We look forward to welcoming you...

FAQs

Is the campsite staffed 24/7?

YES. Our reception and shop are open from 9am each day with varying seasonal closing times between 5pm and 8pm. Outside of these hours you can contact a member of staff using the phone in the red box outside reception. Please note, the out of hours contact should only be used to report issues that require urgent attention.

What is your noise policy?

Our site rules regarding music, and disruptive behaviour are very clear and we expect everyone to abide by them. If we have cause to speak to any guest about these site rules being broken then they will may be asked to leave the campsite and added to a blocklist.

  • No loud music at anytime
  • No music after 10pm. (Blanket music ban between 10pm – 9am)
  • No loud distruptive noise and behaviour.

Our camping field is a large open 35-acre grass and woodland space. There are no areas where we allow individuals or groups to behave outside of our rules. We are a family run campsite that promotes a family, NOT a festival style party atmosphere. TIP – If you want to play loud music, have a party or stay up into the late night hours being loud and distruptive then this is definitely not the right campsite for you.

TOP TIP – If you have any noise related issue when you are staying here please report this to us at reception, if you don’t report it we can’t do anything about it! Outside of office hours you can report any issue to our duty manager using the phone in the red box outside reception.

Does the campsite have a restaurant?

NO. However, during busy periods we do have various external mobile catering vendors at the campsite that set up next to the Nags Head Bar. We will contact you by email, usually a few days before your arrival, if food vendors are here during your stay so you can pre-book your food.

Alternatively, there are 3 pubs in the village that all service food, local takeaways that will deliver to the campsite and many restaurants in the nearest town, Deal. Please ask at reception for further information.

Does the camspite have a bar?

YES. The Nags Head is our friendly on site bar offering cold draft and bottled beers, wine, processco, spirits, soft drinks and bar snacks. Open most evenings until 9pm during our busy periods the Nags Head is the perfect place to sit and relax with friends and family. We also sell alcohol in the campsite shop.

When our bar is closed there are 3 village pubs in Kingsdown, all within a 10 minute walk from the campsite. Each pub serves food and are family friendly.

  • The King’s Head (01304 373915) next to the village butcher, about half way down Upper Street.
  • The Rising Sun (01304 373983) bottom of Upper Street on Cliffe Road.
  • The Zetland Arms (01304 364888) on the Kingsdown beach.

Are day visitors allowed?

NO. We no longer allow day visitors at the campsite. If you are staying at the campsite and want to meet with friends or family then you should arrange to meet them off-site; they will not be allowed onto the campsite. Please note there is insufficient parking at the campsite for any visitor cars.

Can I fly a drone from or over the campsite?

Generally NO, but the use of drones may be allowed subject to approval by the Campsite management and you will need to provide a valid FlyerID. Please ask at reception.

Is bedding provided for the Indoor Accommodation?

NO. We do not supply bed linen, towels or tea towels in our indoor accommodation. The Lodge has 8 x single size bunks in 3 bedrooms and The Cabins each have 1 x double and 3 x single beds in bunk bed format. Each bed is supplied with pillows and duvets. REMEMBER you must bring your own duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases or sleeping bags if you do not want to use our duvets.

Does The Lodge have a fully equipped kitchen?

YES. The Lodge is a full self-catering 16 berth indoor accommodation facility that has everything you need for up to 16 people to enjoy. Please see our Indoor Accommodation Layout Plan for more information.

Are there cooking facilities for everyone at campsite?

NO. But we do have 2 x field kitchens for private hire @ £75 per night; we strongly advise that you pre-book to ensure availability. Note: Each field kitchen is equipped with a fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, 3 ring gas burner and a prep/dining table that seats 8. It is not equipped with cutlery, pots, pans, plates, cups and glasses; so please bring your own.

Do the Cabin rooms have electric sockets?

YES. There are plug sockets in each cabin room for the provided electrical kitchenette items, these include a fridge, mircowave, toaster and kettle.

Do the Cabin Rooms have cooking facilities?

YES. Each Cabin Room has a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. We also provide crockery and cuttlery for 5 persons, but you will need to bring your own tea towels as we do not provide any tea towels, drying towels or bed linen for cabins.

Is there a minimum charge for the indoor accommodation?

