Beacon Hill Scout Campsite

The crunch of footsteps on chalk paths and the distant bleating of sheep drift across this elevated Scout campsite, where the South Downs' signature rolling hills create an amphitheatre of green around your pitch. Morning light catches the ridgelines in a way that makes you understand why this area became a National Park.

This is a proper grassroots camping experience suited to Scout groups primarily, though availability for other campers varies – always ring ahead. You're deep in classic South Downs territory here, where ancient droveways and Iron Age forts punctuate the landscape, and the ridge-top trails seem to stretch forever under big, open skies.

Facilities are basic and reflect the site's Scout heritage, so come prepared for simple camping rather than glamping comforts. The campfire policy requires checking on arrival – worth doing, as few things beat watching flames flicker as dusk settles over the Downs. Tents, campervans and caravans are all welcome, making this a flexible base for exploring one of southern England's most beautiful walking landscapes. Expect a back-to-basics, community-minded atmosphere rather than manicured pitches.