From 1 April 2026, summer parking at the Central, Old Lydd Road and Western council car parks is: up to 1 hour £6.00, 1 to 3 hours £12.00, 3 to 6 hours £24.00, over 6 hours £30.00. Winter prices (1 October to 31 March) run from £1.50 to £8.25. Broomhill Sands at the eastern end is free all year. RingGo zone codes: 15617, 15619, 15620. Full breakdown on the parking page.
Yes, all year round. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs must stay within the signposted dog zone (Zone C) at the western end. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs can use the whole beach. See the dogs page for the map and walking directions to the zone.
No. Pontins Camber Sands closed on 30 November 2023. In December 2024, owner Britannia Hotels confirmed an intent to redevelop the site as a holiday destination after meeting Rother District Council and MP Helena Dollimore, but no start date has been announced. The site remains fenced and derelict. See where to stay for the active options.
Generally yes, with care. Watch for fast incoming tides and sandbars that can leave you cut off. RNLI lifeguards typically patrol from late May to early September, 10am to 6pm. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Never enter the water when the red flag is flying. See tides and safety for the full detail.
The quickest car-free route is London St Pancras to Ashford International (around 37 minutes), change for Rye on the Marshlink line (around 25 minutes), then the Stagecoach 102 bus to Camber (15 to 20 minutes). Door to beach is around 1h45. By car, allow 1.5 to 2 hours via the M20 and A2070 to the A259. See getting here for the full picture.
Yes. Broomhill Sands car park at the eastern end (near Jury's Gap) is free all year. Around 300 spaces, gravel, no marked bays. Height barrier in place, so no campervans. No toilets on site, and it fills up by 9am on sunny weekends.
Disposable BBQs are banned. Only raised gas BBQs are permitted, and only on the western end of the beach. BBQs in the sand dunes are illegal because the dunes are an SSSI. Groups of 10 or more need permission from Rother District Council at least 4 weeks in advance.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covers the beach. Authorised officers can require you to surrender alcohol, and refusal can lead to a fine of up to £500. The order is aimed at antisocial behaviour rather than a glass of wine with a picnic, but follow officer instructions if asked.
RNLI lifeguards typically patrol from late May to early September, 10am to 6pm daily. Outside that season, Rother operates a year-round beach patrol, but they are patrols, not trained lifeguards.
Yes, near the Central car park and at the new Welcome Centre. The Welcome Centre, opened in 2025, includes a Changing Places facility. There are no toilets at the free Broomhill Sands car park.
Boardwalks provide wheelchair access at the main beach entrances, and the new Welcome Centre includes a Changing Places facility. Soft sand is difficult for standard wheelchairs once you leave the boardwalk. For up to date information on beach wheelchair availability, contact the Coastal Office on 01797 225207.
It is genuinely sandy: around five miles of soft golden sand from the River Rother estuary at the western end towards the Kent border, where the sand gradually gives way to shingle around Jury's Gap and Dungeness.
Rye, on the Marshlink line between Ashford International and Hastings. There is no station at Camber itself. From Rye, the Stagecoach 102 bus runs to Camber in 15 to 20 minutes, roughly hourly. First bus from Rye is around 07:07; last bus back is around 20:10.
For warm weather and lifeguards on duty, June to early September. For quieter conditions, visit on weekdays or arrive before 10am at weekends. September and October are the best shoulder months. Whenever you go, aim for low tide for the best beach.