Camping Kent: Best Kent campsites for families

By Helen Wright

Camping Kent
After a year indoors, everyone is craving life outdoors. There is no better way to do that and plan a mini break for the whole family than heading off for field trip. Camping in Kent has become one of the most desirable ways to holiday in 2021, with plenty of fresh air, room for social distancing and the simple, wholesome fun of camping becoming top of most families’ list. Overseas holidays might not be possible for some this year, but a mini break at one of these lovely campsites in Kent is a low cost / low stress way to getaway.

Camping Kent:
Kent Campsites with social distancing 2021

We have put together a list of the best Kent campsites for families to enjoy in 2021. These camping Kent sites have renewed measures for physical distancing, great pot washing and cleaning facilities and lots of space to relax. From coastline locations to friendly farms and well-established holiday parks, we’ve picked out the best campsites in Kent.

You may also like our related post: Best beaches in Kent for 2021
Cover image: Kat Stan

5 of the best sites for family camping in Kent

camping in lincolnshire — Unwind outdoors (image: Josh Schwartzman)

Far Acre Farm, Tonbridge, Kent

With the sun shining and a fragrant aroma in the air, it could almost feel like France in this campsite in Kent, which is adjacent to the owners’ award-winning vineyard. Grass pitches are open from March until October and a large field with ample space means lots of physical distancing and privacy between tents. Small fires and BBQs, or BYO fire pits, are allowed – ideal for toasting marshmallows while enjoying a tipple of the delicious wine made from the vines you can see from your tent.

The Kent campsite is close to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, a fantastic family location allowing for a range of activities, including hiking trails, tramping and cycling, as well as Go Ape tree top adventure, and an adventure play trail. For little ones, you can also follow the trail of The Gruffalo – look out for this friendly monster in the woods, along with some of his friends.

Tent pitches from $18.50
faracrefarm.co.uk

Hop Farm Camping Park, Paddock Wood

hop farm campsite in kent — Make some fluffy friends (Image: Alex JD)

Recently given a spruce up during Lockdown, this campsite in Kent is set in 500 acres of leafy green countryside. There is a lovely, tree-lined camping field for tents and plenty of space, even before the pandemic demanded it. A (fenced off from the camp) river runs alongside the setting and this is perfect for an afternoon stroll, morning jog or bike ride along the water. Guest can also go fishing. Children will be entertained at the next-door Family Park (owned by the same people and Kent camping guests get a discount). The family attraction includes bouncing pillows, an outdoor adventure play area and an animal farm, feeding paddock and pony and donkey rides.

The farm is open March 1 to September 30. Tent camping is from £20 per plot, per night for two people. Extra guests, including children over 2, £3.
thehopfarm.co.uk

The Sunny Field, Stelling Minnis, Canterbury

campsite in kent — Almost-wild camping in Kent (Image: The Sunny Field)

Tucked away in the rolling hills and secret valleys of the North Kent Downs, The Sunny Field is an idyllic family campsite in a truly special spot. Despite the barefoot, nature-loving ethos, (the camping Kent site is off-grid), the setting is surprisingly big. Pitch up in simple, car-free and buttercup meadows and enjoy ample space, each plot with its own camp fire pit. Cars are left at the entrance and wheelbarrows are on hand to transport your kit to the camp. It’s the perfect place to feel as though you are wild camping but with some necessary amenities on hand, especially if camping in Kent with younger children or babies.

Despite feeling like a hidden wilderness, this eco-friendly Kent campsite has composting loos and quirky horse-box showers. There are also clean water taps and hand wash stations dotted around the site which also supply filtered water. For extra treats, get your caffeine fix at the ‘horse box coffee bar’, morning grub at the Straw Bale breakfast café and order a cheeky dinner from the on-site wood-fired pizza oven. This place is great, but the downside is that to get a modern take on the Kent campsite, it is a little bit pricer than your average weekend under the canvas.

Tent pitches on grass from £38 for two people. The Orchard Glamping meadow also has 10 luxury Bell Tents from £105 per night.
thesunnyfield.co.uk

Badgells Wood, Meopham

badgells wood camping — Wild and free (Image: Brian Wolfe)

Another off-gird, almost-wild campsite in Kent is Badgells Wood in Meopham. This 30-acre location, set around a sprawling forest on the Birling Estate, Badgells Wood has a number of pitches set out in the woods which range from small, secluded spots to larger clearings that allow groups to pitch together. Think hide-and-seek, rope swings and friendly chickens roaming past your porch. Of course, there are a few modern amenities hidden among the trees, such as hot showers, and composting toilets for the convenience of camping in Kent with a family in tow.

Like Sunny Field, this is the kind of hideaway you’ll probably want to arrive and stay at, rather than exploring elsewhere. With such a beautiful and charming setting, you won’t want to leave. The serene woods are on top of the Kent North Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is possibly the closest woodland camping near to London, if you are coming from the city.

Tent camping is £20 per adult, children (aged 3-15) £10; Infants under 3 free. There is a local farm shop for anything you forget.
badgellswoodcamping.co.uk

Seaview Holiday Park Whitstable for coastal camping in Kent

coastal camping kent — Beachside camp (Image: Gerry Balding)

An easy breezy (literally) spot for coastal camping in Kent! This Kent campsite is located on a mound overlooking the beach. Unlike the natural-based, more wild options, Seaview is part of the Park Holidays Holiday Park. This means access to children’s amusement arcades, the huge swimming pool and evening entertainment.

Seaview is in a great, beachfront location between the popular seaside resorts of Whitstable and Herne Bay, and ideal for families looking for a holiday camp-style holiday on a budget.

£20 per night for a two-person tent.
parkholidays.com