95% (2.1K) • 1,080 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
The T Barn
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Primrose Fields Campsite
2. Primrose Fields Campsite
97%
(204)
80km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
3. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
117km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
98km from Portsmouth · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm.
At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night.
Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature.
We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire.
If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace.
January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
78km from Portsmouth · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Chalky Downs
6. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
70km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
7. 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
Radcot Leisure on Thames
8. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
103km from Portsmouth · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
9. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
108km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Stockbridge View Campsite
10. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(89)
45km from Portsmouth · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Old Litten
11. Old Litten
99%
(60)
26km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Frome Meadow Campsite
12. Frome Meadow Campsite
93%
(167)
86km from Portsmouth · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Lepe Beach Campsite
13. Lepe Beach Campsite
89%
(149)
20km from Portsmouth · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Far and Away Camping
14. Far and Away Camping
100%
(18)
127km from Portsmouth · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
15. 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.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Oxwick Farm
16. Oxwick Farm
100%
(79)
124km from Portsmouth · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Glamping and Camping near Bath
17. Glamping and Camping near Bath
100%
(3)
99km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£26
/ night
Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
18. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
92%
(13)
89km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Glamping
The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£90
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
19. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
53km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
20. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
98km from Portsmouth · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
95% (2.1K) • 1,080 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
The T Barn
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Primrose Fields Campsite
2. Primrose Fields Campsite
97%
(204)
80km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
3. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
117km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping
98km from Portsmouth · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm.
At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night.
Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature.
We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire.
If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace.
January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
78km from Portsmouth · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Chalky Downs
6. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
70km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
7. 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
Radcot Leisure on Thames
8. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
103km from Portsmouth · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
The Nut Plat Retreat
9. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
108km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Stockbridge View Campsite
10. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(89)
45km from Portsmouth · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Old Litten
11. Old Litten
99%
(60)
26km from Portsmouth · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Frome Meadow Campsite
12. Frome Meadow Campsite
93%
(167)
86km from Portsmouth · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Lepe Beach Campsite
13. Lepe Beach Campsite
89%
(149)
20km from Portsmouth · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Far and Away Camping
14. Far and Away Camping
100%
(18)
127km from Portsmouth · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
15. 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.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Oxwick Farm
16. Oxwick Farm
100%
(79)
124km from Portsmouth · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Glamping and Camping near Bath
17. Glamping and Camping near Bath
100%
(3)
99km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£26
/ night
Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
18. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods
92%
(13)
89km from Portsmouth · 3 units · Glamping
The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£90
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
19. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
53km from Portsmouth · 15 units · Tents
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
20. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
98km from Portsmouth · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Top camping destinations around Portsmouth
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matt
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
See more
D
David
November 2025
3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.
See more
A
Adam
November 2025
8 m Class B
With kids
Very nice location for stargazing lovely atmosphere exactly as described
See more
George
November 2025
Tent
This spot was perfect. Despite it being November and seeing a little more rain than we probably would have liked it didn’t take away the experience. Jayne was accommodating to our needs allowing us a fire pit as it was out of season. Would be back!
See more
O
Oscar
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Charlotte’s land was a brilliant spot perfectly located with a beautiful view. Had everything we needed for our one night stay and we had a great time thanks to it.
See more
I
Ian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
What an incredible find!
Lovely views, lovely people nearby and the host was so friendly and welcoming.
We will absolutely be back!
See more
H
Harry
October 2025
Tent
A great camp and we would definitely stay here again!
See more
G
Geert
October 2025
Tent
A truly beautiful place to stay – so charming and full of character. And then there’s Charlotte, the hostess: such a warm and welcoming person, with a genuine passion that shines through in her wonderful camper spot. The surrounding region is perfect for both walking and gravel riding. For food and drinks, head to the pub just around the corner (“The Pub with No Name” aka The White Horse). It’s incredibly authentic and serves excellent cuisine.
See more
A
Andrew
October 2025
Tent
Excellent spot. Big field with individual plots, most had benches. Excellent pub a short walk down the hill.
See more
T
Ty
October 2025
Tent
Great views, simple back to basic's camping. Friendly host, would highly recommend
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
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
The space is really beautiful and the views are great. It has very basic amenities but it’s the kind of place I like. Being next door to the animals was also a great and entertaining bonus. It’s a short walk to the local village entirely down forest paths if you wish, with a fantastic pub.
It’s a particularly nice place to stay out of season when the autumn colours settle in.
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R
Ross
October 2025
Tent
Lovely site for nearly wild camping, had the place all to ourselves, and the view was incredible. Charlotte was a lovely and helpful host, would definitely recommend.
If it helps anyone find the site in future, the what3words is ///deeper.perfumes.hiked
See moreA
Alan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Well worth the drive. Really nice site. Definitely be going back
See more
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
G
Gillian
September 2025
With kids
A very warm welcome from Nigel at the site, with explanation of the site.
We loved staying in one of the pre-pitched bell tents, so cosy and warm with very comfy beds! Warm shower and clean composting loo. Helpful little things like the - rechargeable lanterns for use and bottle lanterns when it got dark. A plus too, lots of kitchen ware and crockery.
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R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
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
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.