Camping in West Hoathly

West Hoathly and the surrounding High Weald offer some lovely, low-key camping country, though it is worth remembering that wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, so an established campsite or a farm pitch with the owner's agreement is the way to go. The Weald's terrain of small fields, shaws and ghylls (steep wooded stream valleys) makes for sheltered, intimate pitches rather than wide open ground, and several local farms and smallholdings offer simple camping alongside more developed touring sites near East Grinstead and Haywards Heath. The heavy clay-and-sandstone soils of the Weald mean the ground can turn soft after rain, so late spring through to early autumn is the most reliable window, with June to September offering the driest pitches and the best chance of long evenings to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Bluebell season in April and May adds a particular reason to pitch up nearby, with the ancient woodlands around West Hoathly and Ashdown Forest putting on one of the region's best seasonal displays. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping has taken hold across the High Weald in recent years, with shepherd's huts, safari tents and converted horseboxes appearing on farms within easy reach of the village, typically offering proper beds, log burners and a lower-effort alternative to a traditional tent while keeping the same rural, wooded setting. Whichever option you choose, book ahead in peak summer weekends, as sites across this popular corner of Sussex fill quickly once the weather turns fine.