Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Margate

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Margate is just the place for hipsters, scenesters and Cool Campers. Within easy reach of London, it’s known for its beaches but is now also home to the retro theme park Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary art gallery - both great days out for families on a camping holiday in Margate. This place has been attracting tourists since seaside holidays were invented and camping, in some form or another, has always been a popular way to stay. But campsites in Margate, like so many other places on our coast, have tended to cater for caravans, motorhomes and masses of people. We’ve turned our attention towards finding campsites in Margate, or within reach of Margate, which are more focused on campers and sometimes glampers. Camping and glamping sites which are as cool as the the bustling bars, eateries and independent businesses in Margate itself - not to mention the sea off this part of the Kent coast.

There may be more than one reason to go camping in Margate but there’s no denying that the big attraction is the beach. With 16 sandy beaches in and around Margate, you could visit a different one every day of a two-week holiday and still not see them all. If you’re looking for surfing and watersports, head to Joss Bay, if you want fun fair rides and ice cream stay on Margate’s main beach and if you want somewhere more natural for rockpooling and shell collecting, try beautiful Botany Bay. If you (somehow) tire of the beach, you could take the kids to Dreamland for funfair rides with a retro theme or in to the less-deliberately retro amusements along the front. For a more serious visit, head into the Turner Contemporary art gallery to gaze at paintings of the area by JMW Turner and then, perhaps, stroll down the harbour arm, in front of the gallery, for lunch at one of its hip eateries. More timeless and tucked away is the teeny-tiny quirky hidden gem, the Shell Grotto - where you can while away an hour or two and, if you don't mind heading slightly further afield on your Margate camping trip, how about visiting nearby Whitstable or Canterbury? Both are within 20 miles of town.

The Victorian seaside town of Margate is back on the up, with a cool, vibrant, retro buzz that's making it the holiday destination of choice for those looking for an easy break from London. There are plenty of great campsites nearby, with only the very best making the Hipcamp shortlist.
97% (767) 647 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Margate

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(178)
78km from Margate · 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
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night

4. Bramley Park Camping

89%
(14)
102km from Margate · 61 units · Glamping
Bramley Park Camping is in an area of outstanding natural beauty beside the South Downs with plenty of options within walking distance, such as restaurants, shops, pubs, walks, cycling routes and fantastic public transport connections. Relax and enjoy the experience with camping or glamping. Choose your own pitch and campfires are encouraged. We are family friendly, just 15 minutes from Eastbourne beach and the closest site to the Seven Sisters. Tents + Campervans only (NO MOTORHOMES OR RV's) In a nutshell: - Facilities include toilets, showers, and washing up area - Pitch where you like system - Campfires are encouraged - Dogs stay for free - On-site fresh Pizza, Breakfast and Coffee from our food station - On-site shop stocking camping essentials, drinks, ice, ice creams etc. - Closest site to the Seven Sisters - Close to the coast (Eastbourne beach) With breathtaking views, comfortable pitches and glamping, plus all the essential facilities, you'll have everything you need for a top getaway here. This excellent area has just enough activities to suit every taste, group or person, with days out at the beach, the zoo, adventure parks, historic castles, hiking, walking, mountain biking and even wine tasting. Campers can enjoy the comfort of their own tent or campervan on a set of wild camping pitches. Upon arrival, you can choose where you would like to pitch and there will be plenty of space for you to enjoy the scenery. You can enjoy a touch of luxury in the South Downs National Park with 5m bell tents, each sleeping up to four people. These come fully furnished (with linen provided) and add a little more luxury to a regular camping visit. There are local attractions catering to any type of group, family, interest or person. The South Downs Way is very popular for walking/hiking and Friston Forest is ideal for mountain biking. Other things to see and do: *The Seven Sisters walk *The beach and seafront *Pevensey Castle *Knockhatch Adventure Park *Drusillas Zoo *Brighton (including the Lanes and the Royal Pavilion)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night

8. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
56km from Margate · 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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

9. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
101km from Margate · 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night

12. Dogwood Cottage Campsite

81%
(24)
74km from Margate · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

18. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
111km from Margate · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night

Margate is just the place for hipsters, scenesters and Cool Campers. Within easy reach of London, it’s known for its beaches but is now also home to the retro theme park Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary art gallery - both great days out for families on a camping holiday in Margate. This place has been attracting tourists since seaside holidays were invented and camping, in some form or another, has always been a popular way to stay. But campsites in Margate, like so many other places on our coast, have tended to cater for caravans, motorhomes and masses of people. We’ve turned our attention towards finding campsites in Margate, or within reach of Margate, which are more focused on campers and sometimes glampers. Camping and glamping sites which are as cool as the the bustling bars, eateries and independent businesses in Margate itself - not to mention the sea off this part of the Kent coast.

