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I stayed with family & friends over a weekend. This is basic 'wild' camping at its best. There are 2 toilets (clean), a sink (no hot water), a hose pipe and fire wood (if bought). Everything else you must provide including the toilet roll.
Most people seem to come in small groups and there was at least 15m between each group, so no problems with space. That said everybody respected the noise.
Location: Quiet surroundings with shops about 10-15 away to supply forgotten needs.
Facilities: Basic, but clean. It just that there is only one outbuilding for the entire site & it could do with one more for when busy. I appreciate that there is no heating but it would be nice to have a cold shower if needed. You can rent a solar shower but you need to find a place in the woods to hide.
Although meat can be supplied which is very good there is no freezer for cool blocks so be careful with milk & butter
Customer service: They take a very hands off approach as long as everyone is respectful. When needed, they were available and very friendly.
Child friendliness: Fantastic for children, tons of space in the field for young ones and more space in the woods to play for bigger kids. Field big enough for ball games without disturbing neighbours too much (I hope).
There is no playground but our children did not miss this.
Value: Weekends (and especially bank holidays) overpriced considering this is wild camping plus 2 day minimum required. The only thing that offsets this is you are changed by the family & not the tent, so if you bring extra gazebo’s or shelters, there are no additional charges.
The main problem is the need to transport everything from your car to the tent field which is a good trek. They do supply wheel barrows & trolleys although quiet a few were broken or had flat tires. This can be fun with the kids (but tiring) on a dry day but hell if its raining. 4 or 5 half mile trips lets you know if you married an angel.
That said we still had a great time while there & I would recommend it to everyone. Just think about what you pack, & do you need it?.
We visited this site in April and were lucky enough to get probably the best couple of weeks sunshine the year had to offer. The pitches are located on a large field at the bottom of woods which are a bit of a trek if you're lugging heavy tents and gear (using the many trolleys that are available at the farm). When we arrived we pretty much had the run of the place and found a great pitch at the top of the field next to the woods. The boys hammock'd in the woods and we set up our tents around one of the established fire pits. The surrounding woods were great for exploring and the farm had impressive stocks of meat for campfire cooking. Facilities were limited but we came with the intention of living 'off the land' so weren't expecting anything. Our only reservation was the proximity of the overhead power lines which whilst they weren't near the pitches, needed to be pointed out to the boys as they attempted to fly a kite on a particularly breezy day! A really great site and wonderful hosts - highly recommended for back to basics camping
My fiancée and I went for just a few nights, but we wish it was longer. We have no complaints and only praise to give. You must understand that it is basic 'wild' camping at its best. There are 2 loos (clean), a sink, a hose pipe, and fire wood (pay for) supplied and everything else you must provide or deal with the lack of. This was perfectly fine by us. I highly recommend you pre-purchase some farm fresh meat for camp cooking, as it was delicious. The surrounding woodland is a nice distraction to explore as well.
Most everything I wanted to say has already been covered by others, however I must also recommend the Cuckoo Trail which is only a couple miles away in Horam. We rode down to the coast in Eastbourne which was a great ride with a signed path the whole way.
You can also go north to Heathfield, though we only made the trip south. This is an excellent trail, so I would suggest any cycling fans camping at Dernwood to make a day of exploring it. Its about 15-20 miles to the coast, and you should remember that the way back is up hill! We are no professionals but instead took our time, brought food and plenty of water, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Coming back to a warm fire, sausages on a stick, and a cold beer was icing on the cake.
About my ratings:
Location: 10/10. Picturesque surroundings with just the right proximity to meet any forgotten needs.
Facilities: 8/10. Basic, but of good quality, which gets a good score in my book.
Value: 7/10. We went mid week, but weekends (and especially bank holidays) can get quite pricey in my opinion. Still worth it.
Customer service: 8/10. They take a very hands off approach it seems as long as everyone is respectful. We liked not being 'bothered' while we were there enjoying nature. When needed, they were available and very friendly.
Child friendliness: No children of our own, but there was tons of space in the field for young ones and more space in the woods to play for bigger kids. No play ground may be a negative for some, but I always enjoyed a good romp in the woods and a camp fire to sit around at night.
Overall: 9/10. They would earn 10/10 if they were located closer to my house for more regular visits. Please work on that.
Seriously though, hands off wild camping with a great meat selection and an even better location. A smidge pricey, but that may only be me. We will be coming back!
My second review of this site and 3rd visit in 3 years.
Just to confirm that it's still as fabulous as the first year that we went. If you want a basic, spacious site with real campfires and no electrics - you really can't beat this site. We took an old washing machine drum to use as a firepit and it worked a treat for both heat and cooking on.
