The best campsites near Portsmouth, Hampshire with horseback riding

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.

96% (192) • 104 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth

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.

96% (192) • 104 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth

1. 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

2. Sweet Hill Farm

94%

(296)

102km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

3. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

26km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%

(1)

129km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Glamping

Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!

5. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

38km from Portsmouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

6. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

30km from Portsmouth · 2 units · Glamping

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.

7. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

14km from Portsmouth · 12 units · Glamping

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

8. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins

98%

(30)

136km from Portsmouth · 16 units · Tents

Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI

9. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

147km from Portsmouth · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

10. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

119km from Portsmouth · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

11. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

104km from Portsmouth · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

12. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

114km from Portsmouth · 6 units · Tents, Glamping

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

13. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%

(148)

100km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents

Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome

14. 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

15. Shire Camping

98%

(25)

146km from Portsmouth · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.

16. Southover Wood and Camping

95%

(100)

87km from Portsmouth · 18 units · Tents

Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

17. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

44km from Portsmouth · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

18. Goren Farm

100%

(85)

141km from Portsmouth · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows

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. 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.

20. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

104km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

April

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!

A

Angela

October 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

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!

V

Victoria

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

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!

A

Abi

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

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!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sweet Hill Farm

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.

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

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

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shire Camping

We had a brilliant stay at Shire camping. The site is really nice and peaceful. Great communication from Harry. Will definitely return.

S

Sally

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

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!

D

Dominic

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

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!

D

David

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sweet Hill Farm

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.

s

sophie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Goren Farm

Beautiful campsite surrounded by nature. Peaceful and quiet it felt wild but with some nice comforts like a hot shower. Will definitely be back!

E

Emma

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Yellow Submarine!

My 2 boys (13 and 9) and I stayed 2 nights in the Yellow Submarine and it was great fun! The controls and labels and various flashing lights were hilarious and the hatches and portholes were brilliant, all very authentic. My boys were convinced it had been a real sub once and totally loved the ‘history’ section of the welcome pack. The beds and sofa bed had comfy mattresses and it was good to have a little sink, fridge and hob inside. Really well stocked with sheets and duvets, plates, cutlery and pan and there was a lovely care package including tea coffee cereal boxes and marshmallows for the fire. There was even a heater/cooler so we didn’t get cold at night. Toilets are in the nearby wash block which was kept nice and clean and the showers were great. We didn’t use the BBQ and instead grilled over the top of our fire drum (tip - bring a grill if you have one, or they sell them in the excellently stocked campsite shop). The bunk bed was a bit too small for my tall 9-year old so he slept in the big bed with me and the sofa bed was comfy but narrow for my 13 yr old so 2 nights was about right. Sleeping would’ve been tricky if there’d been another person. The site was excellent and we’d love to come back - maybe to check out the school bus! Cheddar village is in easy walking distance and the site itself has lots of room for playing and football. Loved it!

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Goren Farm

We had another wonderful stay at Goren Farm, it’s beautiful and very peaceful. This place is very special!

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

G

Gwyn

August 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Goren Farm

Very helpful team and beautiful site. We stayed at Bank Holiday and it was managed so well it wasnt busy and an enjoyable cmaping experience - thank you we would definelty come again.

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

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 👍

M

Monique

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shire Camping

It was mine and my partners first camping trip together with our dog and honestly couldn't have had a better experience! It was easy to get to and the toilets and showers were very well kept and clean:) The campsite is very well set up and not to noisy at any point in the day but a perfect balance. Would 100% return and couldn't recommend more!! Harry was also a lovely host who makes you feel nothing less then at home here!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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.