Home to Britain’s largest protected wetland, over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways set in beautiful countryside, and an array of picturesque towns and villages, Norfolk is one of the country’s most popular destinations for outdoor-based adventure. Situated in East Anglia, and bordering Suffolk to the south, the magical county is quite simply a nature lover’s paradise and attracts huge numbers of visitors every year.
(Photo: Wardley Hill Campsite )
Little surprise, therefore, that Norfolk also boasts a wide variety of campsites offering the chance to truly get back to nature in idyllic surroundings. While public camp sites tend to provide the best in open-country views, private sites usually feature superior facilities, often including cabin rentals, full hook-ups and generators. If you’d like to plan a camping trip in Norfolk, here are 10 of the most charming campsites to pick from.
Old Brick Kilns
An award-winning campsite that’s bustling with wildlife, Old Brick Kilns enjoys a privileged location, offering easy access to both idyllic, undulating countryside and some of the long, sandy beaches that line this stretch of the Norfolk coast. The tranquil site is divided into woody pockets and open areas and is home to several hardstanding drive-on pitches suitable for motorhomes. There’s a delightful wildlife pond, landscaped garden areas and natural wildflower bankings to enjoy, while notable nearby attractions and places of interest include several nature reserves, the Royal home of Sandringham, the unique Lavender Farm at Heacham, and the Cathedral City of Norwich. On-site facilities include newly refurbished washrooms, a shop selling snacks and essentials, and fishing, while for full meals the popular Barney’s Restaurant & Bar is just seconds away on foot.
LOCATION Little Barney Lane, Barney, Fakenham
(Photo: Old Brick Kilns)
Salhouse Broad
Peace and tranquility, outstanding natural scenery and abundant wildlife are just a small part of what you’ll discover at this exceptional campsite in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, halfway between Wroxham and Horning. Set just a few yards from the waters’ edge, the low-impact site has a back-to-basics ethos which encourages visitors to enjoy all that nature has provided. There are canoes for hire, a play area to keep energetic kids entertained, and several footpaths and boardwalks that get you up close and personal with wildlife. Within easy reach are several quintessential country pubs, while the beautiful city of Norwich is a mere 20-minute drive away.
LOCATION Lower St, Salhouse
(Photo: Salhouse Broad)
Deepdale Camping
Deepdale Camping is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful North Norfolk Coast, welcoming tents, campervans, motorhomes & trailer tents throughout the year. There’s a wide array of facilities on your doorstep including supermarket, fuel, gas, a visitor information centre, bus services, pubs, cafe & shops. In short, visitors come time and again to soak up the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at this award-winning coastal campsite.
LOCATION 1 Deepdale Granary, Burnham Deepdale
(Photo: Deepdale Camping)
The Norfolk Brickyard
A wild camping location run by a husband-and-wife team, The Norfolk Brickyard offers a quintessential back-to-basics camping experience. There are limited facilities beyond the essentials such as showers, toilets and hot/cold running water, but what you’ll lack in luxuries you’ll gain in enjoying an authentic taste of this secluded spot on the North Norfolk coast. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, visitors get to hear owls hooting, deer grazing and stoats racing. Campers can pitch up in their own chosen area (each with their own firepit), and with no neighbouring pitches you’re ensured complete privacy. Horse riding, fishing trips, and local museums can all be enjoyed nearby.
LOCATION Burnham Road, Peterstone
(Photo: The Norfolk Brickyard)
Wardley Hill Campsite
Wardley Hill Campsite is an eco-friendly, family-owned campsite in the unspoiled haven of Waveney Valley that runs along the border between Norfolk and Suffolk. Spread across six acres, the site is home to woodland, a small stream, and three seasonal ponds. A car free camping field is exclusively for tents while small campervans are also welcome in their own area. For glamping, there’s a range of luxurious options, including a Lotus Bell Stargazer tent, a huge Family Yurt, an Oxford Bell Tent, a Shepherds hut, and even a Tentsile Connect tent suspended in the trees. Among the on-site facilities are three clean composting toilets, an open topped shower with hot water, and a recreation field where dogs can be let loose, and visitors like to play cricket or fly kites.
LOCATION Wardley Hill Road
Swallowtails Retreat
Located within the picturesque grounds of the Astley Estate, and a 5 minute walk down a tree lined country footpath from Old Brick Kiln Campsite, is Swallowtails Retreat. This pop-up campsite offers extra-large grass pitches with no extra charge for awnings and gazebos, as well as cosy, boutique glamping in the form of spacious insulated yurts for up to 6 guests. Visitors can make use of daybeds which double up as sofas, wood burning stoves and gas BBQs, candle holders, crockery, cutlery, and a variety of other useful amenities, utensils, and home comforts. Regularly scheduled Yoga and Mindfulness outdoor activities take place on site and for those keen to explore the area the delights of Swanton Novers National Nature Reserve are right on your doorstep.
LOCATION Kelling Road, Holt
(Photo: Swallowtails)
Pinecones
Set in six acres of pine trees (hence the name),in the historic market town of King’s Lynn Pinecones is one of North Norfolk’s newer campsites but has quickly risen in popularity. It offers a large number of tent pitches as well as Pod-style accommodation that’s suited to families, with a double sofa bed and two single camp beds, electric lighting, heating, and a mini hob cooker. Elsewhere on the campsite there are heated shower rooms, an airy indoor washing up room, a laundrette and a shop. On-site recreational amenities include a kids’ play area, and an off-lead dog walking area.
LOCATION King’s Lynn
(Photo: Pinecones)
Whitlingham Broad
An idyllic campsite set amid 80 acres of Country Park within the Broads National Park, and with the city of Norwich on its doorstep, Whitlingham Broad has a range of accommodation options, from standard tent pitches through to boutique Shepherds huts, Bell tents and yurts. Visitors can hire canoes and kayaks to explore the Broads, enjoy woodland walks, and practice their balancing skills on a low ropes course. There’s also a visitor centre and a campsite shop selling snacks and other handy essentials such as phone charging & freezer block rentals.
LOCATION Whitlingham Lane, Norwich
Canal Camping
Nestled among wildlife, water and stunning skies in the village of Dilham, East Norfolk, this tucked away pet-friendly campsite combines rural beauty, seclusion, and a unique canal-side setting. There are spacious pitches for tents and trailer tents, although no caravans are allowed. The 19th century canal itself boasts a rich history and can be explored by canoe. Other popular activities here include star-gazing, toasting marshmallows over open fires, traversing the numerous cycle tracks and footpaths, and patronising some of the fantastic country pubs located nearby.
LOCATION Honing Road, Dilham, North Walsham
(Photo: Canal Camping)
Woodside Farm Camping Site
Situated in the delightful village of Thurne, a 20-minute drive northwest of Great Yarmouth, this small rural campsite features 10 tent pitches, plenty of practical amenities, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages and camping experience. Despite its modest size, the site still feels spacious and unspoilt views across the open countryside add to the sense of expansiveness. The broads and the river Thurne are within easy walking distance and the famous Weavers Way public foot paths runs around the area, offering some truly beautiful walks.
LOCATION Common Lane, Great Yarmouth