Camping in Lea

Lea sits on the edge of the Wye Valley, within reach of the Forest of Dean, making it a promising area for anyone wanting to camp close to some of the best river and woodland scenery in this part of England. As with anywhere in England, wild camping is illegal without the landowner's permission, so visitors need to book into a recognised campsite, farm site or glamping stay rather than pitching up on open land or riverbank.

The terrain around Lea is gently rolling farmland giving way to the steeper, wooded slopes of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, so campsites in the wider area range from open farm fields to more sheltered, tree-lined pitches. Facilities vary accordingly, from simple, back-to-basics fields with a tap and a compost loo, through to fuller-service sites with showers, electric hook-up and on-site shops, so it is worth checking what is included before booking, especially if you are travelling with a tent rather than a campervan or caravan.

The best months to camp here run from late spring to early autumn, when the Wye Valley is at its most walkable and the river at its best for canoeing and paddling. Ground can be soft and paths through the forest muddy outside these months, so smaller tents in particular fare best in the drier half of the year. For those who would rather skip the tent-pitching altogether, glamping options in the wider area, including shepherd's huts, pods and yurts, offer a more comfortable way to enjoy the same woodland and riverside setting, often with a wood burner or fire pit thrown in for cooler evenings.