elfwoods forest campsite
Pitch up between trees and heathland in the heart of the South Downs. Bask in the sun; stroll in the shade; light a fire; gaze at the stars above the canopy; fall asleep to the call of the owls…
Set within 30 acres of woodland and heathland, at elfwoods we have camping pitches available for tents all year round; each within its own setting that includes a small fire pit for cooking (firewood included!). Camping facilities currently consist of a simple composting toilet and mains water supply. We’re also planning four timer frame cabins for the near future.
How to find us
Elfwoods is located in the heart of the South Downs national park, just north of Rogate, West Sussex and a short walk away from the Serpent trail. You can use this link to find us using your preferred mapping app.
The closest train station is Liss, 3.8 miles away, and the closest bus stop is in Rogate, 1.5 miles away. We will be happy to give you a lift from either of these. Please contact us or let us know in your booking to check availability.
If your party comes in multiple cars, please consider to car share – It helps the environment and frees parking spaces. For detailed instructions about how to find us by car, please visit our contact page.
Motor vehicles must be left at the out-of-sight car park, where you’ll find wheelbarrows to help carry your bags along the short (150m) path through woods and heathland to the forest campsite area. Wheelchair access is possible, but please let us know before you arrive if this is something you will require so we can make sure that all paths are clear.
Things to do
The forest campsite is part of the wider elfwoods community, and we’ll be happy to show you around so you can see what we’re up to. Other things you might be interested in while staying with us include:
Walking and cycling
The South Downs' Serpent Trail and King Alfred's Way are a short walk away from us, and connect to the South Downs Way. Rogate Bike Park just 2 miles away. There are plenty of nearby walks, picturesque villages and pubs to discover.
Wildlife watching
Spot deer, badgers, foxes, buzzards, kites, woodpeckers, owls, bats, lizards, slow worms, oil beetles, mining bees… Visitors have been lucky to hear the distinctive call of a nightjar on occasion.
Stargazing
Look up and wonder. elfwoods is set within an International Dark Sky Reserve, and its hilltop heathland is a prime spot for stargazing; be it with the naked eye, binoculars or telescope.
Volunteering
There are plenty of volunteering opportunities at elfwoods: From learning how to fell a tree or split firewood, to managing bracken or weaving a natural fence. Let us know how you'd like to contribute.
Relaxing
Why not just hang your hammock, read a book, build a fire, cook some food, play some music, tell a story... Connecting to Nature by stopping and contemplating instead of moving and doing.
What our campers say
Everyone was very friendly
Howard, stayed October 2022A beautiful retreat back into nature
Hillary, stayed September 2022Fantastic experience in the forest
Ian, stayed September 2022An incredible natural place to camp
Jon, stayed September 2022Enjoying being at one with the woods
Tim. stayed September 2022Ideal for cyclists or hikers
Charles, stayed August 2022Fantastic place, lovely community
Christian, stayed August 2022Close to nature, wonderful people
Justyna, stayed August 2022I loved sitting underneath a blanket of stars
Josh, stayed August 2022Children enjoyed freedom learning new skills
Ewa, stayed August 2022Highly recommended
Dave, stayed August 2022I would definitely stay here again
Jo, stayed August 2022The best campsite I ever visited
Jacek, stayed August 2022It felt like wild camping
Roxana, stayed August 2022I'd rather keep elfwoods a secret
Franke, stayed July 2022An unexpected treasure hidden in the woodlands
Lars, stayed July 2022A rare treat for camping purists
Ray, stayed July 2022We can't wait to go back!
Eloise, stayed July 2022Beautiful and quiet; a short walk from the Serpent Trail
Ian, stayed July 2022The children loved the space and freedom
Zoe, stayed on June 2022Seamlessly situated on the Serpent Trail
Amy, stayed June 2022My best camping experience for a very long time
John, stayed on June 2022Idyllic
Alan, stayed on June 2022We loved the fire pit, and listening to the birdlife
Simon, stayed on June 2022It felt like I was miles away from anywhere
Paulo, stayed on May 2022Lovely peaceful patch of woodland
Alice, stayed on May 2022Fees and considerations
At a time when connection to Nature is increasingly becoming difficult, we actively strive to share access to our woodland with people of all ages and backgrounds.
In that spirit we offer our campsite for a minimum fee, and trust that you might consider topping this up with a donation according to your financial situation and how satisfied you are with your stay. If you cannot afford even the minimum fee we’d be delighted to host you in exchange for a couple of hours of volunteering work a day.
The fees you pay will be used not only to fund the campsite upkeep but also to support the charitable work of the wider elfwoods community.
* We can try to make provision for larger groups of more than 6 people, although it is best to contact us well in advance to arrange and agree fees.
Please note the forest campsite is set within the wider elfwoods community, so there’s a chance that other activities could be running in the vicinity at the same time as your stay. We’ll let you know if this is the case when we confirm your booking.
We operate as a “tranquil campsite”, respecting all wildlife on the site as well as the wider quietude of the National Park. Noise should be kept down from 8PM to 8AM. Non-amplified music, laughter, singing and merriment are welcome throughout your stay, as long as it respects other campers and users of the space.
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on site due to the nature of the activities we run and the conservation work we do.
Book your stay
Submit your booking details below and we’ll be in touch ASAP to confirm your stay and provide you with payment details:
Timber frame cabins
Approved plans are now underway to install four rustic, timber frame cabins, which will extend the capacity and options for overnight stays at elfwoods. The proposal also includes plans to build two timber frame composting toilets and washrooms as well as a woodland pavilion for meetings, meals and gatherings. All facilities will be wheelchair accessible. Work will begin in Spring 2022.
If you would like to know when the cabins are ready for booking, please join our mailing list below.
As part of our community building projects, we welcome volunteers who wish to join us in creating these new natural structures. Please contact us directly or see our Volunteering page if you’re interested in learning more.
