A Guide to Camping on the Isle of Wight

There are many great things about being on holiday on the Isle of Wight. The island has beautiful scenery, a wide range of activities and attractions for you to enjoy, and some great places to stay when you’re there. But one of the best things about visiting this South Coast destination is the opportunity to go camping! Now, we know that camping isn’t for everyone, but if you like getting out into nature and enjoying the peace of the countryside, there are plenty of budget alternatives for getting away from it all on the Isle of Wight.

Here, our guest blogger Millie Fuller tells you everything you need to know about camping on the Isle of Wight, so you can get planning your visit for Spring/Summer 2023.

Camping allows people to travel all over the world without breaking the bank. It is a very affordable way to visit some of the top destinations.

Secondly, camping is a great way for families and friends to enjoy time together in nature without distractions like television and mobile devices. The Isle of Wight has beautiful scenery, wildlife and cultural landmarks that all campers can enjoy—whether they prefer doing activities or just relaxing around the campsite!

Thirdly, camping helps people feel closer than ever before by literally taking down the walls between them. This closeness can help strengthen relationships within families who might otherwise get lost amid busy schedules during their daily lives back home. It also promotes friendships between strangers who may have never met otherwise. Camping communities promote socialising through barbecues and cook outs during summer when temperatures are warm enough outside after sunset.

There are many reasons to visit the Isle of Wight, including:

• It gives you a feeling of getting away from it all.
• The island is filled with history and heritage.
• There are great places to eat, drink and stay.
• The wildlife is abundant on the island.
• It’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the UK
• It’s also great to enjoy sea views – you don’t have to go far!

Camping on the Isle of Wight is a great idea for many reasons:

• The landscape and weather make for an ideal outdoor experience. The beaches, bays, and coves are among the most beautiful in England; meanwhile, its temperate climate means it’s enjoyable throughout the year.
• It’s a great place for families: Children love playing on its beaches, going on rides, and exploring forests and fields—and what parent doesn’t want their kids having fun while they relax?
• It has an abundance of activities to keep visitors busy outdoors: You can paddleboard or kayak around one of many coves; hike through one of many forests or along coastal paths littered with shipwrecks, or relax while enjoying stunning views over blue water (or green hillsides).

Before you go:

• Check the weather. You don’t want your tent to blow over in severe winds or get caught in a downpour while you’re out and about.
• Check the campsite rules beforehand so there are no surprises when you arrive (for example, some sites may not allow dogs). This way, if there are restrictions on some items, it is easier to sort out before it become problematic later on. Similarly, always check whether campfires are allowed on site too.
• Make sure that all facilities at each site are clean and well maintained before booking anything; this includes showers and toilets, as well as shops and restaurants nearby where visitors can pick up supplies while staying at their chosen location.

• Make sure your car is in good form. Check that your tyres are in good condition and roadworthy by checking the tyre’s pressure and tread depth. Not only can flat tyres cause a blowout, but having the optimum tyre pressure saves money in the long-run. “If the tyre pressure of your car is too low, your car will need more fuel to get it moving” says caruno.
• Ensure that the brakes and lights are all working properly and that no oil leaks or other problems are visible from under the bonnet.
• Ensure everything’s running smoothly before heading out into nature with family or friends.

• Tent – unless you’ve booked a site with ready-pitched tents, you’ll need a tent to sleep in.
• Sleeping bag
• Pillows – these can also be used as cushions for sitting down during the day
• Torch, flashlight, or head torches – you will need a light source for walking around at night and seeing where you’re going outside the tent when it gets dark. The torch should be bright enough not to feel unsafe and dim enough not to disturb any other campers nearby.

Ensure you pay for parking in the right place and have the right ticket or it could result in fines and other charges. Before leaving on your journey, check on Google Maps for places to park, their charges and time limits.

The island is home to many fantastic pubs and restaurants, local takeaways, and food festivals. That’s right: the Isle of Wight has no shortage of places to grab a bite that won’t break the bank!

Visit one of the Island’s many pubs for a variety of traditional British meals if you’re looking for something more conventional. The White Horse Inn in Ventnor (the oldest pub on the island) offers an excellent choice if you desire something a little fancier than your typical pub fare. You can also find great cafes around town if you want something lighter like salads or sandwiches. Top cafés on the Isle of Wight include:

• The Garlic Farm, Newchurch
• Quarr Abbey Tea Rooms, Fishbourne
• The West Wight Alpaca Farm, Wellow
• Baywatch On The Beach, St. Helens
• Dimbola Lodge Tea Room, Freshwater

And don’t forget about ice cream parlours! Ice cream treats on the Isle of Wight include:

• Crave (at The Ventnorian 5 Spring Hill, Ventnor)
• Calbourne Classics
• The Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company
• Minghella

When you leave, there are a few things you should do. First of all, tidy up your campsite. Put the litter in the bin and pick up any bits of paper or debris around your tent. Then pack everything neatly into your bag and ensure nothing has been left – it’s really important not to leave any waste behind!
Remove any food scraps or other debris that can attract wildlife. Lastly, make sure that everything has been put back as it was – don’t forget to thank whoever owns the land and tell them what a great time you had camping there.

Tidying up

• Pack your tent away and ensure you’ve got all the pegs, ropes and poles in a bag or rucksack.
• Clear up your campsite. Put all food waste in the bin.
• If you’ve been burning campfires, make sure you’ve put out any fires completely
• If recycling bins are available at your site, use them for cans, bottles, glass jars, plastics etc. If you can’t recycle on site, take them home with you.
• Do not take rocks or plants home with you – leave them where they belong!

The Isle of Wight is an idyllic area to spend your next camping trip. It is understandable why it has drawn so many tourists, given that it offers some of England’s best beaches and beautiful scenery to explore. So whether you’re looking for something a little different from city life or want an excuse to get out into nature, camping here will give you plenty of options for a relaxing break away from it all – make sure not to forget any essential equipment before heading off on this adventure!

ℹ️ Millie Fuller is a creative copywriter with a love of life (and a thirst for coffee). When she’s not furiously typing, you’ll find her in the garden or reading.