No of pitches: 20
Caravan quota: Two statics for rent
Opening times: Year round
How to book: Online only
Typical prices: tent £5, adults £6, under-12s £3, under-3s free
Toilets etc: Two pay-to-use showers (20p) plus new, open-air showers and WCs in the woods!
Other facilities: Washing-up sinks
Dogs: Yes, but on a lead
Campfires: Yes
Midge rating: 1/5

Best thing about this site
The pitches in secluded clearings make this not so much a campsite as a place to spend a night in woods under the stars. Campfires are almost mandatory and logs are sold on site; it all smells of wood smoke and toasting marshmallows.

Ambience
The arrangement of pitches keeps noise to a minimum, as does the ban on music and radios. The site is hugely renowned and everyone seems very happy to be here.

Activities
There are loads of walks and bike rides across the South Downs, with endless footpaths in every direction. The views from atop the downs are spectacular and there's always enough wind to fly a kite.

Food and drink
Food isn't sold on site. The nearest pub, the Half Moon at Plumpton, is a well-known spot for lunch but 30 minutes' walk away. For a treat, book in at the wonderful if slightly formal Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington (a 40-minute walk).

Kids' stuff
Let them roam in the woods. The only limit on a child's freedom here is how much energy they (or their parents) have. But if you're worried the kids are turning too feral, the famous Bluebell Railway is not far.

Unexpected delights
The chance to build a fire and cook on it. The open-air showers in the woods are also pretty memorable.

Potential drawbacks
The birdsong can be almost deafening at crack of dawn.

If the heavens open
You can drive to Brighton in 20 minutes, with all it has to offer.

Top tip
Draw up a campfire menu rather than just barbecue-type stuff, then cram in as much food as possible.

How to get there
By car M23 from London, then continue on A23 to A273. After 1.5km bear right on to B2112 New Road for 3km. Turn right on to B2116 Lewes Road, then left on to Streat Lane. Blackberry Wood is 1km on right.

By public transport Plumpton and Hassocks stations are on the mainline from London.