Nethergong Camping

One of the joys of small, independent campsites is the stories of how they came to be and the owners who delight in sharing their tales with you. Nethergong is a perfect example, and it's fascinating to hear owner Jed enthusiastically tell you how his father planted thousands of trees in the 90s and, when he inherited the land, realised it should be shared, so converted the nursery into a campsite. The site is a veritable nature reserve of 26 acres where the keen eyed might spot harriers, buzzards and owls amongst many other species of flora and fauna. The camping areas are thoughtfully spread out, with a range of locations from shady woodland and grassy meadows to marshland with lakes dug out by Jed himself, and pitches are generously spaced with plenty of trees and bushes to keep things feeling secluded. One of the lakes has even been stocked with carp and day tickets for fishing are available.

For glampers the site has a beautiful Romany Wagon hidden in its own grove, as well as bell tents, shepherd's huts and vintage caravans. Introducing kids to nature is one of the joys of camping, and the site offers courses in bushcraft, woodland cookery and wood carving. Children can paddle in the shallow Frog Pond and even buy nets to get a closer look. The facilities have grown to match the ambition, with an outdoor shower and even a sauna, and at busy times you might find wood-fired pizzas and a cocktail cart doing the rounds.

Nethergong is a true family business, with Jed's wife Christine growing fruit and vegetables in the polytunnels that gave the site its name. Their daughter Hannah helps run the site, welcoming guests and showing them their pick of the pitches, and son Lewis runs a veg box scheme; it's like the Waltons transplanted to the Kent countryside. And best of all, the literal fruits of their labours can be bought in the site shop alongside local meat and eggs, plus good coffee.