Bearsted Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite Review | A Peaceful Kent Campsite Near Leeds Castle, Whitstable & the M20

If you’re looking for a peaceful Caravan & Motorhome Club campsite in Kent that works perfectly for weekend breaks, family stays, dog-friendly touring, or as a base for exploring the Garden of England, Bearsted Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite is a real hidden gem.

We spent a lovely half-term break here and it was exactly what we needed. A slower pace, fresh air, and a brilliant base for exploring some of Kent’s best days out. From seaside fish and chips in Whitstable to woodland walks at Knole and rainy-day shopping at Ashford Designer Outlet, we managed to pack plenty in while still enjoying relaxed time back at the campsite.

One of my favourite things about Bearsted was the atmosphere. It’s a smaller, quieter site where children can safely ride bikes and quickly make friends. Toby spent hours cycling around with new friends, and it just had that easy, holiday feeling you want from a short break.

At a Glance

📍 Location: Near Maidstone, Kent


🏕 Site: Bearsted Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite


🌿 Type: Small, peaceful Caravan & Motorhome Club site


🚗 Easy Access: Direct and simple, close to the M20


🚆 Nearest Train Station: Bearsted (great for Maidstone or London day trips)

👨‍👩‍👧 Best For: Family breaks, couples, dog-friendly stays, exploring Kent, weekend getaways


🐶 Dog Friendly: Yes (with on-site dog walk)


🚲 Play Area: Small, older-style play park


🚿 Facilities: Excellent Caravan & Motorhome Club standard


⭐ Overall Score: 8.1/10

Why We Visited

We wanted a relaxed half-term break without travelling too far, and Bearsted ticked all the boxes.

It’s incredibly easy to reach from the motorway, but once you’re on site it feels tucked away and peaceful.

While some travellers may use Bearsted for Channel crossings, our personal recommendation for an outbound Europe journey will always be Black Horse Farm Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite, thanks to its dedicated ferry-friendly setup.

Where Bearsted really shines is as a return stop after a European caravanning holiday. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reset, and enjoy a couple of relaxing days in Kent before heading fully home.

Why We’d Return

We genuinely loved the relaxed, friendly feel of the site.

It’s small enough that everything feels calm and safe, but still has everything you need for a comfortable stay. There’s also so much to do nearby that you could easily come back multiple times and still find new places to explore.

Facilities

As expected from a Caravan & Motorhome Club site, everything was spotless and well maintained throughout our stay.

Facilities include:

● Heated shower and toilet block

● Family wash facilities

● Laundry room

● Washing-up areas

● Chemical disposal point

● Motorhome service point

● Dedicated dog walking area

Check-in was smooth with no queues, and the wardens were friendly and welcoming.

Pitches

We stayed on a hardstanding pitch next to the playground, which worked perfectly for a family stay.

Behind our pitch was a large grassy area, giving the site a really open feel despite being relatively small.

The pitch was easy to access, well levelled, and made setting up stress-free.

Food & Drink

There’s a lovely walk directly from the campsite into Bearsted village.

We visited The White Horse for drinks, which made for a really easy and enjoyable evening without needing to move the car.

Nearby Attractions in Kent

Bearsted is in a fantastic location for exploring Kent’s top attractions, all within easy driving distance.

Whitstable (35–40 minutes)

A beautiful seaside town with independent shops, coastal walks, and some of the best fish and chips in Kent. We also completed a Treasure Trails walking adventure, which made exploring even more fun as a family.

Ashford Designer Outlet (25–30 minutes)

Perfect for a rainy day. We loved how dog-friendly it was, with many shops welcoming dogs just look for the stickers on the windows.

National Trust Knole (20–25 minutes)

A stunning estate with deer park, woodland walks, and huge open spaces. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the house, but the grounds are perfect for exploring and making a full day of it.

Leeds Castle (10 minutes)

Another major Kent attraction just a short drive away. We didn’t visit on this trip, but it’s one of the most famous castles in the UK with beautiful grounds, gardens, and family-friendly activities.

Getting Around

One of Bearsted’s biggest advantages is how well connected it is.

Bearsted railway station is nearby, making it easy to explore Maidstone or even head into London for the day without moving the caravan.

By road, it’s also perfectly placed for exploring Kent, with most major attractions within a 30–40 minute drive.

Travelling with a Dog

Bearsted is a great choice for dog-friendly touring.

There’s a dedicated dog walk on site, plus plenty of nearby walking routes including Bearsted village.

Knole and Ashford Designer Outlet were both excellent dog-friendly days out, making this a strong option for touring with a four-legged companion.

Things to Note

● You can occasionally hear traffic noise from the nearby M20.

● The play area is small and slightly older in style.

● No dedicated ferry overnight pitches.

● Very easy access with no tricky roads or tight turns.

● The mature trees and peaceful surroundings would make this a lovely autumn touring site.

Little Things We Loved

● The kids beng able to cycle safely around the site

● The big grassy space behind our pitch

● The easy walk into Bearsted village

● Friendly, welcoming wardens

● How much there is to do within a short drive

● The relaxed, slower pace compared to larger sites

Pros & Cons

Pros

● Brilliant Kent location

● Easy access from M20

● Excellent facilities

● Peaceful and well maintained

● Great base for exploring Kent

● Dog friendly with on-site walk

● Ideal for weekend breaks and returns from Europe

Cons

● Some motorway noise

● Small, older playground

● No dedicated ferry overnight pitches

If We Stayed Again…

There’s still plenty we’d love to do from Bearsted, which is always a great sign.

Next time we’d:

● Visit Leeds Castle properly

● Explore more of the Kent coastline

● Stay an extra night after returning from France for a softer landing back home

● Enjoy another walk into Bearsted village for drinks at The White Horse

The Caravanning Mummy Scorecard

⭐ Cleanliness: 10/10


⭐ Family Friendliness: 10/10


⭐ Dog Friendliness: 6/10


⭐ Peace & Quiet: 7/10


⭐ Location: 9/10


⭐ Value for Money: 8/10

Overall Score: ⭐ 8.1/10

The Caravanning Mummy’s Final Word

Bearsted Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite is one of those sites that quietly surprises you. It’s not the biggest or flashiest, but it doesn’t need to be. What it offers instead is peace, friendliness, and an unbeatable location for exploring Kent.

Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a family adventure, or a relaxing stop after touring Europe, Bearsted delivers exactly what it promises: a calm, well-run campsite with loads to see and do nearby.

It’s one we’d happily return to again and again.

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