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Otter Channel Campsite

95%
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· East Sussex, Kent, England
3 acres hosted by Katie A.
15 tent pitches
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Best all-around: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Best in South East England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

Rare, elusive but wonderfully beautiful, there aren’t many otters in the south east of England. But when one was first spotted, for the first time in over 50 years, it was the River Rother that it called home. It’s a prime patch for it to have chosen, the waters glistening, the shaggy grass banks providing hiding nooks and shade. What a joy then, down river, on the quiet banks of that same waterway, to find another rare and beautiful thing: a low-key campsite with nature at it’s heart.

On the edge of the High Weald, three miles from Rye, the Otter Channel is a great escape for those looking to step away from their phone and enjoy the wonder of wildlife. There are less than 20 pitches here in total, but oodles of space, and the site offers splendid views over open farmland and the hills of the old shoreline that was once Romney Marsh before it joined the sea. It’s a great home for local wildlife, with grass left long around the edges, surrounding trees to climb and the flowing Rother alongside. Just sitting by the river is a great way to spend an afternoon, spotting the dragonflies, rising fish and, if you’re lucky, the piercing blue Kingfisher.

The site feels as natural as its setting: Campfires are allowed, there's a shop inside a horsebox and adventurous campers can try the three ‘Hot Bucket’ showers. Bathing under the stars with water you’ve boiled on the campfire is an experience to remember and, if you’re brave enough to rise to the challenge, you get to wear it like a badge of honour for the rest of the trip. There’s a real technique to the process but learning it is just as fun as the shower itself and if you’re feeling, well, a bit boring, then there are normal showers available too.

Kayaks and paddle boards are available to hire to make the most of the river during your stay but, for those looking to explore further afield, Pett Level beach has amazing cliff lines and is a great place to go crabbing. Some of the beach isn’t suitable for small children – it’s very rocky and bruised knees and feet are somewhat unavoidable – but it’s a fun day out for older kids and adults, and historic Hastings, Battle and Bodiam Castle are also within a half-hour drive too.

A divine tent pitch located on The Otter Channel. Located next to the River Rother with wonderful walks across the countryside right on your doorstep or tent door! With the River Rother being your neighbour, there is always a chance to paddle board or kayak along the river. You might be lucky to see the elusive, piercing blue kingfisher.
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
River, stream, or creek
Field
Farm
95%
133 Ratings · 95 reviews
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Tatjana L.recommends
August 27, 2024
Otter Channel
River side camping
We love it our short break at Katie’s land. Location and place really nice It’s a bit strangling with hot water and rain. But apart from that I would like to go back
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Ruben D.doesn't recommend
August 21, 2024
Otter Channel
In our opinion, the camp site was just a field of grass and not much more. And the lack of running water means that going to the toilet is not a pleasant experience, to say the least. Back to basics is okay, but you need to offer something else that makes the stay worth while.
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Steph M.recommends
August 19, 2024
Otter Channel
Beautiful location with fields and trees all around. The campsite is right next to a popular wild swimming spot in the River Rother. Limited traffic noise from road. Supermarkets/small shops within a 5 min drive away each way. Facilities are basic but adequate. You will have to boil your water on the gas hob provided for any hot water needed (shower, washing up etc). Brilliant place for a few days near the river!
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Cheechako ?.recommends
August 11, 2024
Otter Channel
Delightful location with decent spacing between pitches. Exceptionally clean and tidy site. Katie greeted us on arrival and then we were left to ourselves for the duration of our stay. Just what we wanted.
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Iain B.recommends
August 4, 2024
Otter Channel
Great site in a beautiful setting
Katie's campsite was lovely. A nice, small site which was very tranquil. Perfect spot for a cup of tea outside the tent in the morning just taking in the scenery. The facilities were basic but exactly what was needed. Toilets were clean and the horse box honesty shop came in very handy for a couple of bits we had forgotten to pack. Would definitely stay here again if in the area. Well recommended!!
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Clare M.recommends
August 3, 2024
Otter Channel
A lovely weekend reset on the campsite. Helpful, warm, friendly welcome message with a full list of instructions and contact details. We arrived very late into the night and were glad to be met with a charming chalk board letting us know which pitch number we'd have for our stay. Spacious, well-plotted pitches, positioned between canals. Evenings expand longer out in nature, which we took advantage of with a fire pit! Thanks again Katie - will be back :)
Location
East Sussex, Kent, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Katie A.

Joined in January 2021
From the host
PLEASE NOTE THAT HIPCAMP ONLY ALLOWS YOU TO BOOK 1 X PITCH AT A TIME. SO IF IT SHOWS THERE IS NO AVAILABILITY FOR 2 PITCHES OR MORE, THIS WILL PROBABLY BE UNTRUE. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WISH TO BOOK MORE THAN ONE PITCH. THANKS In the heart of the East Sussex and Kent border is the location of the The Otter Channel campsite. It’s located on the edge of the River Rother which flows into Rye and out to sea. Surrounded by wildlife, twittering birds, mooing cows, stunning views, and in the summertime, the sound of the combine harvesting in the surrounding fields. It is the ideal place to mute the phone or even turn the phone off and enjoy that glass of your favourite tipple by the campfire. There are three compostable toilets which have been especially designed for The Otter Channel and eventually the ‘compost’ ends up back in our veggie patch! Don’t worry we do not sell the veg in the shop. There are three ‘Hot Bucket’ showers for the more adventurous and brave of the campers, there are no electric showers! It really is an experience to shower under the stars with water you have boiled on the campfire. There is a huge technique to the showering process, but learning it is just as fun. With washing up being the worst bit of camping, there is a basic washing up area, just to make it a little less painful. At The Otter Channel we always believe it is the Kid’s job, definitely not the Chef’s. We also hire out Fire Pits for £10 per stay.
Nearby attractions

The River Rother itself offers huge amounts of fun, from paddle boarding and kayaking to swimming – equipment is available to hire from Epic Life (07377184505). If you take a ten-minute drive to the town of Rye, you’ll be able to explore it in all its medieval glory. One of the most complete medieval towns left in England, its cobbled, windy streets are perfect for history buffs with its various antique shops, including The Mint and its fascinating Rye Art Gallery (01797222433). If that’s too much, climb to the top of St. Mary’s Spire for views of the whole town in one place, plus the estuary leading to Camber Sands. Once you see Camber Sands you might as well go there, it’s a short distance from Rye (or a fifteen-minute drive from the campsite). The beach is backed by cafés and restaurants and can get very busy in the summer months but it’s great for sandcastle building and a swim.

Food and drink

There are several scenic walks across farmland to the local village of Peasmarsh. It’s about 20 minutes to The Royal Oak (01797 230494) and The Horse and Cart (01797 230034). Both are dog friendly and have beautiful gardens and the latter serves fine pizzas. In Rye, try Webbe’s at The Fish Café (01797 222210) set inside a characterfully converted warehouse space and with a focus on fresh, local seafood and sustainable cookery.

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