Camping: pretty places to pitch your tent in Hampshire

Looking for overnight stays in incredible locations for the lowest price?  Hampshire has you covered.

Happy campers listen-up: we’ve rounded up some beautiful (and budget-friendly) places to pitch your tent in Hampshire. Go on a camping safari in the New Forest, get a front-row seat at a prime beachside location, sleep in the grounds of a country house, and observe the best stargazing from a National Park…a night at one of these campsites is sure to leave you wanting S’more.

Best for the beach – Lepe Beach Campsite

Coastal views over to the Isle of Wight, yards from the beach, a country park, and a National Park – Lepe Beach Campsite ticks a lot of the dream camping boxes.

Pitch up in this tents-only camping field and you’ll have incredible views over the Solent as well as being steps away from a quiet beach and stretch of coastline and the nature reserves of Lepe Country Park.

Inland, the picture-perfect New Forest village of Beaulieu and gorgeous gardens at Exbury are only 15 minutes away.

Find out more about Lepe Beach Campsite

Best for wildlife spotting – Harry’s Field, Harry’s Meadow, and the Old Airfield, New Forest

For a wild and wonderful camping escape, the New Forest National Park provides a gentil safari vibe where you can peacefully pitch-up beside the laid-back ponies and other animals that call the New Forest home.

There is no shortage of excellent campsites in the New Forest, three of which are run by the Sheriff family: Harry’s Field in Fordingbridge, ranked 14th in the Sunday Times top 40 campsites; Harry’s Meadow set on a historic New Forest Estate; and The Old Airfield located at the old 1940s RAF airstrip in Burley.

Each site makes for an excellent base in the New Forest to see local wildlife and explore on foot or by bike. Unwind back at camp with tasty treats from the pop-up food trucks and cocktail truck.

Find out more about Harry’s

Best for adventure – Marwell Resort

If you enjoy action-packed days or you want to wear the children out before zipping them in for the night, then the grass camping pitches at the Marwell Resort are the perfect place to fill your holiday with adventure.

Onsite activities include a treetop adventure, junior quad biking, archery, adventure gold, and axe throwing. If that isn’t enough then the South Downs National Park is on the doorstep, Marwell Zoo is a mile away and Winchester is just five miles away.  

Best for island life – Fishery Creek, Hayling Island

Disconnect from the mainland and cross the bridge over to Hayling Island for a few days of seaside escapism.

For island campers, the Fishery Creek Touring Park is a great choice. The park is located on a tidal creek connected to Langstone and Chichester Harbours and its slipway is a great place for launching small boats, crabbing, and fishing.

Walk to Hayling Island’s award-winning Blue Flag Beach or stop by the SUP Hut to hire a paddle board.

Find out more about Fishery Creek

Best for steam train nostalgia – Watercress Campsite

Listen for the whistle during your stay at the Watercress campsite and watch the steam trains pass by on the historic Watercress Line from your tent.

This beautifully landscaped campground set in 300-acres of farmland is located next to Ropley Station where you can hop aboard a steam train and travel through the beautiful Hampshire countryside to the Georgian market town of Alresford – campers get 20% off tickets when booked at the campsite.

The campsite is also a great base for exploring the South Downs National Park and nearby attractions like Jane Austen’s House and the village of Chawton.

Find out more about the Watercress Campsite

Best for nature – Holden Farm, Cheriton

If quiet countryside, farmland, and summertime wildlife sound like your cup of camping tea then Holden Farm in the quaint village of Cheriton is pitch perfect for you.

Set in a beautiful spacious field surrounded by farmland and wildflower meadows brimming with local flora and fauna, this independent family campsite is a wonderful place to get back to nature.

By day, explore the South Downs or King Alfred’s Way and by night, stargaze from your own peaceful patch of the South Downs National Park.

Find out more about Holden Farm

Best for a green getaway – The Sustainability Centre, South Downs

If you’re looking to leave the lightest footprint from your camping trip then the Sustainability Centre in the South Downs is a great green choice.

The Sustainability Centre is an environmental education centre that has onsite eco accommodation including a small campsite surrounded by 55 acres of peaceful woodland.

Guests can enjoy nature and the natural environment, and the Centre holds events, workshops, retreats, and children’s activities themed around sustainability.

Find out more about the Sustainability Centre

See more campsites in Hampshire

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