Waterside campsites near Chichester
A gateway to the beautiful beaches and resort islands of England’s south coast.
Waterside campsites near Chichester guide
Where to go
Chichester Harbour AONB
Chichester’s natural harbour has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), thanks to its tidal inlets and wind-blown trees and shrubs that line its undeveloped coast. The saltmarsh and mudflats here are home to tens of thousands of birds, and recreational boats also frequent the harbour. Visitors can walk, cycle, or take scenic boat tours of Chichester Harbour, and there are many campsites and glamping sites both in the AONB and around its edge.
West Wittering Beach & East Head
The white-sand beach and colourful bathing boxes at West Wittering make this a lovely summer escape from Chichester city. There are a couple of farm-based campsites just inland from the beach. Further west of West Wittering is East Head, a sandspit, salt marsh, and nature preserve with walking tracks, including the 4-mile East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk.
Hayling Island
West of Chichester and connected to the mainland by a road bridge from Langstone, Hayling Island is a popular beach resort with amusement parks, campsites and caravan parks, and three miles of sandy beaches. Camp on Hayling Island or visit the beaches on a summer day trip from Chichester or other parts of the south coast.
When to go
Summer is the best time to visit Chichester, as one of the main attractions here for campers is visiting the nearby beaches and natural areas. Summer days are typically warm and dry, and the nights short. However, you can visit Chichester city year-round to explore the cultural attractions—you may just want to stay in a cabin rather than a tent when the weather’s cold.