1 / 13

New Wharf Campsite

100%
·
· Ashurst, West Sussex, England
20 acres hosted by Ed T.
Avatar
Riverside camping and shepherd’s huts near the South Downs

Swimming in the river, cooking on campfires, and swinging from trees on tractor tyres… Move over Huck Finn; this is the story of New Wharf Campsite. You get to play the main character and the action will be set, not on the banks of the Mississippi, but down by the peaceful River Adur, instead. It’s in Sussex, in the shadow of the South Downs, just over half an hour from Brighton and an hour south of London.

This easy-to-reach but idyllic location has been welcoming campers for a few years, previously by a pop-up camping brand. Now farmer’s daughter Elle and her partner Ed are running the place. They’ll still be offering a mix of meadow and riverside camping and have five simple shepherd’s huts too. Apart from those it’s all off-grid, tents-only camping with campfires welcome. Cars are not allowed in the camping areas, which means footloose and fancy-free kids are. And there's plenty of space to play.

The shepherd’s huts are all different but most have log burners, and all bar one can sleep four people. Those family-sized huts are in the main camping field with the other, Ellena, which is just right for couples, tucked a little further away. It has its own loo and shower to boot. All have electricity, lighting, USB charging, and an outside cooking and eating area. Just don’t forget to bring your own bedding.

Whether you camp in your own tent or stay in a hut, it’s the rural and riverside location that makes New Wharf special. Make the most of it with the 45-minute riverside walk to the most-local pub or by taking the plunge to cool off. The water is tidal, so do take care, and, if swimming is not your thing, try a kayak or paddleboard to get your fix. Both are available for hire on the riverbank nearby. Walking or cycling in the nearby South Downs is almost as much of a must but other than that? Stick a blade of grass in your mouth, pull your straw hat over your eyes and simply relax by the river.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Field
Farm
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
100%
2 Ratings · 41 reviews
Avatar
Sophie R.recommends
August 22, 2022
Main Site
Loved how spacious the campsite was, it felt like it was just our group there! The facilities were great with hot showers and our own wash station and toilet nearby. The kids loved the go karts and tire swing and the pizza van Friday went down well with everyone. Would definitely come back
Avatar
Karen P.recommends
August 21, 2022
Molly
Shepherds hut - amazing weekend!
A warm and friendly arrival. The hut was set out nicely with a packet of biscuits and drinks which was a nice touch! The campsite was really lovely, well spaced out with well placed washing facilities and toilets. A nice walk down to the river and several hedgerows for blackberry picking.
Avatar
Joolz ?.recommends
August 19, 2022
Janen
Great setting and lively and Cool despite the heat! Very helpful hosts
Avatar
Gemma C.recommends
August 14, 2022
Main Site
Getting away!
Peaceful, rustic and so much space! Pizza van was a bonus on the Friday eve and the river swimming was bliss in the heat .
Avatar
Kate H.recommends
August 8, 2022
Main Site
I loved camping with my family at New Wharf! Seriously, this is a well organised, clean site. We all loved the bucket showers, the free go-carts, lots of rope swings, a river, and we had a huge pitch. We will be back! Highly recommended.
Avatar
Melanie B.recommends
August 2, 2022
Ellena
Great, secluded - away from the busy family pitch. Close to the river for morning swims and has its own loo.
Location
Ashurst, West Sussex, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar
Hosted by Ed T.Joined in January 2021
From the host
Our family run farm and campsite is located on the outskirts of Ashurst in the middle of stunning West Sussex, situated on the river Adur. We are happy to boast about our generous sized tent pitches, vast playing areas, comfortable and cosy shepherd huts, a wide variety of areas where you can camp and never be too far from our facilities.
Nearby attractions

You can go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in the River Adur from a private launching point by the campsite. Kayaks and paddleboards are usually available to hire from The Kayak Coach (07796 203870), on site, but do call ahead if you want to reserve one. There are lovely riverside and bluebell woodland walks from the campsite and, not far away, you can join the Downs Link cycle trail. For a longer route you could join the South Downs Way National Trail, which runs right through the South Downs National Park. The closest beach is just over the Downs, at Shoreham, eight miles away. Alternatively, head to bustling Brighton for a trip down its famous pier, a wander along The Lanes, a visit to the Brighton Pavilion or a day on its shingley shores.

Food and drink

There’s a good pub The Fountain Inn, with roaring fires inside if the weather's bad and a very nice garden outside, just a walk away – it’s 45 minutes if you take the riverside route, 20 minutes along the road (but there’s no pavement). The closest shops are in the small town of Steyning about four miles away where there’s a butchers and a Co-op. For tea head to the Steyning Tea Rooms (01903 810103), The Sussex Produce Company (01903 815045) is a good spot for lunch with fresh locally-sourced ingredients, while Chez Joel (01903 813311) serves delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere most evenings.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.