- Camping with Horseback riding
The best campsites near Portsmouth with horseback riding
96% (211) • 105 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
1. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
14km from Portsmouth · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Woodlands Camping
2. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
26km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
3. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
30km from Portsmouth · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
4. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
38km from Portsmouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
5. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
100%
(21)
48km from Portsmouth · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
6. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
49km from Portsmouth · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
7. Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
97%
(17)
71km from Portsmouth · 1 unit
A bell tent on a Dorset farm campsite with views of Corfe Castle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Andrea's Farm Breaks Keepers Hut
8. Andrea's Farm Breaks Keepers Hut
100%
(12)
71km from Portsmouth · 1 unit
Andrea's Farm Breaks is Keepers Hut glamping accommodation run alongside a working farm campsite in the heart of Purbeck. Andrea is pleased to offer a little luxury for those who want to camp at Downshay Farm in a comfortable bed. Farm is a working farm in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, ideally located for exploring the stunning World Heritage Site coastline. The Pike family has farmed here since 1956. The farmhouse is largely Victorian although parts of the house and some farm buildings are much older. The accommodation looks out over the lovely views of Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills. The seaside town of Swanage is just over 4 miles away as are the sandy beaches of Studland Bay. Local footpaths and Swanage Steam Railway also make exploring Purbeck easy, and we are a few minutes’ walk from Harmans Cross Station. Enjoy the sandy beaches of Shell Bay, Studland and Swanage or go rock pooling or fossil hunting at Kimmeridge Bay. The Coastal Path will take you along the coast to Durlston Country Park, Dancing Ledge and Winspit. The deserted village of Tyneham and its own bay is a short drive away, then follow the scenic road over the Ranges to Lulworth and Durdle Door. Local attractions include Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum, and a walk through the RSPB bird sanctuary at Arne to Poole Harbour is recommended.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
9. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
81km from Portsmouth · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Southover Wood and Camping
10. Southover Wood and Camping
95%
(100)
87km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Great Cotmarsh Farm
11. Great Cotmarsh Farm
100%
(13)
95km from Portsmouth · 5 units
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Bring your own tent to share our little slice of heaven.
Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and a pizza oven for your to make the best tasting stonebaked pizzas with bases provided. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay.
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£41
/ night
Romantic Country Glamping
12. Romantic Country Glamping
92%
(12)
98km from Portsmouth · 2 units
A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
13. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
99%
(148)
100km from Portsmouth · 14 units
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
14. Sweet Hill Farm
94%
(296)
102km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Park Farm Campsite
15. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
104km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Hardyes Countryside Camping
16. Hardyes Countryside Camping
98%
(43)
104km from Portsmouth · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£25
/ night
The T Barn
17. The T Barn
99%
(90)
118km from Portsmouth · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
18. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
119km from Portsmouth · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Gurt Yurts
19. Gurt Yurts
100%
(23)
133km from Portsmouth · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside.
Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. The Yurt is big and sleeps up to four very comfortably. It has its own stove and outside is a washroom just for you with hot shower , toilet and sinks. Your own meadow allows you to just relax and be.
Up on the campfield you can bring your own tent or hire a Belle tent from us with all the fittings to camp contentedly. Our new Wash House has hot showers, flushing toilets and basins. You can light a fire and cook up a BBQ or maybe just watch the world go by.
A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you.
We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
20. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
136km from Portsmouth · 10 units
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
96% (211) • 105 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
1. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
14km from Portsmouth · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Woodlands Camping
2. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
26km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
3. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
30km from Portsmouth · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
4. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
38km from Portsmouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
5. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
100%
(21)
48km from Portsmouth · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
6. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
49km from Portsmouth · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
7. Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
97%
(17)
71km from Portsmouth · 1 unit
A bell tent on a Dorset farm campsite with views of Corfe Castle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Andrea's Farm Breaks Keepers Hut
8. Andrea's Farm Breaks Keepers Hut
100%
(12)
71km from Portsmouth · 1 unit
Andrea's Farm Breaks is Keepers Hut glamping accommodation run alongside a working farm campsite in the heart of Purbeck. Andrea is pleased to offer a little luxury for those who want to camp at Downshay Farm in a comfortable bed. Farm is a working farm in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, ideally located for exploring the stunning World Heritage Site coastline. The Pike family has farmed here since 1956. The farmhouse is largely Victorian although parts of the house and some farm buildings are much older. The accommodation looks out over the lovely views of Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills. The seaside town of Swanage is just over 4 miles away as are the sandy beaches of Studland Bay. Local footpaths and Swanage Steam Railway also make exploring Purbeck easy, and we are a few minutes’ walk from Harmans Cross Station. Enjoy the sandy beaches of Shell Bay, Studland and Swanage or go rock pooling or fossil hunting at Kimmeridge Bay. The Coastal Path will take you along the coast to Durlston Country Park, Dancing Ledge and Winspit. The deserted village of Tyneham and its own bay is a short drive away, then follow the scenic road over the Ranges to Lulworth and Durdle Door. Local attractions include Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum, and a walk through the RSPB bird sanctuary at Arne to Poole Harbour is recommended.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
9. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
81km from Portsmouth · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Southover Wood and Camping
10. Southover Wood and Camping
95%
(100)
87km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Great Cotmarsh Farm
11. Great Cotmarsh Farm
100%
(13)
95km from Portsmouth · 5 units
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Bring your own tent to share our little slice of heaven.
Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and a pizza oven for your to make the best tasting stonebaked pizzas with bases provided. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay.
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£41
/ night
Romantic Country Glamping
12. Romantic Country Glamping
92%
(12)
98km from Portsmouth · 2 units
A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
13. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
99%
(148)
100km from Portsmouth · 14 units
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
14. Sweet Hill Farm
94%
(296)
102km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Park Farm Campsite
15. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
104km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Hardyes Countryside Camping
16. Hardyes Countryside Camping
98%
(43)
104km from Portsmouth · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£25
/ night
The T Barn
17. The T Barn
99%
(90)
118km from Portsmouth · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
18. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
119km from Portsmouth · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Gurt Yurts
19. Gurt Yurts
100%
(23)
133km from Portsmouth · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside.
Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. The Yurt is big and sleeps up to four very comfortably. It has its own stove and outside is a washroom just for you with hot shower , toilet and sinks. Your own meadow allows you to just relax and be.
Up on the campfield you can bring your own tent or hire a Belle tent from us with all the fittings to camp contentedly. Our new Wash House has hot showers, flushing toilets and basins. You can light a fire and cook up a BBQ or maybe just watch the world go by.
A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you.
We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
20. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
136km from Portsmouth · 10 units
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Sarah
January 2026
3 nights at Romantic Country Glamping
Absolute perfection! Everything anyone could need and fantastic hosts. Warm and snug even during freezing temperatures. Cannot wait to return.
See more
A
April
October 2025
Tent
Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!
See moreA
Angela
October 2025
4 m Class B
With pets
I have always loved Sweet Hill Farm. It’s a lovely relaxed campsite with sea views and amazing walks nearby. Also, being able to have a camp fire is fantastic. The showers are brilliant too.
The only disappointment for me this year is that the compost loos have been replaced with horrible portaloos! Please bring back compost loos, they are so much nicer!
See more
V
Victoria
October 2025
5 m Class B
What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!
See more
A
Abi
October 2025
5 m car
Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers.
Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need.
There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing!
Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here.
(There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.)
The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!
See moreK
Katie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.
See moreM
Mark
September 2025
Tent
This was my first time camping here and I will definitely return again.
Whilst SatNav got me most of the way, the directions on Hipcamp made the last little bit of the journey much easier.
I was welcomed warmly at the well-stocked little cafe, and given a map to show my how to get to the field I pitched in. The tracks on-site are full of large potholes - so definitely something to be mindful of, especially if you have extremely low-suspension on your car! However, take it slow and easy and all is well here.
I had the most amazing view, from where I pitched up, over to Portland Bill lighthouse. Both sunset and sunrise were stunning.
Facilities here are extremely basic - but it’s enough for those that simply need to get away from life for a while and sleep under the stars without all the creature comforts of home. Of course, there is a place for being able to have all the mod-cons available, but this is camping the way it should be done!
I wasn’t here long enough to speak to any of the other campers, but everyone seemed relaxed and there was no loud music or anything played into the night, meaning I could drift to sleep easily enough at the end of the day.
Thank you all.
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See moreS
Sally
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!
See moreD
Dominic
September 2025
Tent
What a great experience! The staff were very friendly and accommodating with an amazing ray of amenities.
The showers are basic but really clean and hot, lovely!
Such good value for money I would highly recommend this campsite!
Thanks guys!
See moreD
David
September 2025
Tent
This was my first time ever camping and I had a great time at this site, it's the perfect mix of rural, real camping with local amenities near enough especially for someone doing camping for the first time. Located right near the coast, it's a beautiful view, excellent facilities including showers and cafe. The only downside is that when I did arrive in the evening there was no one to greet us, even though the cafe should've been open at that time but other than that no complaints, wonderful hosts and would definitely go again.
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Laura
August 2025
4 nights at Andrea's Farm Breaks Keepers Hut
A little piece of heaven! 💫
Stayed for 4 nights but felt I could’ve lived there. So well thought out and finished to a really high standard. The bed was so comfortable and the trip gave me everything I needed. The toilet block was a stones throw away, with hot showers.
The sunset views were a dream - thank you!
See more
N
Nuala
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.
See more
Dan
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See more
James
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
This is a beautiful campsite in a stunning area of England and the hosts are so delightful. its all simple and safe and we had a really good time.
A few points of clarity for us would have been, the purchases for site ( logs ) need to be a bit more structured on how much you can have per purchase, but we paid up for what we used in the end.
Truly cannot compliment the hosts and site enough though, thank you for a wonderful stay.
See more
C
Charlotte
August 2025
5 m Class B
Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!
See more
O
Owen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature.
A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay.
One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail.
All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.
See moreM
Meeru
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Nice and good location and good space love to see again
See more
P
Paul
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Simple, low impact camping in quiet woods.
Spacious enough for our 4 person tent, plenty of shelter, safe for open fire during this really dry weather. We were left alone by the site team. Beautiful area with good access to beaches, interesting settlements and good river for swimming.
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The best campsites near Portsmouth with horseback riding 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.