The Best West Sussex campsites

Woodfire pride themselves on putting sustainability at the very heart of everything they do, so you can guarantee that your holiday will have as little impact on the land around you as possible. When you’re staying on a small farm surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the South Downs, you’ll want to keep it that way too.

From compostable toilets and soakaways for the hot showers, to no lighting on-site at night (leaving you to make the most of the dark sky reserve), this is the ultimate sustainable getaway. What’s more, Woodfire is a 'Gastro Campsite' not only offering home-cooked breakfasts and evening meals for their campers – all cooked over woodfire or charcoal - but their regular Feast events (often featuring  exclusive chefs) are absolute a must-visit for foodies.

The site is surrounded by a network of walks and cycle routes taking you through the very best of the South Downs National Park, and is located close to the historic market town of Petworth. For those who don’t have their own tents, canvas tents are available to hire on-site.

If you can’t quite decide between countryside and coast, Wicks Farm offers the perfect compromise. Set in rural surroundings, the campsite is within easy reach of the South Downs National Park, yet only 1.5 miles from the white sands of West Wittering Beach and Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wicks Farm Holiday Park (Image: Wicks Farm)

Jump on your bike and pedal along the public footpaths or Salterns Way cycle path which lead from the campsite to Chichester Harbour. Here, you can find dark-bellied brent geese, seals, black-tailed godwits and curlews to name just a few of the creatures who call this fascinating area of the country home. Back on-site, wildlife lovers will be keen to know that the site has been awarded a Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award to mark its commitment to preserving the rural habitat, creating a haven for wildlife.

With 73 pitches for tents and motorhomes on offer, along with camping pods for those wanting a few more home comforts, this five-star holiday park offers all you need for getting close to nature.

Another campsite located conveniently close to the coast is the award-winning and family run Stubcroft Farm. The campsite, Gold award winner of Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism in the Beautiful South Regional Tourism Awards 2022/23, offers a sustainable beach break for all the family.

Stubcroft Farm Campsite

Located in level paddocks surrounded by arable fields and sheltered by attractive hedges and trees, there’s a whole host of wildlife on the farm, with over 72 species of birds having been spotted, as well as deer, hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits, rare butterflies and much more. The site’s facilities – which include an amenity block, on-site shop, electric hook-up and car and phone charging – feature solar hot water heating, an environmentally friendly biodigester, low energy LED lighting, heat pumps and an energy efficient building design. Thanks to the team at Stubcroft, you can unwind, safe in the knowledge that you’re holidaying responsibly.

Although there’s no need to venture far with so much on offer, the site is located just 1.5 miles from the glorious East Wittering Beach a favourite of watersports fans, including windsurfers and kite surfers.

Pitch up in secluded glades surrounded by trees and rhododendron bushes at the beautiful Graffham Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

Graffham Camping & Caravanning Club site (Credit: Camping & Caravanning Club)

Also located close to the historic market town of Petworth, this tranquil 90-pitch site offers toilet and shower facilities, meaning you don’t have to go too far back to basics on your wilderness holiday. Bring your four-legged friend and wander the many paths and tracks leading from the campsite onto the surrounding heaths and downs. The 90-mile South Downs Way passes close to the campsite, perfect for those wanting to take on a bigger challenge.

Located just 20 minutes by bike or five minutes by car from the campsite, is the award-winning Langham Brewery. This must-visit microbrewery in the heart of the South Downs offers over 17 innovative, flavoursome real ales you can sample, made using traditional craft skills. If there’s just one thing to tear you away from your tent, it’s got to be Langhams!

Situated at the foot of the South Downs National Park and Chichester Harbour, Concierge Camping brings together a distinctive mix of luxury, history and the great outdoors.

Concierge Camping

Having opened for business in 2015 and being awarded the AA South East Campsite of the Year in its very first year, continuous improvements and an obsessive attention to detail have led further awards including the prestigious AA ‘Campsite of the Year’ England and Overall Winner 2019.

The Ratham Estate is situated in West Ashling near Chichester. Steeped in history, it’s mentioned in the Domesday Book and originates from the 15th century. A working farm until the 1990s, the estate has three Grade II listed properties on site which include a charming circular thatched chapel, the original water mill and farmhouse.

During your stay, take advantage of the 27 spacious and fully serviced, hardstanding pitches tastefully landscaped into the rural surroundings. There are also four luxury self-contained safari lodges which include underfloor heating, en-suite facilities, fully fitted kitchen with range cooker, dishwasher, and fridge/freezers for the ultimate camping experience. 2024 saw the introduction of eBike hire at Concierge offering you flexibility for exploring the local area.

Step away from the everyday on a camping holiday with Wild Combe. This impressive site, located close to the historic market town of Midhurst in the heart of the South Downs National Park, is surrounded by miles of spectacular countryside and has two private reservoirs for campers to swim and paddle board in.

Wild Combe Camping

As “wild” as the name suggests, this campsite has no electricity or running water, with the only light at night being from the moons and stars. There really is no better place to admire the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve.  Pitch your tent or stay in one of Wild Combe Camping’s fully-furnished bell tents. The site has three grass pitch fields, each with its own fire pit, and there are portable toilets in each field.

As if that wasn’t enough, the site is based within a family-run arable farm, there are lots of wild animals about if you’re quick enough to spot them! Deer, herons, hares, kites and buzzards to name just a few. On top of all that, the site has two working reservoirs which guests are welcome to use.

Lordington Park Campsite is a peaceful, rural campsite set in stunning West Sussex countryside. Retreat here for spacious grass pitches with firepits for BBQs and stunning Sussex sunsets. There are views over the main house as well as a welcoming tearoom in warmer months. Facilities include composting toilets, a shower block with hot water and fresh drinking water.

Each July neighbouring Lordington Lavender opens its doors for viewing of the incredible lavender field - you couldn't stay in a better spot. You might even wake to a floral aroma on the air!

Set amid a rural farm on the Goodwood Estate, Newhouse Farm Campsite is a quiet, off-grid, secluded campsite in the beautiful Sussex Countryside, surrounded by an ancient woodland. Unwind and breathe in the beautiful rolling landscapes and star-studded skies.  This is a wild camping site welcoming tents and motorhomes. Stay here for Goodwood's iconic sporting events. 

Pitch up somewhere truly memorable this summer with the chance to camp in the heart of a Medieval Kingdom. Adventurers entering Queen Helena'a realm at The Loxwood Joust can stay right in the midst of the magic. Tents and campervans are welcome to set up camp beneath the stars to enjoy a full weekend of jousting, live music, storytelling, and medieval merriment around the camp fire. Available for all three weekends of the Joust; 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th August. 

Extend your merriment at The Loxwood Joust with an overnight stay

For parents with hard to wear out children, Seal Bay Resort (formerly Bunn Leisure) will be just what you’re looking for in a camping holiday. With an extensive range of on-site facilities included in the price of every pitch (and there’s a pitch to suit every budget!) children will be hard pushed to find a spare second to complain about being bored.

Children playing crazy golf at Seal Bay Resort, Selsey (Credit: Seal Bay)

From indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wave simulators, paddleboats and jet skis, to nature treks, learning to light fires, axe throwing, sea safaris and pottery, you can have a camping holiday that’s out of this world. For younger children, there are also pirate and princess adventures, chocolate parties, a funfair, arcade and tenpin bowling and for the adults, a much-needed wellness suite. By night, make the most of the evening entertainment suitable for all. You may just never want to leave.

With on-site camping facilities including shower cubicles, toilets and a laundry room to make your stay even better, as well as restaurants and take aways, Seal Bay offers a camping holiday like no other.