Best places to pitch up on the Isle of Wight

Whether pitching a tent or sleeping under the stars in a motorhome or caravan, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to get away from it all. The Island is home to several camping sites surrounded by rolling countryside, stunning sea views and close access to the many amenities on offer. Plus, with over half the Island designed as an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you’ll get to experience the peace and restorative power of being closer to nature.

To make life easier for you before you arrive, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to pitch a tent or motorhome on the Isle of Wight.

Motorhomes and caravans

If you’re bringing your motorhome or campervan to the Island, there are plenty of caravan parks to choose from – all with excellent facilities and amenities, including showers, toilets and electric hook-up points.

Situated within the former grounds of a historic house, Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park is an award-winning 5-star holiday park perfect for families and couples looking for a stress-free getaway. It’s also ideal for walkers and cyclists looking to take advantage of its close proximity to local walkways and famous beaches. There are a selection of grassy serviced pitches within sheltered grassland that offer amazing views of the Stenbury Downs. The park also has a swimming pool, miniature golf, laundry room, café and lounge area for you to relax.

For holidaymakers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Heathfield Farm Camping is set in a quiet rural area with far-reaching views of the sea and downland. Located only two miles from Yarmouth Ferry Port, local walking routes and the iconic Needles, it’s the perfect place to pitch up your motorhome or caravan and enjoy life at your own pace. You’ll find excellent shower facilities, as well as electric hook-ups and a BBQ area.

Camping pitches

Camping is the best way to enjoy the great outdoors, and the Isle of Wight is bursting with fantastic camping options to suit all budgets.

The family-run Orchards Holiday Park is a special place to make memories and explore the local landscape. Nestled amongst old apple orchards with beaches only 15 minutes away, this holiday park is the perfect spot for a couples retreat, family holiday or a get-together with friends. There are 120 touring and camping pitches to choose from, each offering a comfortable and stress-free stay.

There’s also the quiet family and dog-friendly Stoats Farm Caravan and Camping. Located within stunning countryside, the park’s only a short walk from the heritage coastal path, an Isle of Wight National Landscape with magnificent downs, chalk cliffs and sea views. You’ll find pitches of various sizes with electricity, a water supply and grey waste. Luxury showers with underfloor heating are also available. Dreamy!

For family-friendly holiday parks with camping areas, Parkdean Resorts at Landguard, Lower Hyde, Nodes Point and Thorness Bay and Away Resorts at Whitecliff Bay, The Lakes, The Bay and St Helens, have great family-fun packages. Featuring a range of amenities, such as swimming pools and evening entertainment, you can’t go wrong with pitching a tent at one of these comfortable, action-packed camping sites.

Or why not hire a luxury bell tent with Island Bell Tents. Imagine arriving at your campsite, parking the car and beginning your holiday right away without having to erect your own tent, pump up an airbed or even hammer in a tent pole. At Island Bell Tents, they take care of all of that for you! 

Glampsites

If you can’t bear to be away from your home comforts or want to try camping with a little luxury, glamping – aka “glamorous camping” – could be just the thing. The best thing about glamping is you don’t have to pitch your own tent. You just turn up to the site and the hard work’s already done for you!

The Isle of Wight is home to several glamping sites – each with its own unique quirks and amenities to take advantage of during your stay. Tom’s Eco Lodge at Tapnell Farm is one of the largest and most popular on the Island. Choose from beautiful safari tents, cabins, modulogs (cosy wooden pods), eco pods and geodesic domes surrounded by acres of glorious countryside. The site also boasts stunning sea views and is only a stone’s throw away from sandy beaches, making it the perfect base for all your Island adventures.

Why not escape to a world of off-grid luxury with Glamping the Wight Way. The glamping site has four spacious well-equipped, beautifully furnished Safari Lodges (each sleeping 6-8 people) set within a pair of interlinking meadows. Situated between Yarmouth and Freshwater, all lodges have gorgeous views over the River Yar and countryside. 

Looking for something a little bit different? Then check out Windmill Campersite – the quirkiest glampsite on the Island. Handily located within the centre of the Isle of Wight with beautiful 360-degree countryside views, there are several interesting places to spend the night, including an original 1955 Falklands ‘Rescue’ helicopter, shepherds hut, split screen campervan and the original submarine used in the 1999 James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. 

These are just a handful of camping and glampsites available on the Isle of Wight. See here for a full list and plan your getaway today.