There may be more than one reason to go camping in Margate but there’s no denying that the big attraction is the beach. With 16 sandy beaches in and around Margate, you could visit a different one every day of a two-week holiday and still not see them all. If you’re looking for surfing and watersports, head to Joss Bay, if you want fun fair rides and ice cream stay on Margate’s main beach and if you want somewhere more natural for rockpooling and shell collecting, try beautiful Botany Bay. If you (somehow) tire of the beach, you could take the kids to Dreamland for funfair rides with a retro theme or in to the less-deliberately retro amusements along the front. For a more serious visit, head into the Turner Contemporary art gallery to gaze at paintings of the area by JMW Turner and then, perhaps, stroll down the harbour arm, in front of the gallery, for lunch at one of its hip eateries. More timeless and tucked away is the teeny-tiny quirky hidden gem, the Shell Grotto - where you can while away an hour or two and, if you don't mind heading slightly further afield on your Margate camping trip, how about visiting nearby Whitstable or Canterbury? Both are within 20 miles of town.

The Victorian seaside town of Margate is back on the up, with a cool, vibrant, retro buzz that's making it the holiday destination of choice for those looking for an easy break from London. There are plenty of great campsites nearby, with only the very best making the Hipcamp shortlist.
97% (767) 647 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Margate

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(178)
78km from Margate · 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
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night

4. Bramley Park Camping

89%
(14)
102km from Margate · 61 units · Glamping
Bramley Park Camping is in an area of outstanding natural beauty beside the South Downs with plenty of options within walking distance, such as restaurants, shops, pubs, walks, cycling routes and fantastic public transport connections. Relax and enjoy the experience with camping or glamping. Choose your own pitch and campfires are encouraged. We are family friendly, just 15 minutes from Eastbourne beach and the closest site to the Seven Sisters. Tents + Campervans only (NO MOTORHOMES OR RV's) In a nutshell: - Facilities include toilets, showers, and washing up area - Pitch where you like system - Campfires are encouraged - Dogs stay for free - On-site fresh Pizza, Breakfast and Coffee from our food station - On-site shop stocking camping essentials, drinks, ice, ice creams etc. - Closest site to the Seven Sisters - Close to the coast (Eastbourne beach) With breathtaking views, comfortable pitches and glamping, plus all the essential facilities, you'll have everything you need for a top getaway here. This excellent area has just enough activities to suit every taste, group or person, with days out at the beach, the zoo, adventure parks, historic castles, hiking, walking, mountain biking and even wine tasting. Campers can enjoy the comfort of their own tent or campervan on a set of wild camping pitches. Upon arrival, you can choose where you would like to pitch and there will be plenty of space for you to enjoy the scenery. You can enjoy a touch of luxury in the South Downs National Park with 5m bell tents, each sleeping up to four people. These come fully furnished (with linen provided) and add a little more luxury to a regular camping visit. There are local attractions catering to any type of group, family, interest or person. The South Downs Way is very popular for walking/hiking and Friston Forest is ideal for mountain biking. Other things to see and do: *The Seven Sisters walk *The beach and seafront *Pevensey Castle *Knockhatch Adventure Park *Drusillas Zoo *Brighton (including the Lanes and the Royal Pavilion)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night

8. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
56km from Margate · 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!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

9. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
101km from Margate · 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night

12. Dogwood Cottage Campsite

81%
(24)
74km from Margate · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

18. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
111km from Margate · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Its cool, vibrant, retro buzz is attracting artists, surfers and hipsters - along with families looking for an easy break from London. The town's local beaches are a key attraction with the bustling town beach complemented by beautiful Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Viking Bay. There are plenty of great campsites within reach of this Kent coastal hotspot but only the very best making the Hipcamp shortlist.