12 Best Isle of Wight motorhome campsites (and road trip tips)
Planning a trip to the Isle of Wight with your motorhome or campervan? Looking for campsites to stay at, places to visit and tips to make the most of your Isle of Wight road trip? Here’s everything you need.
When you’re planning a road trip to the Isle of Wight, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling in a larger vehicle like a motorhome or camper. But don’t let that put you off- the Isle of Wight is definitely worth the effort (and expense!) of getting there.
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Where is the Isle of Wight?
The Isle of Wight is an island just off the south coast of England, near Hampshire and Dorset. It’s only 22.5 miles wide and 13 miles from North to South, so it’s easily explored in a weekend, although there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a week or more.
Map of the Isle of Wight
How to get to the Isle of Wight with a vehicle
Ok, let’s tackle probably the worst part of a trip to the Isle of Wight- how to get there! If you’re travelling with a car, campervan, motorhome or caravan, there is only one option- ferry. (No, there is no road or tunnel from the mainland to the Isle of Wight.)
Ferry routes to the Isle of Wight
There are three options for ferry routes:
- Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Wightlink)
- Southampton to Cowes (Red Funnel)
- Lymington- Yarmouth (Wightlink)
The ferries run pretty much all day, from very early in the morning to late at night. Many Isle of Wight residents work on the mainland and rely on these ferries to get to work. They run in all weather except severe storms.
Which is the cheapest ferry to the Isle of Wight?
Honestly, they’re all pretty expensive. I once read an article on how, for the size of water and duration of the trip, crossing the Solent with a vehicle is one of the most expensive ferry trips in the world. Seriously, you can almost get to France for what it will cost to get to the Island, especially with a motorhome or camper.
The ferries charge per vehicle, not per passenger (for up to 7 passengers, as long as you’re in a vehicle, of course!) With Wightlink, you can buy economy tickets which are cheaper, but non-refundable.
Don’t forget, if you are a member of a Motorhome club, you can get discounts on ferry tickets (terms and conditions apply- check their websites for more). You can also use Tesco Clubcard vouchers to get savings on your crossings.
TOP TIP: The busiest (and therefore most expensive) times are between 10 am and 4 pm UK time. Book outside these times for cheaper tickets.
How much does a ferry to the Isle of Wight cost?
Of course prices will vary depending on the time of year, so the prices below are based from JAN 2026.
So travelling in a motorhome up to 7m long, over 2.24m high, with 2 adults on board, crossing in the morning before 8am – one-way ticket.
Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Wightlink)
One way costs from approximately £114 economy/ £125 standard
Lymington to Yarmouth (Wightlink)
One way costs from approximately £114 economy/ £125 standard
Southampton to East Cowes (Red Funnel)
One way costs from approximately £118
Best Isle of Wight Campsites for Motorhomes and Campervans
So, once you’re over on the Island, where do you stay? There are hundreds (or, at least, a lot) of campsites on the Isle of Wight. Most are seasonal, and many farmers open fields in July and August.
Some are just for tents, but many bigger, more established sites have facilities and hardstanding for motorhomes and campervans.
Of course, choosing the ‘best Isle of Wight campsite’ is highly subjective. What’s best for me certainly won’t be best for a family with young kids.
So I’ve put together a mix a campsites which accept motorhomes, campervans (and often caravans). Some have sea views, some have incredible on-site facilities and some are surrounded by nature and woodland.
I hope some of these inspire you for your next Isle of Wight road trip!
READ MORE: How to find epic campsites near you
Best Isle of Wight campervan campsites with Sea Views
Bank End Farm- CS Site
Bank End Farm is on the south coast of the Isle of Wight and enjoys beautiful sea views. There is a members-only Camping and Caravanning Club field, secluded from the road with access directly to the coastal footpath.
The Camping and Caravanning area is on a secluded part of the farm, with wonderful sea views. The camping area is extremely peaceful, but very basic with no toilets. It’s best suited to those with their own washing and toilet facilities. They also have yurts and other accommodation options if you wish to meet family or friends.
