Badgells Wood Camping

Our aim is to let you enjoy the woodland in its natural form with your own campfire and plenty of space. In order to do this we need to preserve and maintain the ancient woodland and natural landscape in which you find yourselves. Our camp takes up 30acres of Whitehorse Wood; itself 250 acres of ancient woodland which is also designated as a local wildlife site and sits within the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. You wont be suprised to hear there are bluebells, butterflies and badgers galore - we are currently working with the Kent Wildlife Trust on our conservation plan for the woods. Badgells Wood was also once part of a World War II Training Camp - towards end of the war, nearly every officer in the British Army passed through here as part of his training. The remains of concrete tracks and hut bases can be glimpsed between the trees, giving a taste of what was here before. And going back even further – there is also 1km of trench remaining from WWI which the kids love exploring.

Pitches

The site is over 30acres with concrete roads for access – so no getting stuck in the mud!. You can park just off the side of the road and camp next to your car or head off deeper into the woods for a more secluded spot under the shade of an oak tree (we can help you in there with our quad bike). We are forming pitches and tracks in the woodland so that most of the woods will remain naturally overgrown and you will feel like you are camping on your own in the woods rather than in a campsite.

Off Grid Facilities

We run off-grid so it’s back to nature. We have gas powered showers, washing up area and event WC’s and will shortly have composting WC’s. It is basic and rustic but with everything you need! We also supply bio-degradable shower gel and washing-up liquid. We have to tank up fresh water so please use it sparingly. I am afraid its not suitable for drinking or preparing food, so please bring your own drinking water (or buy it in our shop).

Fires and Wood

There is nothing like the simplicity of a campfire to generate lifelong memories. However they do need to be treated with respect and common sense and we ask that campers re-use existing fire pits. We need to leave the deadwood to maintain the woodland ecology, so foraging is not allowed, however we have seasoned logs and kindling from the surrounding Estate available to buy.

Dogs

We welcome dogs but we need you to keep them and their poo under control. If you come in with a dog we will give you some poo bags and ask that you clear up after them wherever possible. They should be on a lead when not in the immediate vicinity of your pitch.

Noise & Amplified music

We do not allow amplified music, although you are very welcome to bring instruments or join in with some campfire songs..! Our wardens will do a walk around at 10pm to check that no-one is disturbing their neighours.

Rubbish

We have waste and recycling facilities – please bring back everything you take into the woods to keep the woods for the wildlife.

Shop

We have a small amount of essentials for sale on site such as drinking water, matches, firelighters and torches, tea, coffee & crisps..! As well as firewood and swedish candles.