Camping in East Wittering

East Wittering and the surrounding Manhood Peninsula offer a handful of campsites well suited to a coastal camping break, though as with anywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal, so a proper site or a farm stay with camping pitches is the way to go. The flat, low-lying terrain around the village means sites tend to be open and breezy rather than sheltered, so a sturdy tent or a pitch with some hedging is worth seeking out, especially outside the calmest summer weeks. Being so close to the sea, conditions can change quickly, and a stiff Channel wind is a fairly regular feature of a stay here.

Late spring through to early autumn is the best window for camping at East Wittering, when the weather is settled enough for evenings on the beach and the surf is at its most inviting. Nearby farm campsites put visitors within easy reach of both the beach and the quieter footpaths of Chichester Harbour, making it possible to split days between watersports and gentler walks among the creeks and saltmarsh. For those who would rather skip the tent-pitching altogether, glamping options in the area, including bell tents, shepherd's huts and static options on local farms, offer a comfortable alternative that still keeps you close to the sand, without sacrificing the coastal setting that makes this stretch of Sussex so popular with campers.

Whichever way you choose to camp, the appeal is the same: falling asleep to the sound of the sea, and waking up a short walk from one of the South Coast's best beginner surf beaches.