Most "where to stay at Camber" pages are written by the people selling the cottages. We are not. Here is an honest run-through of every accommodation type, who it suits, and where you are better off basing in Rye and travelling to the beach.
A stylish, relaxed boutique hotel directly across the road from the dunes. Excellent restaurant using local produce. Dog-friendly. The go-to choice for a premium Camber Sands stay if you want to be steps from the sand.
New Lydd Road, Camber TN31 7RB
Numerous holiday cottages and beach houses, bookable through agencies such as Beside The Sea, Let's Unwind and Bloom Stays. Many are dog-friendly with enclosed gardens and a short walk to the beach. Best for families, longer stays and groups.
Various locations in Camber village
The big operator at Camber. Caravans and lodges, four indoor pools, entertainment, restaurant, bar and direct beach access. Reviews are genuinely mixed: brilliant for some families, frustrating for others. Read recent reviews carefully and pick your accommodation grade with care.
New Lydd Road, Camber TN31 7RT
Rye is only 15 to 20 minutes from the beach by bus or car, and a beautiful base in its own right. The Mermaid Inn (15th century), Jeake's House (charming B&B), The George in Rye (boutique) and many more. Best if you want pubs, restaurants and history on the doorstep, not just beach.
Various locations in Rye
A popular local pub on Old Lydd Road with rooms. Excellent food, dog-friendly, a short walk from the beach. A favourite with locals and returning visitors. Note: this is an adult-leaning pub with rooms, not a family hotel.
Old Lydd Road, Camber TN31 7RS
Several sites in the Romney Marsh and Rye area offer camping, glamping yurts and shepherd's huts. Wild camping is not permitted on the beach or in the dunes. Check site availability and pitches for motorhomes, which are not allowed to stay overnight in the council car parks.
Various locations on Romney Marsh and near Rye
From beachside food vans to Rye's exceptional restaurant scene, the eating options stack up better than most people expect. The Owl is the local hero; The Gallivant is the special occasion; the kiosks keep the beach day going.
Modern British brasserie right by the dunes. Locally sourced, beautifully presented. Perfect for a special meal or a Sunday roast. Book ahead in summer.
Where the locals eat. Excellent, imaginative cooking using local ingredients alongside the classics. Dog-friendly. On Old Lydd Road. Adult-leaning rather than family.
The Marina Cafe and Kit Kat Cafe near the main car parks serve hot food, drinks and ice cream. Tatner's Kitchen at The Kitesurf Centre has a changing menu. Frankie's at the Beach often operates near Broomhill.
Rye punches above its weight for food: The Standard Inn (15th century pub, seasonal cooking), The Globe Inn Marsh (dog-friendly, quirky, great food), Hayden's (coffee and pastries), The Fig and Whitehouse Rye are all worth the 15 minute hop from the beach.