YES. The Lodge accommodation (sleeps up to 16) and has a minimum charge point @ 8 x the per person rate if there is less than 9 people in the booking. If there are more than 8 people then the charge is the per person rate x the number of people staying. The same rule applies for our Cabin Rooms (each sleep up to 5) the minimum charge point is @ 3 x the per person rate. Cabin prices vary depending on whether you book a sea side or garden side room. Please see our seasonal pricing calendar. Only 1 key is issued per unit. Each unit is private and not shared, like a hostel, with other people.

Do you freeze ice packs?

NO. However, we do sell bags of ice in our on site shop; together with many other essential, and non essential items you may need.

Do you charge mobile phones?

YES. Ask at reception, we charge £1 for mobile phones, £2 for  laptops / tablets and £3 for power banks. We may also recharge other items at our discretion and charge you accordingly. We will not leave any item on charge overnight so items should be collected before reception closes.

Can we use the campsite fire circles?

NO. The fire circles are no longer available to hire. However, we do hire fire baskets for you to have a small raised campfire by your tent or campervan in the evening. Pre-booking these is strongly recommended as there is limited stock. Logs and fire lighters are sold in the site shop. Always use fire baskets safely and never leave them or children in their proximity unattended.

Do you sell logs?

YES. Bags of logs and fire lighters are available to buy from the site shop. DO NOT cut down live wood from our trees. Ensure that any unused wood is returned back to the fire circle areas for others to use and not just left where you camped or thrown in the hedges or woodland.

Does the Campsite have free WIFI access?

YES. Our guest wifi is located in reception but the range is limited to approximately 20m around this building. TIP – The campsite also has an O2 and EE 4G mobile phone masts, so depending on your phone network you will also be able to access the internet using your own data plan.

Do you allow campfires and BBQs?

YES. We allow both campfires and BBQs, but they MUST be raised off the ground to avoid burning the grass. We hire fire-baskets and sell disposable BBQ’s and logs at our site shop; we recommend you pre book a fire-basket as stocks are limited and very popular. If you want to cook using a fire-basket then bring your own grill.

DO NOT

  • Empty fire-baskets or BBQ’s on the grass, hedgerows or woodland areas.
  • Put BBQ’s in the campsite waste bins – serious fire risk!

Site staff will collect these items to empty and dispose all contents safely. Any person found having fires on the grass will be charged for any damage and may be asked to leave.

Does the red X on the booking calendar mean you are full?

YES. When the Campsite is fully booked, a red X will appear on that date, indicating there are no more available spaces. We operate a fair first come, first served, booking system. Once we have reached our capacity we cannot take more bookings or add people at the last minute to an existing booking. If you want to stay then please book early and if you are coming with others tell them to do the same to avoid disappointment. If we are full we will gladly put your request on our waiting list and contact you if we do get any cancellations.

Do you allow single night camping stays?

YES. But please ensure that you have booked before arriving, if the campsite is full then we will not make a booking for you and you will not be able to stay. If you are looking to stay on either a Friday or Saturday night only, then a supplement charge is payable. TIP – If you are thinking about staying on just a Friday and Saturday then why not book both nights, it’s even better value if you make a weekend of it!

Do you provide on site activities?

NO. The campsite does not currently provide any organised guest activities on the campsite. However, there is plenty to do in the immediate and surrounding areas for all ages, so always there’s always something to do away from the campsite. TIP – We have listed many places to visit and information about things to do on our downloads page.

Do you have any printed brochures?

NO. We aim to be as eco-friendly as possible so we have do not have a printed brochure. All the information you need about this campsite can be found in these pages and on our website.

Notwithstanding, please let us know if you spot any unintentional mistakes or have information and questions that you think would continue to help improve our guest service.

Are there plug sockets in the washroom facilities?

NO. We do not have electric plug sockets for guest use in these facilities. You can charge electrical devices at reception, item charges apply.

Do you allow residential or seasonal stays?

NO. We do not allow long term bookings. The maximum booking period we currently allow is 2 weeks (14 days). Please contact us if you would like to book for longer.

Is the campsite open all year round?

YES and NO. The camping field is open from March to October. The actual opening and closing dates may vary. Our indoor accommodation is available to book all year round (except for a 2 week period over Christmas and New Year).

Are you a Scout Camp?