The site was full for the royal wedding / early may bank holiday. In practice that meant 40 tents spread around the outside of the camping field with a huge area of space for the children to play in the middle. Most people seem to come in small groups and there was at least 15m between each group. There was even a free falconry display in the camping field on Saturday.
No problems with noise at all over the weekend and everyone was very respectful. Basically Amanda and hubby trust the people that camp with them and it's repaid with respect for their land.
This is our second year camping at Dernwood and we will be going back next year.
We have a massive family tent as we have four kids and we go for two weeks at a time. This year we left things a little late in booking and according to their website the weekends were fully booked. After a quick email to the owner Amanda, everything was OK. Because we were staying for a decent amount of time (not just a long weekend) she was able to squeeze us in. I say squeeze but there is so much room in the field that for the most of our stay the closest any other campers got to us was a good 100 meters or so away. Only at the weekend when it got a little busier did anyone camp close and even then that was 20 – 30 meters away. So if any of you are thinking of a long stay I’d say don’t let the ‘fully booked’ weekends put you off - it’s definitely worth asking.
Space! One of the great things about Dernwood is all the space there is around. One of the main concerns we have with such a large tent (7m x 7m) is conforming to strict guidelines laid out by other ‘mean’ camp sites that say you have to fit between the lines or pay extra for larger tents. There’s none of that here. We’re free to set up anywhere that suits. Some people even set up camp in the woods that surround the whole field. We even saw a few lads set up hanging bivouacs and sleep in them for a couple of nights!
With all the space, the fact that no cars are allowed on the camping field and no roads anywhere nearby; this means you can let the children roam free. No need to keep your eye on them nonstop! Just sit down, poke the fire, sip your drink and chill. It’s amazing how easily children make friends with other children. We often saw our kids playing with others, making dens in the woods or generally wearing each other out running round. The field is so large that even with kids playing, they are well out of the way so as not to bother other campers with their playing or noise. The woods are a great distraction for them as well. It makes a nice change to see the kids entertaining themselves with outdoor life rather than staring at a TV screen or playing Xbox. Screaming kids at 7am in the morning (see previous review) is not a thing we would allow in our tent. I think the trick is to let them stay up later than normal around the fire as they were often still in bed long after we woke.
Things have even improved since our stay last year. The mud track from the car park to the field has drainage and is now lined with stones/shingle. So no need for wellington boots anymore! This makes things a LOT easier to wheelbarrow your belongings to and fro.
Another aspect that has improved are the toilets. There are now two toilets in a sturdy building. This also has a draining board/sink area that proved popular for washing dishes in. The hosepipe is still there on the outside of this building with some paving for filling your water canisters. I was also impressed that the owner visits the loos every single morning to make sure they are clean and tidy. There are no lights or power in them so bring a torch at night!
There are only a few rules: Use an existing firepit, keep the noise low late evening and don’t hog the wheel barrows. All common sense really.
The main reason we originally chose Dernwood was that they allowed real fires. I don’t think we’ll ever go to a site that doesn’t allow this now. There’s nothing like sitting around the warmth of a camp fire, enjoying the peace whilst spotting shooting stars and satellites in the night sky. There is no light pollution from nearby towns to spoil this either. It really was great to get away from civilisation, noise, TV and just get back to basics.
We tried a little of the food that Dernwood produce this time. Blow me! we should have done it last year! The sausages were fab and tasted great cooked on an open fire. I recommend you try everything they have to offer.
As far as getting supplies - Horam is the nearest village 5 minutes away. Not much there though. Heathfield is a larger village and has a hardware store and a large coop store which is 10 minutes away. Hailsham is 20 minutes away and has a large Tesco, KFC and many more shops if you really need to return to consumerism for a bit. Eastbourne is 45 minutes away and has the beach and many many superstores. One place to visit for the day is Birling Gap. It has a scenic walk along the chalk cliffs to a lighthouse, a café and of course chalk boulders on the beach.
A few tips I would suggest would be to bring a push bike if you can. This makes the world of difference when trekking back along the 10 minute path for those items you forgot and left in the car, or sending the kids to buy some more sausages from the owner. Unless you like walking of course!
Also, for those of you that like to stay for more than a couple of days (proper campers): bring along a watering can, windbreaker, bucket and a large pot. You can then have glorious warm showers in the outdoors with water heated on the fire. There’s nothing like it!
If I had to criticise or suggest improvements I would say –
We could do with a shelf in each toilet cubicle for your torch and loo roll to rest on. The floor can get wet and muddy when it rains. A separate sink to wash your hands in whilst people do their washing up would go down well. And perhaps smaller shingle could go over the bumpier stones along the 10 minute path to make it easier/smoother. But hey that’s getting really fussy!
