Camping is the cheapest way of staying in London. Unfortunately, there are no campsites in the centre of London (zone 1), or even in zone 2. The most central camping grounds are in north-east, south and south-east London (zones 3-8). Expect at least a 30-60 minute journey by tube or train to central London.
The ULEZ charge now covers most of Greater London. You will need to pay a fee to drive in London if you have an older, polluting car. All the campsites listed below with a London address are in the ULEZ.
View a map of London campsites.
Camping in North East London
Lee Valley Camping & Caravan Park
Suburban location, next to a cinema complex and an 18 hole golf course. Regular buses (W8) to the nearest train station. Free WiFi.
Cost: £9–£14 adult, £5–£7.25 child (minimum pitch fee £18–£29)
Address: Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AS
Tel: 020 8803 6900
Transport: Edmonton Green train station (1.5 miles). Trains run to Liverpool St station (approximately 25 minutes) or get off at Seven Sisters to connect with the underground (Victoria line)
London Transport Zone: Zone 4
visitleevalley.org.uk
Lee Valley Campsite
On the edge of the River Lee Country Park and near to Epping Forest and historic Waltham Abbey. Bus 215 runs from the campsite to Walthamstow Central tube station.
Cost: £9–£14 adult, £5–£7.25 child (minimum pitch fee £18–£29)
Address: Sewardstone Rd, Chingford, London E4 7RA
Tel: 020 8529 5689
Transport: The site is close to Chingford train station (2.5 miles). Trains run to Liverpool St Station (approximately 18 minutes). Alternatively, take the 215 bus to Walthamstow Central underground station for the Victoria line to central London.
London Transport Zone: Chingford train station – Zone 5, Walthamstow Central – Zone 3
visitleevalley.org.uk
Camping in South East London
Abbey Wood Caravan Club Tent Site
Surprisingly rural campsite set in landscaped grounds full of mature trees. Convenient for visiting Greenwich and central London and a 10 minute walk to the nearest train station. 60 pitches.
Cost: Pitches from £18.20 per night
Address: Federation Road, Abbey Wood, London SE2 0LS
Tel: 020 8311 7708
Transport: Abbey Wood train station (0.4 miles). 28 minutes from London Brisge station or 37 minutes to Charing Cross station. With the new Elizabeth Line it’s 24 minutes to Tottenham Court Rd station, and 34 minutes to Paddington.
London Transport Zone: Zone 4
caravanclub.co.uk
Camping in South London
Crystal Palace Caravan Club Tent Site
Small forest-like campsite in Crystal Palace Park in South London . Plenty of transport options to/from central London. 18 pitches.
Cost: Pitches from £19.30 per night
Address: Crystal Palace Parade, London, SE19 1UF
Tel: 020 8778 7155
Transport: The 24-hour Number 3 bus runs directly to central London, or get off at Brixton tube station on the way and continue by the underground (Victoria line). It’s 15 minutes from Sydenham Hill train station to Victoria train station.
London Transport Zone: Zone 3
caravanclub.co.uk
Camping outside London
Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Tent Site
A pretty riverside site south-west of London. Perfect if you have a car and want to visit Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Windsor or Legoland.
This campsite is outside the ULEZ.
Cost: Contact them for prices
Address: Bridge Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8JX
Tel: 01932 562405
Transport: Chertsey (1.5 miles), Shepperton (2.5 miles) or Weybridge (3.5 miles) train stations. Direct trains to London run from Shepperton station (53 minutes) and Weybridge (30–40 minutes). A change is required from Chertsey station (approx 1 hour). Weybridge station has good parking facilities.
London Transport Zone: This site is outside the London Transport zone area. You will pay more to visit central London by public transport compared to the other campsites listed above.
Open: Open now
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Another alternative is to camp in someone’s private gardens. campspace.com put you in touch with Londoner’s who let you pitch your tent on their property. It won’t be cheaper than the campsites listed above, but you might find something slightly closer to central London.
London campsite map
Last updated: 7 September 2023