NO. Kingsdown Camping was a Scout campsite until it was sold in 2005. As a private campsite we are still keen to maintain our historical association with Scout, Guide and School groups and therefore offer a discounted rate to officially organised camps by these groups. Please note this discount is not available for individuals or families; check price calendar for seasonal rates.

Does the campsite have a shop?

YES. Open during office hours our site shop provides all the essential items for guests. We sell breakfast items, hot and cold drinks, toiletries, beer and wine, snacks, sweets, ice creams and camping equippment. If we don’t stock what you need then there is a village newsagent and butcher just a few minutes walk away. The town of Deal, is a short drive from the campsite, has all the usual high street shops and 2 supermarkets.

Can tents set up on an Electric Hook-Up (EHU) pitch?

YES. Our EHU pitches are situable for tents, campervans and caravans. We have a limited number of these pitches so you must pre-book if you want one for your stay. All EHU pitches are at the top of the campsite and have a sea view. They are not hardstanding or serviced pitches and we strongly advise you to bring levelling chocks. We do not supply hook-up cables for you to connect onto our supply so you MUST bring your own lead. If you book an EHU to supply electric into a tent then you MUST have a RCD unit specifically built for the job; all leads must have a minimum IP44 standard rating.

Please note: only one unit of accommodation allow per EHU pitch. If you have more than one unit of accommodation then you should book an additional EHU pitch(s) or set up additional units in the general camping (non electric pitch) area. Refer to our Site Plan for orientation.

Is the campsite near the sea?

YES. The campsite is located on the ‘White Cliffs’ and commands stunning panoramic views across the English Channel towards France. Our guests can walk down to the beach via a public footpath in less than 10 minutes. Please note there are steps on the footpath that follows the site perimeter down to the beach. If you have difficulty walking then there is an alternative route with no steps, or you can take a very short drive and park by the beach. Once on the beach if you turn right you can take a beautiful clifftop walk along the White Cliffs of Dover to the next village, St Margarets, approximately 2 miles. Turn left and you can take a leisurely walk/cycle along the coastal path past Walmer Castle and onto Deal, approximately 3.5 miles.

How close are you to Dover ferry port?

We are 7 miles from the Dover Ferry Port, and this should take no longer than 20 minutes driving time.

Do you do sell camping gas?

YES. We sell a range of camping gas canisters in our site shop. If you want larger 907 Campingaz, propane or butane bottles you can source these locally in Deal and Dover.

  • Walmer Court Farm Shop (CT14 7NA – Tel: 01304 374742)
  • R G Williams (CT14 7DY – Tel: 01304 381477)
  • Sharp & Enright (CT17 9DA – Tel 01304 206295)

Do you hire or sell caravans?

NO. We are a campsite and you bring your own tent, campervan or caravan. We have some indoor accommdation to hire but no static homes, caravans or otherwise for hire or sale.

Do you have caravan and motorhome storage facilities?

NO. We currently do not offer this facility.

If you are interested in storage please email us at customerservice@kingsdowncamping.co.uk

Do you allow caravans, campervans/motorhomes on site?

YES. But this is strictly conditional as we DO NOT accept:

  • Any twin axle caravans
  • Caravans over 6.5m
  • Any motorhome or vehicle over 8m

This is due to the narrow roads into the village of Kingsdown, access into the campsite itself and the sites slopping topography.

Do you allow under 18s to camp alone?

NO. However, we will consider booking under 18’s camping as long as there is a responsible adult parent/guardian present for the full duration of the stay. If we believe a group looks like they are under 21 then we will ask for ID for proof of age. Having just one person on a booking who has just turned eighteen is not acceptable either. NOTE: Previous under-age groups have tried this and were asked to leave. All bookings are accepted wholly at our discretion and we reserve the right to refuse any booking requests.

Do you have a camping ‘quiet zone’?

YES. There are 2 areas on the camping field where we have ‘Quiet Zone’ signs. These areas are adjacent to many neighbouring residential properties. Whilst we require that all guests abide by our site rules, particularly:

  • No loud music
  • No music after 10pm. (Blanket music ban between 10pm – 9am)
  • No loud distruptive noise and behaviour.

We ask that guests who set up in ‘Quiet Zone’ areas DO NOT play music or make disruptive noise at anytime.

Do you have a sheltered area in case of bad weather?

NO. There are no large halls or buildings for bad weather shelter on the camping grounds.

Do you allow large groups?

