Woodland cabins near Southampton, Hampshire

Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest passenger ports, with ferries setting sail for France, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Wight. This port town is more than just a travel hub, though—it’s also a buzzing cultural hub filled with shopping centres, museums, restaurants, and great nightlife. Watch the ships come in from the portside Mayflower Park, walk the old city walls up to Bargate, then hit the shops at the Westquay Shopping Centre. Urban camping options are limited, but you’ll find spacious campsites along the River Hamble to the south, as well as in the nearby New Forest National Park.

Southampton is all about the water and always has been. It should come as no surprise then to know that most of its sights and attractions have a watery appeal. If visiting Southampton on a camping holiday, you might like to head for the Seacity Museum, which tells the maritime history of the town, from where the Titanic launched on her ill-fated voyage. You may also want to take a cruise on the Solent or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Although the docks are now a thoroughly modern affair, Southampton old town still offers reminders of times gone by, including the Tudor House and Gardens, which reveals 800 years of history.

Away from the sea, Southampton’s other appeal is its location in the middle of the Hampshire coastline. It’s easily reached from London and just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Winchester, which is a nice place to visit on a camping holiday. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest National Park, where walking, cycling, and horse-riding opportunities abound. Within the boundaries of the national park, Beaulieu’s country house, gardens, and National Motor Museum are additional popular places to visit.

For families with kids who love theme park rides, Paultons Park which includes Peppa Pig World, is hard to beat. For more information and ideas of things to do on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton, head to Lyndhurst’s New Forest National Park visitor centre.

91% (34) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton

Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest passenger ports, with ferries setting sail for France, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Wight. This port town is more than just a travel hub, though—it’s also a buzzing cultural hub filled with shopping centres, museums, restaurants, and great nightlife. Watch the ships come in from the portside Mayflower Park, walk the old city walls up to Bargate, then hit the shops at the Westquay Shopping Centre. Urban camping options are limited, but you’ll find spacious campsites along the River Hamble to the south, as well as in the nearby New Forest National Park.

Southampton is all about the water and always has been. It should come as no surprise then to know that most of its sights and attractions have a watery appeal. If visiting Southampton on a camping holiday, you might like to head for the Seacity Museum, which tells the maritime history of the town, from where the Titanic launched on her ill-fated voyage. You may also want to take a cruise on the Solent or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Although the docks are now a thoroughly modern affair, Southampton old town still offers reminders of times gone by, including the Tudor House and Gardens, which reveals 800 years of history.

Away from the sea, Southampton’s other appeal is its location in the middle of the Hampshire coastline. It’s easily reached from London and just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Winchester, which is a nice place to visit on a camping holiday. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest National Park, where walking, cycling, and horse-riding opportunities abound. Within the boundaries of the national park, Beaulieu’s country house, gardens, and National Motor Museum are additional popular places to visit.

For families with kids who love theme park rides, Paultons Park which includes Peppa Pig World, is hard to beat. For more information and ideas of things to do on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton, head to Lyndhurst’s New Forest National Park visitor centre.

91% (34) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton

1. Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

100%

(1)

110km from Southampton · 1 unit · Glamping

Escape the noise. Reconnect with nature. Our cosy off-grid cabin is set in an open meadow with sweeping countryside views and zero light pollution (perect for stargazing!) Fully off-grid, but with all the comforts: hot shower, king-size bed, full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. - Panoramic views from bed - Dog-friendly with outdoor space to roam - 1km walk to the Six Bells pub (proper pub) - 3km from Gun Tap Room & Brewery - 30 mins to the Beachy Head to Seven Sisters coastal hike

2. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

99%

(85)

126km from Southampton · 4 units · Glamping

Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail

3. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%

(33)

76km from Southampton · 5 units · Tents, Glamping

Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset

4. The Baker's Hut

100%

(1)

75km from Southampton · 1 unit · Glamping

A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex

5. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

113km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Glamping

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

6. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

140km from Southampton · 4 units · Glamping

The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats

7. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows

100%

(94)

142km from Southampton · 43 units · Tents, Glamping

A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted

8. Lodge on a Lake

98%

(33)

139km from Southampton · 9 units · Glamping

Secluded lakeside lodges that show you needn’t travel far from Cardiff city to find countryside

9. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

22km from Southampton · 1 unit · Glamping

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

10. Gold Hill Glamping

90%

(5)

57km from Southampton · 3 units · Glamping

Hello, welcome to Gold Hill Glamping, which is based at Allan’s Farm, a working dairy farm and our family home. You are likely to see the cows coming in for milking twice a day. There are our lovely shetland ponies Pixie and Trudie to stroke and and past the time with, they love attention! There are usually fresh farm eggs available to buy if you wish. Wildlife is in abundance here. Deer and hares are regular visitors and different species of owl can be heard hooting behind the glamping fields. We have a lovely bell tent, called Willow Bell which has its own eco- loo and BBQ area with Kadai fire-pit and logs / chairs to sit around the fire. We are excited to be welcoming a spacious Lotus Belle tent to our glamping portfolio from Spring 2021. The Lotus Belle offers all the comfort and spaciousness of a yurt but with the simplicity and ease of a bell tent. Hazel, our Lotus Belle tent, will be situated in a separate, and peaceful location on the farm with its own eco – loo and simple glamping kitchen facilities. Thereby, allowing for visitors to glamp completely separately, but also offering the option for friends and family to stay here together. The tents have a very comfortable double bed, which will be fully furnished for your stay, plus two single futon-style beds (please bring your own bedding for the futons). All crockery, BBQ tools, bedding, a fire pit, seating area and a couple of finishing touches are provided for your stay. Both bell tents also have access to a hot shower, and flushing toilet a short walk away in a converted building in the farmyard. We are also planning a small honesty shop, to buy local sausages, eggs and Barber's cheese which is made from our milk.