We stayed directly under the pylons this time round. Yes there are a few amusing static shocks that can be had if you have a large metal pole tent or umbrella directly underneath but nothing that will harm you or be dangerous. You can easily still be near the toilet block without going under the pylons. And those without metal pole tents (carbon fibre rods) shouldn’t even notice the static. I would say the pylons cover a mere 3% of available camping area leaving plenty of static free options. So not much to complain about.
All in all this is the greatest campsite we have ever visited. The owner is incredibly friendly and helpful. There is a peace and tranquility unlike any other site. No rowdy groups making a nuisance of themselves late into the night. Freedom for the kids to wander. Decent food and a real fire to socialise around of an evening. I recommend you stay for at least a week to soak it all up!
We stayed here for 2 nights with another family, 4 small children between us. We enjoyed the walk through the woods, having purchased great meat from the owner on arrival.
Our first evening was idyllic and we thought we had found a near perfect campsite. Heaps of space, blazing open fire, safe areas for well supervised kids to explore, great camp food etc. The toilets were simple but adequate, even when the site got busier on the Saturday, never had to queue.
Only gripe was that come Saturday, the fine weather attracted more campers-fine, but a group of more than 10 tents pitched around us and then proceeded to party into the night, burning all the wood supplies in the process. We did appeal to them directly, for example as they played ball games over us as we ate. However I regret not raising a complaint with the owner the next day- my feeling is that there should be a few more 'rules' ie limit to number in a larger group, or specific party area such as across the ditch by the toilet block.
Would love to return but only if there was a more policed/advertised noise/party policy in place.
This is a lovely and very basic campsite - just 2 loos and one sink for the whole site and a long trek with barrows through the woods from the car parking.
Its great for back to basics and for quiet walks in the woods - and a fair drive from any shops.
It was only spoilt by groups of loud families who, as in so many other sites, don't seem to realise that noise carries outside. And don't seem to understand that its not okay to let their kids out to run about and scream at 7 in the morning.
There are no formal playground items - just woods and a big swampy pond to explore. So great to let old children loose and free. Responsibly.
So, highly recommended for the woods and sitting out under the stars. If you want a big sing song til the early hours, please go somewhere more suitable.
Positives: Nice to have campfires, logs are stacked in the middle of the field and you pay £5 to have a basket, you can help yourself throughout the day which is good as it means your not restricted with campfire times. The campsite is a large field with lots of space as the owners don't like to pack you in. It is in a nice woodland setting and the owners have created three woodland walks with a map, the walk is easily signposted which is good. To get there you must park in the car park and then carry/wheel-barrow/cart your belongings through the wood along a stoney track, which takes 10minutes each way which adds to the wild theme.
Negative: There is only one loo block and water tap at the bottom of the field, and having decided not to be to far away from this and not thinking about looking up we camped down the end of the field nearest the loos. There are two plyons at either (width) end of the field and this means the cables are above the entrance to the loos and tap, and our tent. The plyons became very loud at night and we all became statically charged (Scary) and therefore had to completely move our pitch up the field. We informed the campsite manager in the morning and he said he would put a warning sign out, however he didn't.
Expensive as it was basic with no showers, only two loos to serve a large field and often you had to queue.
Lovely un spoilt area of countryside, car free site so no worrying about the kids & cars etc. Wheelbarrow idea from car park is brilliant although walking through the pitch black woods with them full up and a baby is not easy! Owners are great and relaxed. Campsite has basic facilities and when I mean basic it is a shed with a toilet in it! But it is all kept clean which is more than you can say than some places! Nice gentle walks around the site and a few animals here and there. The only thing I would suggest is to camp as far to the left of the field as you can as there is a electricity pylon in the left which is quite noisy so unless your a heavy sleeper I would avoid that area. Look forward to returning.
Had an absolutely fantastic stay here for 2 nights. Pitches were spread well apart but people were friendly and sociable when you did meet. The toilet is only in a shed, but is well kept and clean. The wood for campfires was easy to find. It is quite a walk to get to the site, but it is definitely worth it, the wheel barrows are ideal. Did not go out around the local area, we went to Hastings on the full day, which only took about 45mins, Eastbourne is even closer.
Don't forget to buy the farms produce too - delicious! Owners very friendly. Wonderful experience.
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Common Questions
Is Dernwood Farm Wild Camping child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Dernwood Farm Wild Camping? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
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Tent Pitches 
No Caravans 
No Motorhomes 
No Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
No Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
No Laundry 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <10 miles 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <1 mile 
No Cycle Hire 
Golf <1 mile 
No Tennis 
Beach <10 miles 
Watersports <10 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring <10 miles 
No Sea Views 
Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Electric Car Charging Point
I stayed with family & friends over a weekend. This is basic 'wild' camping at its best. There are 2 toilets (clean), a sink (no hot water), a hose pipe and fire wood (if bought). Everything else you must provide including the toilet roll. 