YES. We openly welcome a variety of groups including scouts/guides, schools, church, membership clubs and associations etc. If you are organising such a booking then you must contact our office as the maximum number of people that you can book for online is 6 persons. We will then be able to advise you on what information we need and how we will check-in your group in and take payments. If your group consists of multiple families or friends then each family will need to make their own booking. If you are coming with other families or friends then please let us know this by using a shared group name when booking after your own name i.e. Mrs Smith (The Ramblers) Please refer to our set up policy for electric pitches.
NO. If you are organising or part of a group, that is celebrating a birthday, hen or stag party etc and are not prepared to abide by our site rules, particularly regarding noise and behaviour, then this campsite is not suitable for you, so please book elsewhere.

We promote a peaceful, relaxing, family orientated camping experience. Any noisy anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and guests who do not adhere to the site rules will be told to leave and blocklisted.

Are pets allowed at the campsite?

NO. We do not allow pets at the campsite.

However, if you have a guide or assistance dog and would like to stay at the campsite then we ideally require supporting evidence to allow the booking application.

Many guide and assistance dogs in the UK will have been trained by professionally recognized organizations, such as Assistance Dogs UK, and will have been issued with certificate, and or ID book. The ID book contains information about the owner and their dog and details of the training organisation that trained the dog and its owner. If you have this then please provide a copy of the relevant section from this ID book, or certificate, to confirm your dog’s credentials. However, not all assistance dogs have professional certification so if you do not have this when we ask you to confirm the breed of the dog for our records.

Please be aware of our rules for having an assistance dog on site:

  • Must be kept on a short lead at all times
  • Not be left unattended at any point
  • Poo must be immediately bagged and put in waste bins
  • We reserve the right to ask you to leave the campsite if your assistance dog has caused any disturbance to other guests or you are seen to have not followed these rules (no refund will be given)

ESAs (Emotional Support Animal) do not have the same legal recognition as service animals in the UK as they are not trained to perform specific disability-related tasks. If you want to bring an ESA then we ask that you provide your medical letter stating that the animal is required for your hidden disability. If you are unable to provide this evidence then we will not allow your ESA at the campsite.

How do I pay?

When you make a booking we will send you a booking request confirmation email. This email will have a payment for you to make an online payment. Full payment is required and this must be made within 2 days of this email, or your booking will be cancelled. If you are unable to pay using this method then you can pay by direct bank payment (BACS) please email us for our bank details. We can also accept cash and debit card (not AMEX) for face to face payments in the site office and shop.

Is there a cancellation fee?

When you make a booking you have the option to take our Cancellation Waiver (CW) @ £5.99 The waiver allows you to cancel your booking by email at anytime before 12pm on the day before your arrival date, to get a 100% refund.

If you choose not to take the waiver then we will refund:

  • 80% if you cancel a booking before 12pm not less than 7 days before your arrival date
  • 50% if you cancel a booking before 12pm not less than 5 days before your arrival date
  • 0% if you cancel a booking after 12pm less than 2 days before your arrival date

We do not offer any full or partial weather-related refunds and no full or partial refund will be given if guests are asked to leave the campsite due to their unacceptable behaviour.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

NO. We do not take deposit payments. Full payment is required to secure your booking. Once you have submitted an online booking request we will send you a booking request confirmation email. This email will provide a summary of your booking and a payment link. Payment should be made within 2 days or your booking will be automatically cancelled. Please also refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions and Site Rules.

What is the arrival time for pitches with electric?

If you have reserved an electric hook-up pitch (EHU) then:

  • Check in from 1pm
  • Check out no later than 12pm
  • It may be possible to arrive before 1pm but you will not be guaranteed access to your allocated EHU pitch until the pitch has been fully vacated and checked

Please note it is not possible to have a ‘Late Check Out’ and continue to stay on an EHU pitch after 12pm.

What security is there at the campsite?

There are 2 ways into and out of the campsite; the main entrance for vehicles and pedestrians and our beach gate. The main entrance is open 24/7 and the beach gate, for pedestrians, during office hours only. Vehicle access onto the camping field itself is via a Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) barrier, so you must check-in your vehicle at reception before you can access the camping field. The campsite has a 6ft perimeter security fence and there is 24 hour CCTV in operation at both the campsite entrance, car park and office area. We also do nightly security checks when the office is closed, which may include a trained security dog.

