The Secret Campsite

The Secret Campsite is focused on nature, peace and space. Surrounded by ancient woodland, enjoy the natural world, campfires and an invigorating dawn chorus from your tent. Encounter wildlife, marvel at the stars and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. The site provides great facilities including EV charging and plenty of solar powered hot water for showers. Three unique glamping shelters are available too - the Tree Tent, Gridshell and Okra.

About The Secret Campsite

With nature, peace and space at the core, this family friendly campsite is great for exploring Lewes, Brighton and the South Downs National Park. Despite the nearby attractions, this is actually a sparsely populated part of East Sussex, where you'll find both private and public nature sites on all sides. The site is surrounded by ancient woodland and a dismantled railway that is now a site of nature conservation interest. There are a total of 18 camping pitches most of which allow up to seven people each and are located within differemt parts of the campsite - the Meadow, Orchard and Bank. They are all tent-only and are very large with plenty of privacy, with campfires allowed. It's kept car and dog free so that you're even more likely to meet stunning wildlife, and little ones can feel free to play, climb trees and explore. Visitors often see kestrels, owls and deer, and many other species, including glow worms in July and August. There are also three secret glamping shelters, The Tree Tent, The Gridshell and The Okra. These are all fantastic quirky accommodation options for your stay and were designed by local inventor and designer Jason Thawley. As featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4, The Tree Tent offers a mesmerising experience. It is suspended between three sturdy oak trees on the edge of the ancient woodland surrounding the camping meadow, looking out over the South Downs National Park. Head up via wooden stairs, and inside you will find three single beds with a mattress where you can take in the view whilst gently moving with the sway of the trees. You'll also have your grass pitch where you can enjoy a campfire and relax at ground level during the day. It is designed to sleep two adults and accommodates a child on the third bed. The Gridshell is made from ash wood, combined with a heavy-duty canvas that provides excellent protection from the elements for up to five people. It is located in the orchard part of the campsite with its fire pit and a grass area for you to relax on and enjoy the sunshine. Finally, Okra provides a comfortable and quirky alternative in its five-sided shell. The simple yet cosy interior sleeps up to three people (max two adults) in two double bunk beds. There is a sofa day bed, and the fire pit is located outside. Please note that this is a peaceful family site, and it does not allow groups.

The Secret Campsite is open from 22/03 to 01/11.

Facilities and amenities

The site offers hot showers, flushing toilets and covered washing-up facilities. Trolleys are provided to transport your belongings into the camping field, just a couple of minutes from the car park.

There is a great farm shop five minutes away on foot - Holmans Bridge - as well as a couple of pubs within a five minute drive including Royal Oak Barncombe, The Crown Inn and The Bull.

Adult only

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets

Bike hire

Café / restaurant

Communal BBQ

Disabled facilities

Drinking water

Electric hookups

Entertainment

Family friendly

Fires allowed

Fishing

Games room

Glamping

Golf

Horse riding

Hot tub

Internet access

Kids club

Kids playground

Laundry

Near beach

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

RV pitches

Shop

Showers

Swimming pool

Toilets

TV room

Vineyard

Water hookups

Watersports

W.C. disposal

There are 22 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

13 x Non Electric Meadow Pitches

13 x Non Electric Meadow Pitches

Max 7 people

Non electric grass pitches in the meadow, flanked by trees that provide dappled shade and screening. Suitable for tents only.

Check availability

Check availability

Other accommodation

3 x Non Electric Orchard Pitches

3 x Non Electric Orchard Pitches

Max 7 people

Spacious grass pitches set in the orchard, without electric. At least 15m in between pitches. Dappled shade provided by trees. tents only.

3 x Non Electric Bank Pitches

3 x Non Electric Bank Pitches

Max 7 people

Secluded grass pitches without electric, surrounded by wildlife. Suitable for tents only.

The Tree Tent

The Tree Tent

Max 5 people

This secret shelter sleeps two adults and one child suspended between oak trees and offering stunning views - the first one of its kind in England. You'll find comfy beds and mattresses inside. Extra people can stay in their own tents below the tree tent.

The Gridshell

The Gridshell

Max 5 people

Two double beds with mattresses and two extra mattresses are provided. There are free hot showers and toilets at the campsite. The Gridshell has its own fire pit with two chairs for you to relax in front of the fire.

The Okra

The Okra

Max 3 people

Sleeping up to two adults and one child in two double beds in a bunk bed style with mattresses. Outside fire pit along with logs and bench. Kettle, camping stove, cooking utensils and cutlery included.

The Secret Campsite reviews

4.91 /5

13 reviews

85%

would recommend

Overall

4.91

Location

4.92

Value for money

4.77

Service

4.92

Facilities

4.92

Cleanliness

5

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Another excellent stay!

Recommends site

Nicola S

0

0

Jul 2024

I have stayed at The Secret Campsite three times now and every time I have very much enjoyed my stay. I camp solo and feel comfortable and safe at this site, which means I can enjoy the peace and nature without any worry. I have seen a snake, pheasant, stoat, rabbit, and enjoyed the bird song, deer calls and my absolute favourite - the owls. I get to be close to the woodland and see the stars at night, while enjoying my camp fire. Great facilities, clean, and well managed. I will certainly stay again soon and would absolutely recommend The Secret Campsite to others.

Site's response

Thanks for your very kind words, they are really appreciated, Nicola. I'm glad you enjoy the space we have created to enable campers to get closer to our native plants and animals and look forward to our next encounter. Thanks again, Tim.

Beautiful peaceful nature-filled site

Recommends site

Miranda L

1

0

Jun 2024

This was our fifth time camping here in the beautiful meadow. Pitches are huge and private, surrounded by wildflowers, trees, butterflies and birds. Having tents and cars separate makes the space safe, relaxing and peaceful and also fun - who doesn't love a wheelbarrow for unpacking your kit? Washing up, washing and toilet facilities are roomy, clean and outdoorsy without being basic (there is plenty of hot water, or if you prefer a cold shower which I didn't manage to test!). Tim and staff are all welcoming and super helpful. There are walks nearby accessible without a car and plenty to do a short drive away. Will definitely be coming again.

Site's response

Thank you very much for leaving us such a glowing review. I think you summarized what we aim to provide as a campsite better than I ever could! Of course, we'd love to be able to have you back for your sixth stay soon! Harry

Another great camping trip!

Recommends site

Sarah M

1

0

Jun 2024

This is our 4th stay at The Secret Campsite, we absolutely love it. The new toilet and shower block is awesome. Highly recommend. The team who run the site are amazing and went out of their way to help us have a great weekend. We'll definitely be back again... and again!

Site's response

Thank you very much for your kind review and for choosing us again. We'd of course love to have you back for your 5th! Hope to see you soon. Harry

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