Campsites near Portsmouth

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Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most important ports and a popular cruise port of call, with passenger ferries setting sail for France, Spain, and the Channel Islands. Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Historic Dockyard, climb the Spinnaker Tower for a magnificent view across the Channel, or enjoy a picnic in Victoria Park. Sunny days are best spent at Southsea Beach, where you’ll also find the city’s only camping ground. While you’re there, visit Southsea Castle, cruise around Canoe Lake on a pedal boat, and stroll along the South Parade Pier.

Some of Britain’s most-recognisable historic ships, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, have found a permanent dock at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the city’s flagship tourist attraction. If camping near Portsmouth, it’s likely that this and the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth are on your list of things to do, but there's plenty more to see too.

Hop aboard a harbour boat tour, head up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower for far-reaching south coast views, or visit King Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle. Shingley Southsea beach also stretches east of the castle as a must-visit spot for seaside fun.

Just across the harbour from Portsmouth is Gosport, where there’s more maritime history, beaches, and watersports. In the other direction, it’s not far to the classic seaside destination of Hayling Island. Southampton, the historic city of Winchester, the South Downs National Park, and the New Forest are all about half an hour’s drive away.

95% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
127km from Portsmouth · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
The Pods

4. The Pods

112km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Glamping · England
The Pods provide the ideal glamping experience for those wanting a slice of the countryside and a back-to-nature staycation but still with all the amenities of a warm bed, kitchen and shower. The views across the valley from the front of The Pods are stunning - guests will love a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine sat out on the patio taking in the country air and far-reaching views. Sleeping four people in two bedrooms, The Pods are also the ideal location for families and couples to explore the Fosse Way and the Somerset countryside from. The Roman city of Bath and the seaside towns of Western Super Mare and Burnham on Sea are also only a short drive away. The main pod consists of a double bedroom, small lounge, kitchenette and shower room. The kitchenette has a microwave, portable stove top, toaster, kettle and fridge so guests can still cook up a meal if staying in. Wi-Fi is available in the main pod and included during your stay, plus access to a washing machine, ironing board and iron through a private entrance into the downstairs cloakroom of the farmhouse. The second bedroom - the twin - is located in a separate pod, located approx 15 meters away and separated by a path through the trees. It's the perfect solution for children wanting to escape the parents and feel like they're having their own adventure (or is that parents wanting to escape from the kids!) Please note, as the second bedroom pod is a short walk from the main pod, parents should be confident that their children (and they!) will be happy to sleep separately and will enjoy the seclusion of an independent sleeping area. During the winter months, we have converted the outdoor porch of the main pod into an upgraded, insulated dining area equipped with a table and chairs, comfortably accommodating four guests. This addition provides a weatherproof social space, complete with a fully glazed external door to allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding views. Updated photos arriving in Spring 2024. Off-street parking is provided a few meters away from the pods. Please note that the pods are in the curtilage of the owner's country farmhouse.
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from 
£201
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

20. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
121km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fairlight, England
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area with on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £25/night per person Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café & info centre) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night

Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most important ports and a popular cruise port of call, with passenger ferries setting sail for France, Spain, and the Channel Islands. Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Historic Dockyard, climb the Spinnaker Tower for a magnificent view across the Channel, or enjoy a picnic in Victoria Park. Sunny days are best spent at Southsea Beach, where you’ll also find the city’s only camping ground. While you’re there, visit Southsea Castle, cruise around Canoe Lake on a pedal boat, and stroll along the South Parade Pier.

Some of Britain’s most-recognisable historic ships, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, have found a permanent dock at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the city’s flagship tourist attraction. If camping near Portsmouth, it’s likely that this and the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth are on your list of things to do, but there's plenty more to see too.

Hop aboard a harbour boat tour, head up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower for far-reaching south coast views, or visit King Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle. Shingley Southsea beach also stretches east of the castle as a must-visit spot for seaside fun.

Just across the harbour from Portsmouth is Gosport, where there’s more maritime history, beaches, and watersports. In the other direction, it’s not far to the classic seaside destination of Hayling Island. Southampton, the historic city of Winchester, the South Downs National Park, and the New Forest are all about half an hour’s drive away.

95% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset

2. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
127km from Portsmouth · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
The Pods

4. The Pods

112km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Glamping · England
The Pods provide the ideal glamping experience for those wanting a slice of the countryside and a back-to-nature staycation but still with all the amenities of a warm bed, kitchen and shower. The views across the valley from the front of The Pods are stunning - guests will love a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine sat out on the patio taking in the country air and far-reaching views. Sleeping four people in two bedrooms, The Pods are also the ideal location for families and couples to explore the Fosse Way and the Somerset countryside from. The Roman city of Bath and the seaside towns of Western Super Mare and Burnham on Sea are also only a short drive away. The main pod consists of a double bedroom, small lounge, kitchenette and shower room. The kitchenette has a microwave, portable stove top, toaster, kettle and fridge so guests can still cook up a meal if staying in. Wi-Fi is available in the main pod and included during your stay, plus access to a washing machine, ironing board and iron through a private entrance into the downstairs cloakroom of the farmhouse. The second bedroom - the twin - is located in a separate pod, located approx 15 meters away and separated by a path through the trees. It's the perfect solution for children wanting to escape the parents and feel like they're having their own adventure (or is that parents wanting to escape from the kids!) Please note, as the second bedroom pod is a short walk from the main pod, parents should be confident that their children (and they!) will be happy to sleep separately and will enjoy the seclusion of an independent sleeping area. During the winter months, we have converted the outdoor porch of the main pod into an upgraded, insulated dining area equipped with a table and chairs, comfortably accommodating four guests. This addition provides a weatherproof social space, complete with a fully glazed external door to allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding views. Updated photos arriving in Spring 2024. Off-street parking is provided a few meters away from the pods. Please note that the pods are in the curtilage of the owner's country farmhouse.
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from 
£201
 / night
Small Meadow Farm

20. Small Meadow Farm

100%
(18)
121km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fairlight, England
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area with on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £25/night per person Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café & info centre) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night

Camper favorites near Portsmouth

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Campsites near Portsmouth guide

Where to go

West Hampshire

The neighbouring port of Southampton is the gateway to the New Forest National Park. With its ancient forests, wildlife reserves, and wooded glades, it’s a paradise for campers. Choose from 5-star holiday parks with all the mod-cons, peaceful tent-only campsites surrounded by nature, or quirky glampsites hidden among the trees. All with access to the park’s network of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails.

English Channel Coast

South coast beach resorts Brighton and Worthing are within day-trip distance of Portsmouth, but there are beach breaks right on the city’s doorstep too. Neighbouring Hayling Island is a family favourite windsurfing hotspot, with blue flag beaches and sandy shores. Bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts can also explore the Chichester Harbour AONB—take a boat cruise or bike tour for the best views.

South Downs

With more than 600 square miles of open countryside, the South Downs AONB provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike through rolling hills and river valleys along the South Downs Way, camp out at secluded backcountry campsites, and enjoy stargazing around a campfire. Don’t miss the twisted yew forest at Kingley Vale and the soaring white sea cliffs at the Seven Sisters.

Isle of Wight

Ferries from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight take less than 30 minutes, and England’s largest island has historic towns, beaches, and countryside all in easy reach. Explore nearly 500 miles of hiking and cycling trails, try windsurfing or parasailing along blue flag beaches, or visit the medieval Carisbrooke Castle. Camping on the island is just as fun—camp by the beachside, spend a night in a houseboat or vintage caravan, or time your visit for the annual Isle of Wight music festival.

When to go

Portsmouth is a year-round destination, whether attending a summer festival or browsing the Christmas markets in winter. July and August are busiest, with a steady flow of travellers arriving at the port, and it’s best to book ahead if visiting at this time. Each season has its highlight. Go hiking and wildlife-watching in the South Downs in spring, admire the fall foliage in the New Forest, or head to the beach in summer.

Know before you go

  • Portsmouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
  • Portsmouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment upfront. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Hampshire.