The site can accommodate up to 10 tents and 5 caravans or campervans at any one time. Visitors must be members of the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Facilities
- Hardstanding only pitches available
- Chemical toilet disposal point
- Drinking water tap
- No facilities
Pitch Fees: £15/ night for up to 4 in one vehicle.
Park Address
Bank End Farm, Undercliff Drive, St Lawrence, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UW
Heathfield Farm Camping
Heathfield Farm is on the west of the island, just 2 miles from Yarmouth. It’s set in 9 acres of beautiful countryside and sea views, although you’re not near the beach- it’s a drive, not a walk. We’ve stayed here with our motorhome several times and have always been pleased by the standard of the facilities. It’s also a great base to explore the island.
Pitches are generous in size, with or without electric. They’re marked, but many are set in a field, so in school holidays it might get noisy. Having said that, there are trees and hedges to offer shelter and privacy. If you want a sea view, book a premier view pitch.
Facilities
- 75 marked pitches, all with electric hook up.
- Limited number of Premier View pitches with great views across the Solent towards Hurst Castle.
- Recently refurbished amenity buildings with showers, toilets, separate wash cubicles, hairdryers and shaver points.
- Separate wheelchair accessible shower and toilet room.
- Laundry room with a coin-operated washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing facilities.
- Large dishwashing area which also has a wheelchair accessible sink.
- Up to 2 dogs on certain pitches. There’s a wildflower meadow with lots of space to exercise dogs.
- Large separate playing field is ideal for all ball games and has 2 public BBQ areas with picnic tables.
- Fishing, golf, horse riding, sailing and other water sports are all available nearby.
- Bus stop outside entrance
They sell Camping Gaz and also offer a freezer pack service in return for a small donation to the “Heathfield Tree Plantation Fund”
Pitch Fees
Minimum 2 night stay with electric, from £80.
Opening Period
May – September
Park Address: Heathfield Farm Camping, Heathfield Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9SH
Grange Farm Touring Campsite
I stayed at Grange Farm in the days before motorhoming, with just a trusty tent. But the views over the English Channel are still some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Motorhomes, campervans and cars with tents are all welcome.
The campsite is a field, so pitches are grass and unmarked. It’s pretty level and we loved that we could fid a spot as a group instead of having allocated pitches. It’s first come, first served, so arrive early to get the best views.
There are 10 hard-standing pitches, some with electric hook-up, but please be sure to request these and book in advance.
Facilities
- Amenities block with toilets, showers, baby changing and disabled facilities
- Wifi – additional charge
- Recharging points for phones/ laptops (additional charge)
- Freezer pack hire
- Laundry and dishwashing
- Playground
- Shop
- Fresh bread
- Bike hire
- No camp fires
Pitch Fees
From £21 with electric on a standard size pitch.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Dogs are allowed on the beach below the campsite. During summer there are restrictions on other Island beaches. You can check which beaches are dog friendly here.
Nodes Park Holiday Park
It’s close proximity to St. Helen’s Beach and Priory Bay makes Nodes Point Holiday Park a popular destination on the Isle of Wight.
Facilities:
- indoor pool
- adventure playground
- horse riding
- variety of live entertainment
- Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Motorhome camping
Pitch sizes are 6m x 6m (non-electric pitches), 7m x 7m (electric pitches) or 8m x 8m (electric and water).
Fees
From £24 a night with electric. Minimum 2 night stay.
Address
Nodes Point Holiday Park, Blyth Road, St Helens, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1YA
Best Isle of Wight Motorhome Touring Sites with Good Entertainment/ Facilities for Kids
I’ll be honest, nearly all campsites on the Isle of Wight have some sort of facilities for kids, even if it’s just a playground. I’ve included the larger holiday parks, but also some of the quieter sites which still have things for the kids to enjoy.
Thorness Bay Holiday Park
Thorness Bay is a Parkdean Holiday Resort with a mix of touring sites, camping and static lodges. The touring sites are serviced with electric if you wish.
