning to wild camp in.

Recommended For Your Trip To The South Downs

Tempted to go camping elsewhere? Check out our guides to camping in the Lake District, New Forest, Norway, Patagonia, Pyrenees and many others!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.