Camping in Patching

The South Downs around Patching offer some rewarding but rugged terrain for campers, with chalk grassland, beech hangers and steep-sided coombes rising straight from the village. As with everywhere else in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal, so anyone hoping to pitch a tent near Patching needs to use a licensed campsite or seek express permission first. The Angmering Park Estate and the wider South Downs National Park are farmed and privately owned in large part, and casual camping on this land is not permitted.

For a legitimate stay under canvas, the nearest campsites and caravan parks are found around Arundel, Angmering and further along the coast towards Littlehampton and Worthing, many offering pitches for tents, campervans and touring caravans within easy striking distance of the downland walks that start near Patching. Glamping has also grown steadily in this part of West Sussex, with shepherd's huts, safari tents and yurts available at a number of small sites in the surrounding villages, offering a more comfortable alternative for those who want the downland scenery without the full rigours of traditional camping.

Late spring through to early autumn is the best window for camping here, when the chalk downland is driest underfoot and the long summer evenings suit walks up to Highdown Hill or along the South Downs Way. Even in good weather, the exposed high ground can turn breezy and cool after dark, so it is worth packing for a proper drop in temperature overnight. Outside these months, the clay-based lower ground around Patching can become heavy and wet, and many local sites reduce their opening or close altogether over winter.