Caravan campsites near Portsmouth with campfires

A maritime city, international port, and beach resort—Portsmouth does it all.

94% (897 reviews)
94% (897 reviews)

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12 top caravan sites near Portsmouth with campfires

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Painters Farm Campsite

46 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Whitstable, England
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
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from 
£24.50
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Caravan campsites near Portsmouth with campfires guide

Overview

Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most important ports and a popular cruise port of call, with passenger ferries setting sail for France, Spain, and the Channel Islands. Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Historic Dockyard, climb the Spinnaker Tower for a magnificent view across the Channel, or enjoy a picnic in Victoria Park. Sunny days are best spent at Southsea Beach, where you’ll also find the city’s only camping ground. While you’re there, visit Southsea Castle, cruise around Canoe Lake on a pedal boat, and stroll along the South Parade Pier.

Top things to do in Portsmouth

Some of Britain’s most-recognisable historic ships, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, have found a permanent dock at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the city’s flagship tourist attraction. If camping near Portsmouth, it’s likely that this and the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth are on your list of things to do, but there's plenty more to see too.

Hop aboard a harbour boat tour, head up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower for far-reaching south coast views, or visit King Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle. Shingley Southsea beach also stretches east of the castle as a must-visit spot for seaside fun.

Just across the harbour from Portsmouth is Gosport, where there’s more maritime history, beaches, and watersports. In the other direction, it’s not far to the classic seaside destination of Hayling Island. Southampton, the historic city of Winchester, the South Downs National Park, and the New Forest are all about half an hour’s drive away.

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.

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