Campsites with campfires near Cambridge

Nobel prize winners, literary legends, and royals have all called Cambridge home, and the university city provides a suitably grand backdrop. Architectural masterpieces are everywhere you turn, most notably King’s College Chapel and Corpus Christi College, but Cambridge is equally known for its green spaces. Stroll through the riverside parks of The Backs, picnic in the botanic gardens, then go punting along the River Cam—a quintessential experience. Campsites dot the outskirts of the city, and the best way to get around is by bike. Cycle between shops and museums, then join students for a beer at one of the many pubs.

92% (765) • 926 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cambridge

Nobel prize winners, literary legends, and royals have all called Cambridge home, and the university city provides a suitably grand backdrop. Architectural masterpieces are everywhere you turn, most notably King’s College Chapel and Corpus Christi College, but Cambridge is equally known for its green spaces. Stroll through the riverside parks of The Backs, picnic in the botanic gardens, then go punting along the River Cam—a quintessential experience. Campsites dot the outskirts of the city, and the best way to get around is by bike. Cycle between shops and museums, then join students for a beer at one of the many pubs.

92% (765) • 926 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cambridge

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(178)

85km from Cambridge · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We are a WILD campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE

2. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(72)

107km from Cambridge · 3 units · Glamping

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

3. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

131km from Cambridge · 50 units · Tents, Glamping

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

101km from Cambridge · 2 units · Glamping

Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do

5. The T Barn

99%

(90)

149km from Cambridge · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

6. Far and Away Camping

100%

(18)

119km from Cambridge · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!

7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

93km from Cambridge · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

8. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

102km from Cambridge · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

9. Cotswolds Glamping

100%

(6)

113km from Cambridge · 4 units · Glamping

Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.

10. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

80km from Cambridge · 13 units · Glamping

Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire

11. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

103km from Cambridge · 25 units · Tents

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

12. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%

(66)

94km from Cambridge · 12 units · Tents, Glamping

Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside

13. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%

(32)

96km from Cambridge · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!

14. Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

99%

(48)

143km from Cambridge · 3 units · Glamping

Laid-back glamping near Evesham, overlooking Bredon Hill and the Malverns.

15. Barn Owl Camping

97%

(18)

50km from Cambridge · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

16. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%

(13)

141km from Cambridge · 3 units · Glamping

The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.

17. Beech Estate Campsite

97%

(185)

143km from Cambridge · 57 units · Tents, Glamping

Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway

18. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel

92%

(38)

52km from Cambridge · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

19. Hook Farm Campsite

98%

(203)

126km from Cambridge · 18 units · Tents

Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald

20. Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

106km from Cambridge · 26 units · Tents, Glamping

A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Damith

1 week ago

2 nights at Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

We stayed at Nancy's (70s’ caravan). The interior was the cosiest I could ever ask for. Minimalist but essential amenities made our stay enjoyable. The camping site offers good views, especially for watching a splendid sunset if the weather is right. Campsite facilities are well-maintained and spotless. Its location is very close to Evesham, making it easy to find shops, pubs, and access roads to other nearby destinations. Don't miss paying Shakespeare a visit if you haven't done so yet 😉

Relax in Wild Luxury in our Quirkiest Cabin, with a Hot Tub on standby...

c

charley

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Cotswolds Glamping

wow don't know where to start Sammy was so amazing it felt like home. gorgeous pwople. made us feel very welcome outstanding. wish didn't have to leave. hot tub was so amazing even in the cold Xmas nights. gorgeous. Sammy and Joanna have got everything to a t. just out standing and his brother was so great too.

Peter

2 weeks ago

5 m Class A

1 night at Hill Farm Secluded Camping

Great little camp ground. Very friendly host. Will go again.

C

Catarina

December 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Plain and simple holistic experience no gimmicks or frills. The best I've been to in a while the staff are lovely the surrounding are as nature intended. I will be back for sure

e

erin

November 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!

c

chris

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Holistic Woods is exactly that.. the tranquility, no light pollution.. it was amazing, quiet and the first time for as long as I can remember my brain switched off from the noise of life.. can't wait to get back and chill out

D

David

November 2025

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.

Sunrises don't get much better than those at Far and Away Camping

A

Adam

November 2025

8 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Far and Away Camping

Very nice location for stargazing lovely atmosphere exactly as described

J

Julie

November 2025

4 m travel trailer

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Amazing place .and very close to local attractions and nice walks ..very helpful friendly people ..relaxing peaceful ..loads of wildlife ..I’ll be going back would definitely recommend if you like rustic /nature..

M

Martin

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

We had a great time camping here in early November. It was just us, and the surroundings are really nice. You could hear the nearby road at times but otherwise it was everything you’d like from wild camping. We’ll be back.

George

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Far and Away Camping

This spot was perfect. Despite it being November and seeing a little more rain than we probably would have liked it didn’t take away the experience. Jayne was accommodating to our needs allowing us a fire pit as it was out of season. Would be back!

J

John

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Had very chilled 2 nights accept for the wet and windy night and was just me on site, Joe was helpful when arrived, just me and my hammock can’t wait to go back.

A

Alan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Far and Away Camping

Well worth the drive. Really nice site. Definitely be going back

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

A

Alan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Really quiet, toilets and showers clean and tidy. Definitely be going back!

A

Adam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Barn Owl Camping

Lovely site! My partner and I had a great experience, easy to find with the directions Provided, and responsive hosts so all in all one of the best camp sites we’ve ever been to!

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

Nice pitches at a pretty little campsite in a surprisingly beautiful environment. And the coffee cart is nice.

A

Aalish

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pigs in Blankets

We loved the site the toilets clean excellent showers. really nice barn for washing up and chilling in. We had our own pitch/space and was lovely and well maintained area. A nice private walk into southwold that was about 20 minutes to the pier. would recommend. When there was a little problem they didn’t hesitate to help and sorted it all out. ☺️ overall wonderful place to stay.

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with campfires near Cambridge guide

Where to go

The Fens

Between Cambridge and Petersborough, the patchwork marshlands of the Fens stretch between the banks of the River Nene and Great River Ouse. Explore the flat landscapes by bike or on foot, spot wildlife or go fishing along the waterways, or admire the views from the water on a narrowboat cruise. Campsites are clustered around the market towns of Whittlesey, Chatteris, and Wisbech.

Suffolk Coast

Less than 1.5 hours from landlocked Cambridge, the Suffolk Coast AONB is a wildlife-watching paradise. Walking and cycling trails lead the way to wildflower-blanketed heathlands, shingle beaches, and coastal estuaries teeming with birds. Campers have plenty of options, whether you check into a holiday park, pitch your tent along the coast, or go glamping in the woods.

Norfolk

East of Cambridge, the coastal county of Norfolk has everything you need for a traditional British beach vacation. The beach resorts of Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, and Cromer are favorites among campers and caravanners, with sandy beaches and brightly painted beach huts. Spend a day at the beach, paddle around Norfolk Broads wetlands on a canoe, and spot seals at Blakeney Point, then grab yourself some fish and chips to enjoy as you watch the sunset.

When to go

Cambridge is a year-round destination, and its lively student population means there’s always something happening in the city. Peak season is July and August, and popular sights can get overwhelmed by day-trippers—make an early start to get a jump on the crowds. University colleges are open for visits at this time, as well as select times throughout the student year, while punting is possible from April to October.

Know before you go

Cambridge has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Cambridge has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment upfront. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Cambridgeshire.