Why Wild Camping Is the Ultimate Family Adventure This Summer (+ 5 Ways to Make It Magical at Dernwood Farm)
There’s something special about the crackle of a fire under an open sky, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the joy of watching children run barefoot through the woods. In a world full of screens and schedules, wild camping offers families the chance to slow down, reconnect and experience the simple magic of nature…together.
At Dernwood Farm we believe summer holidays should be full of muddy knees, marshmallows and memories. Here’s why wild camping might just be the ultimate family adventure this summer and how to make your stay truly unforgettable.
Why we love Wild Camping
1. Reconnect with each other.
Out here, there’s no Wi-Fi (on purpose). Which means no distractions, just you, your loved ones and the wild woods all around.
2. Let the kids go wild (safely).
Our wild camping meadow is car-free and surrounded by ancient woodland. Children are free to explore, build dens, spot deer and play as kids should, without a screen in sight.
3. Rediscover nature’s rhythm.
Wake with the birds, snooze to the hum of bees, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. It’s good for the soul (and great for sleep).
️ Why Dernwood Farm?
We’re more than just a place to pitch your tent. At Dernwood, you’ll find:
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Spacious wild camping pitches set within 70 acres of private Sussex woodland
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Campfires – perfect for cooking dinner or telling ghost stories
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Woodland walks in our ancient woodland, with rope swings & dens with plenty of space to roam
- Onsite farm shop & cafe – using our own produce!
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Resident animals – including cows, pigs, sheep and our (very) free range chickens!
Whether it’s your first camping trip or your fifteenth, we’ve created a space where you can truly unplug and unwind.
✨ 5 Ways to Make Your Wild Camping Stay Magical
Looking to add a little extra sparkle to your summer holiday? Here are a few of our favourite ways to make memories in the woods:
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of woodland treasures (a feather, a beetle, a pinecone, a deer print…) and let the kids lead the way. -
Campfire Cooking & S’mores Night
Nothing beats dinner cooked over flames. Try jacket potatoes in the embers—or go simple with sausages on sticks and marshmallows for pudding. -
DIY Forest Crafts
Collect fallen leaves, twigs and bark to create woodland art. (Just take only what’s already on the ground, and leave no trace.) -
Wildlife Watching
Early mornings and evenings are best for spotting our shyest residents—keep an eye out for deer, owls and foxes. -
Old-Fashioned Campfire Games
Pass the time with classic games like ‘20 Questions’, shadow puppets, or telling stories by torchlight.
What to Pack (and What You Don’t Need)
You won’t need much, but a few key items make a big difference:
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A decent torch (or two!)
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Layers for cool evenings
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Campfire cooking plan
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A sense of adventure
No need for gadgets, screens or rigid itineraries—nature has its own plan, and it’s a good one.
Book Your Summer Escape
There’s still time to book your wild camping pitch for the summer holidays—but spaces go fast once the school term ends.
So if you’re dreaming of toasted marshmallows, deer tracks in the mud, and star-filled skies, now’s the time to plan your escape.
Check availability and book here
We can’t wait to welcome you to the woods.
