The best campsites near Southampton, Hampshire with horseback riding

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.

96% (341) • 112 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.

96% (341) • 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton

1. The T Barn

99%

(90)

98km from Southampton · 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)

86km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

3. Deer Barn Retreats

94%

(33)

138km from Southampton · 3 units · Glamping

Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%

(1)

104km from Southampton · 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. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

44km from Southampton · 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.

6. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

26km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

7. Berrends Farm

96%

(38)

136km from Southampton · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex. We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.

8. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

84km from Southampton · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

9. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins

98%

(30)

121km from Southampton · 16 units · Tents

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

10. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

13km from Southampton · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

11. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

103km from Southampton · 6 units · Tents, Glamping

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

12. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

136km from Southampton · 12 units · Tents, Glamping

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

13. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

36km from Southampton · 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!

14. Shire Camping

98%

(25)

132km from Southampton · 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.

15. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

112km from Southampton · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

16. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

25km from Southampton · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

17. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

29km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

18. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

124km from Southampton · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

19. Southover Wood and Camping

95%

(100)

67km from Southampton · 18 units · Tents

Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

20. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%

(148)

75km from Southampton · 15 units · Tents

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

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.

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!!

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.

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!

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

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.

O

Owen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at The T Barn

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.

M

Meeru

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

Nice and good location and good space love to see again

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near Southampton with horseback riding 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.