Hampshire is a county that offers plenty of great campsites and if you live in Southampton there are quite a few highly-rated ones within easy distance.
Whether you're up for a couple of nights in tents or prefer the idea of glamping, you're covered for options.
All of these sites are within 10 miles of Southampton and have been well-received on Pitchup.com.
Here are the campsites near Southampton that are ranked among the best according to the people who visit them.
5 of the best campsites near Southampton
Ashurst Caravan and Camping Site
Address: Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst SO40 7AR
Rating: 9.4/10 (from 197 Pitchup.com reviews)
Ashurst Caravan and Camping Site offers a number of grass pitches for tents and caravan spaces as well.
There is said to be a "peaceful vibe" to the site where you can head out for walks along waymarked trails through the woods.
Alongside that, there's also a number of grazing ponies that can be observed as well as a number of birds.
One reviewer wrote: "The site is lovely with lots of secluded spots so you don’t feel on top of one and other. The toilet and shower block clean, always stocked up with soap and toilet roll and an added bonus is the hairdryers. The staff friendly and helpful. This is our third year camping and ashurst is one of our favourite sites."
Andark Lake
Address: Oslands Lane, Southampton SO31 7EG
Rating: 8.7/10 (from 404 Pitchup.com reviews)
Located next to the Hamble River, Andark Lake offers a number of grass pitches for tents and motorhomes.
The main draw is the purpose-built scuba diving training lake where you can pre-book diving sessions and do open-water swimming.
Amenities on-site include a drinking water tap and a toilet block with male and female changing rooms, lockers and showers, all open 24/7.
One reviewer wrote: "Beautiful small site with gorgeous lake to swim in, which we did have a dip in. Clean and modern facilities to use, very friendly staff. Loved watching the sunset set through the trees on the lake deckchairs.
"Tried the onsite cafe for breakfast. It was excellent and the view around the lake. Lovely way to start the day. We walked from site down to the marina and enjoyed a long walk enjoying the countryside and admiring the boats."
Springbridge Farm
Address: Highbridge Road, Otterbourne, Eastleigh SO50 6HN
Rating: 8.3/10 (from 46 Pitchup.com reviews)
Springbridge Farm is described as a "peaceful" site which is surrounded by the wildlife of the Hampshire countryside.
The profile adds: "If the farm’s collection of friendly sheep and chickens aren’t enough, guests can get up close to nature by spotting water voles in the river or rare insects hiding in corners of the countryside."
The New Forest is nearby so there are plenty of opportunities for fresh-air activities such as walking and cycling.
One reviewer wrote: "Loved the location, easily accessible to shops for any essentials you may need. The river being so close was fantastic, the water is beautifully clear and shallow enough in places to have a refreshing little paddle. Our children loved being right next to the farm goats and there was plenty of space to play football and other family games.
"The owner came and asked if there was anything we needed and kindly provided us with information regarding local pubs that we enquired about."
Morelands Copse Camping
Address: Hensting Lane, Colden Common, Eastleigh SO50 7HH
Rating: 8.7/10 (from 82 Pitchup.com reviews)
Morelands Copse Camping has an emphasis on being off-grid and low impact, which can allow guests to truly switch off and connect with their surroundings.
People can choose to utilise the tent pitches but can also stay in a Shepherd's Hut.
A number of activities are available on-site, including bushcraft (willow weaving, learning to build a den and foraging) and arts and crafts using the supplies and materials provided in the crafts den.
Facilities include portable toilets, a hot shower and an "honesty shop for gas and a few other bits and bobs".
One reviewer wrote: "Great location, basic but quiet and nice few touches, would definitely stay again!"
Recommended reading:
- 7 of the best campsites to spend a weekend away at in Hampshire
- Can I set up a campsite in the New Forest without permission?
- 3 Southampton parks win prestigious Green Flag Award
Lakeside Wild Camping
Address: Moors Farm, Sandy Lane, Romsey SO51 0PD
Rating: 9.4/10 (from 28 Pitchup.com reviews)
Another great spot for back-to-basics camping can be found with Lakeside Wild Camping near Romsey.
It has a small number of grass pitches that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
The profile adds: "Getting here is very much a memorable experience in itself, as you'll need to travel down a farm track through a field of friendly cows (and another field of sunflowers, when they're in season) to reach your pitch."
Once there guests will have plenty of space plus access to a secluded fishing lake.
One reviewer wrote: "It was exactly as described, remote, isolated and back to basics which is exactly what we were looking for."