11. Acacia Bay Woodlands

30km from Southampton · 2 units · Glamping

A beautifully designed and curated set of cosy cabins located in a magical ancient woodland setting. Completely renovated for 2024, an ideal retreat for a group looking for a magical holiday surrounded by nature. Each cabin has private parking, secure gardens and private entrance. The cabins are not isolated as just off from the main road. This allows you to feel cocooned in The Woodlands yet have easy access to a Tescos superstore 5 minutes up the road.

12. The Woodland Wagon

144km from Southampton · 1 unit · Glamping

The whimsical and imaginative accommodation you’ll discover at The Woodland Wagon, actually comprises two beautiful wagons, one for sleeping, and one for lying down and looking at the beautiful Rye Bay. …plus, a piano room, a summer house, and a huge tipi style tent that once featured in the film ‘King Arthur’, now a perfect space for private meditation, yoga, or tai chi! Nestled within magical ancient woodland in the sleepy village of Pett, you’ll be surrounded by views of peaceful ‘1066 countryside’, that lead your gaze all the way out to sea. (Seriously, what better location for a blissfully secluded, ultra-romantic break with your loved one?) The first, spacious, wagon is the setting for relaxed open plan studio living and snoozing; furnished with two squishy chairs, a Smart TV, a kitchen and dining area, and a gorgeous kingsize bed that’s ideal for lazy lie-ins. Just a few steps away is a refreshing shower room and separate compost toilet, along with some outdoor seating and a firepit for al fresco enjoyment of your woodland garden – although you could always retreat to the tent for some quiet contemplation, or head across to the piano room and tinkle those ivories! In the mood for a snack? The summer house is home to a commercial pizza oven, while the exquisite 1940’s showman’s wagon is an ideal haven for relaxing vintage-style; equipped with a warming wood-burner to curl up in front of, with a post-pizza tipple nicely in hand.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Chat

October 2025

2 nights at Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

Went as a solo traveller, the location was quiet enough to feel secluded enough, the cabin was clean warm with modern comforts, nice local pubs and excellent walks would recommend

J

Julian

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

This was a super last-minute booking, despite knowing that it was going to be pretty wet all weekend. Despite the rain, this was a magical place and my son and I had a special time together. The rain maybe made it even more special. Anna is lovely and very helpful and their dog spent quite a lot of time with us because he realised we would continue to throw a stick for it until we went to sleep. Which was bliss!

A

Alisa

June 2025

With pets

3 nights at Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

This place is something else. I've stayed for 3 nights and honestly, this is the best place to recharge . Gorgeous woodlands, amazing paths for walks , extra special cabin w ith little touches and Anna is an amazing host. I would absolutely love to come back . Not felt so relaxed for years . Thank you

Will

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

We had the best weekend in the gypsy caravan. The area was really pretty and felt very private and we had so much space to ourselves. The caravan itself was well equipped and the bed was really comfy. The separate bath caravan was also lovely.

S

Sarah

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Dogwood Glamping

Stayed in the cabin for one night. Beautiful location; cabin tucked away in the corner of the site. Owners extremely friendly and responsive. Shared amenities excellent. Would highly recommend

R

Ren

April 2025

2 nights at Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

We absolutely loved our stay! Highlights included the gorgeous bathhouse, cosy and well stocked caravan and taking peaceful walks in the woods. Anna was a helpful and generous host and made us feel so welcome.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland cabins near Southampton guide

Where to go

South-West Hampshire

A 10-minute drive west of Southampton, the New Forest National Park has endless options for campers, from family-friendly holiday parks to glamping in the woods. Walking and cycling trails lead the way to wildlife reserves and forest hideaways, and you’re never far from a country pub. To the south, the beach resorts of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are a favourite for summer campers.

Isle of Wight

Ferries set sail from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, where rugged sea cliffs and golden sands provide a spectacular backdrop for campers. Hike along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, marvel at the multi-colored cliffs of Alum Bay, and ride the chairlift over the white chalk rocks of The Needles. Or perhaps time your visit for annual events like the Isle of Wight Festival or Cowes Week yachting festival.

South Downs

North of Southampton, the cathedral city of Winchester sits on the western edge of the South Downs AONB, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along more than 2,000 miles of trails. Explore the chalk hills and ancient yew forests, trek along part of the South Downs Way, or head down to the coast to admire the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Whether backcountry camping or sleeping in a luxury yurt, plan for a late night—stargazing in this International Dark Sky Reserve is an unmissable experience.

When to go

Southampton is a year-round destination, whether dining alfresco in summer 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. Time your visit for springtime to enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding AONBs, or head to the New Forest in autumn to admire the colourful fall foliage.

Know before you go

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