If you have any problems please speak to a member of our grounds or office staff. Outside of office hours you can speak to our duty manager using the emergency phone in the red box outside reception.

Can I reserve a non EHU pitch?

NO. The campsite does not use a pitch system, so unless you book an electric (EHU) pitch (these are are in a set location), you simply find your own place to set up. If you are camping with others you can all set up together in any free area that is a suitable space for the group. Please note if you are in a group where some do and some do not have an EHU pitch then those who do not cannot also set up on EHU pitches. Non EHU bookings must set up in the general camping area. Please see the site plan on our downloads page for proximity.

If you reserve the Field Kitchen and are here with other friends then we will rope off an area that is big enough for the number of people that we know are linked to your booking.

Do you allow 24 hour arrivals/check-in?

NO. Our check in times vary according to the seasonal period you are staying.

Camping
Low Season –  10 am to 5 pm except on Friday open to 6 pm
Mid Season – 10 am – 6 pm except on Friday open to 7 pm
High Season – 10 am – 7 pm except on Friday open to 8 pm

Camping on an electric EHU pitch and Cabins

Low Season –  1 pm to 5 pm except on Friday open to 6 pm
Mid Season – 1 pm – 6 pm except on Friday open to 7 pm
High Season – 1 pm – 7 pm except on Friday open to 8 pm

Please arrive before we close as we cannot guarantee you will have access to the camping area if you arrive late. In exceptional circumstance we may be able to make late access arrangements, but only if you contact our office before we close. Notwithstanding, if you you cannot arrive before we close then it is better to let us know and come early the following day, BUT we will not provide a refund.

What time is check out?

  • Camping check out is by 12 pm
  • The Lodge and Cabins check out is 10 am

We do offer a ‘Late Check Out’ service that allows you to stay on the campsite until 6pm. Please note this service is not available for guests staying on an EHU pitch or indoor accommodation.

Late Check Out prices are available on our Prices page.

What is your earliest departure time?

You can leave the campsite at anytime. If you need to leave before 8am then please be considerate to other guests when packing up and driving off of the camping field. Our ANPR barrier system allows guests to exit the campsite at any time, just drive up to it slowly and centrally.

Can vehicles go onto the camping field?

YES. All vehicles must be registered at reception as we have an ANPR barrier system in operation. Only one vehicle per booking is permitted to remain on the camping field, any additional vehicles can go onto the campied field to be unloaded after check in, but must then be returned to the car park for the remainder of your stay. If you experience any problems entering the camping field during your stay, please park up and speak to reception. Alternatively, if the reception is closed, please use the phone box outside of the reception door and someone will assist you.

  • Vehicles must adhere to the 10 mph speed limit
  • Please keep vehicle use to a minimum
  • All vehicles must be securely parked and locked, with the hand brake engaged and parked horizontally to any sloped camping areas

Can I extend my stay?

YES but not always – Please read the following conditions:

  • If you would like to extend your stay prior to your arrival please email us at customerservice@kingsdowncamping.co.uk and we will check our availability
  • All guests must check out by 12 (midday) on the day of their departure. If you would like to extend your stay, then we do offer a late check out until 6pm, or to extend your stay for another night please ask at reception. Please note: this is subject to availability.

Are there any local TAXI firms?

Deal based taxi’s:

  • AI Castle 01304 363636
  • Deal Cars 01304 382345
  • Direct Cars 01304 382222
  • A.R Cars 07468 612505
  • Coastal transport group 07300814585

St Margarets based taxi’s:

  • Village Cars 07593847191

Dover based taxi’s:

  • Dover taxi’s 01304 201915
  • Richard’s Dover taxi’s 01304 294415
  • Niko taxi 07454181812 (airport, Dover port, 4, 6 & 8 seaters)
  • Whitfield cars 07901831884
  • Dover Royal taxi’s 01304 210000

Do you allow fireworks or Chinese lanterns?

NO. The use of fireworks by guests is strictly prohibited on site. We are not averse to the use of Lanterns, but you should inform a member of site staff of any intended use (red coloured lanterns are not permitted as these can be strangely confused with distress flares by the public).

Book now

Please select your dates

Email

customerservice@kingsdowncamping.co.uk

Call Us

01304 373713

Write to us

Kingsdown International Camping Centre
The Avenue
Kingsdown
Kent
CT14 8DU
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