good camping near london

[Julie Taylor Mills]

We are new to England and are keen to spend time in the outdoors here. BUt we are not sure where to start in terms of camping. We do not want to end up in a dreary tourist park, and would like to locate some places akin to camping in the national parks of the US and Australia. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, because we have only brought small hiking tents we are wondering if there are any locations with permanent tents or cabins in more "natural settings",which would be more comfortable if the weather gets bad.
Many thanks

[Boddie]

Near London I think you will struggle. Kinda defeats the object I guess. Try the New Forest near the south coast or get up into the Cotswolds. A train to the West Country or even Wales. Norfolk, you may see some webbed hands. Devon and Cornwall is a must.

[Jonny]

If you go anywhere near brighton, then I would highly recommend this place................Jon
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/de...asp?revid=4663

[Tursiops]

As Boddie says, you'll be hard pressed to find campsites close to London. This site might help though:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/
Good luck and enjoy your stay
Tursiops

[Julie Taylor Mills]

Thanks everyone for your guidance...the Blackberry woods place looks ideal, but understandably is booked out for a while....
I will pursue the other website you gave me about locations as well,
Cheers,

[nicole]

If it has to be near London then why not true the beautiful and historic Epping Forest in Essex, often regarded as one of the finest ancient medieval woodlands in the country. Its amazing how wild the forest is considering you are no real distance from London. I found this campsite link -> http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/re...asp?revid=1384

Im sure there must be other campsites in the area

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Jonny

If you go anywhere near brighton, then I would highly recommend this place................Jon
Blackberry Wood Campsite , Brighton Campsites, East Sussex

That looks a good site for the OP. London is also only a fast train ride away from Brighton. Brighton is also a good overseas tourist spot.

Jim

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, Epping Forest - West Essex might be a good bet - there used to be campsites at Loughton and that part of the world (on tube from London).

Not camping but you might want to consider joining the YHA - UK Youth Hostel Association (YHA), Budget Accommodation & Adventure Activities - YHA - as well as hostels (there's one in the Lea Valley near Waltham Cross) they do camping barns ...

Personally, if I were in London, I'd hop on the train and go camping in France!

[nightshade]

Beaten to it! UK campsites give good reviews of sites for tenters by tenters
no holds barred sometimes, useful and trustworthy. The Elms Caravan & Camping Park Reviews, Loughton Campsites
I also like the camping and caravanning club many of their stes take non members The Camping and Caravanning Club - Welcome to The Club

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by nightshade

The Elms Caravan & Camping Park Reviews, Loughton Campsites

If you are planning on travelling into London, then the above campsite will involve a walk to get to any form of public transport (but perhaps that's what you would prefer?).
The Lee Valley Park campsite nearby would make it a bit easier to get into town (and has some two person cabins available):
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority - Campsites, caravan sites, camping, London, Essex

The Cheshunt Youth Hostel (a bit further north) also has cabins available, and is as good as next to the train station if you want to travel into town for the evening:
Youth Hostel, Lee Valley - General - YHA