Facilities
- Indoor pool with slides
- Bar and restaurant
- Evening entertainment
- Kids’ club for children up to 11 years old
- All-weather sports court
- Activities include rollerblading, archery, snorkelling, pool
- Shop
- Laundry room
Fees
From £24 a night with electric. Minimum 2 night stay.
Address: Thorness Lane, Thorness, Cowes, Isle Of Wight, England, PO31 8NJ
The Orchards Holiday Touring Park
The Orchards is near Yarmouth on the west side of the Isle of Wight. This site has touring fields, surrounded by beautiful countryside views. Pitches are either grass of hard-standing and can be with or without electricity. Size of pitch varies according to size of your unit.
Facilities
- modern shower and washbasin cubicles, ladies’ vanity area, a family shower room and family bathroom, a baby changing room- all with underfloor heating
- modern wheelchair-accessible amenities
- laundry and washing-up area
- two swimming pools
- indoor pool open all season (both free)
- poolside refreshments available at the garden conservatory
- two children’s play areas
- recreation area
- fully stocked shop and a takeaway food bar (both open from March to October)
- There are two play areas, one for under-fives and one for older kids
- dog exercise area
- electric vehicle charging
Fees
From £40 a night, minimum 2 night stay.
Newbridge, Yarmouth, Isle Of Wight, England, PO41 0TS
Lower Hyde Holiday Park
The Lower Hyde Holiday Park is another ParkDean resort, with a mix of camping, touring pitches and static lodges. It’s big and crowded in summer and it’s highly advisable to book activities (including swimming times) in advance.
Facilities
- outdoor pool and paddling pool
- small indoor heated splash pool
- outdoor playground
- amusement arcade
- all-weather multi-sports court
- Shop
- Evening entertainment
- Art & Crafts Den
- Childcare and Toddler Activities
Fees
From £24 a night with electric. Minimum 2 night stay.
Park Address
Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Landguard Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7LL
Quiet or Adults Only Campsites on the Isle of Wight
Sometimes, you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle and stay on a quiet site. Of course, nothing can be guaranteed (not all campers are considerate of others), but these sites give you the best chance of a relaxing motorhome holiday.
Riverside Paddock
Riverside Paddock Camp site is a adults-only quiet, adult-only rural caravan and camping site, with boating and mooring facilities available. It’s lose to the lovely Medina River and Estuary on The Isle of Wight
Facilities
- Hardstanding pitches with electric
- Toilets, showers, hand basins and heated cubicles
- Disable Access
- Dogs welcome
- Picnic tables
- Open all year
Fees
From £32 a night with electric.
Address: Dodnor Lane, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO30 5TE
Ninham Country Holidays
Ninham is a peaceful site surrounded by woodlands. Only a short drive from Shanklin, it also boasts a heated outdoor pool.
The park has two camping areas set either side of the wooded valley: The Orchard area is a four-star site with modern shower facilities, and accepts dogs in the low season but not during school summer holidays. Willow Brook is ungraded and has more basic shower facilities, but shares use of all the other amenities that Ninham has to offer. Willow Brooks is open only during school summer holidays and allows dogs during this period.
A firm emphasis is placed on nature and conservation- recycling is the norm and not the exception. The park is perfect for families, friends and individuals who scenic and peaceful space among nature.
Large motorhome Pitch guide
- Motorhomes over 6.5m cost around £15/ night
- Grass pitches – minimum 12m x 12m
- 16 amp Electric Hook Up
- Accommodates one motorhome + one awning or sunshade
- Use of on-site Facilities
- Check out 10am
- Up to 8 people per pitch
- Charcoal BBQ’s are permitted
- Open fires are not permitted
- Gazebos are not permitted (awnings are ok)
Facilities
- Outdoor Sports Play
- Games & TV Room
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Kids Play Park
- Quiet time between 9pm & 9am
- Dogs are allowed EXCEPT in the main summer school holidays. See their dog rules here.
Fees
From £46 a night with electric. 2 night minimum stay.
Address: Ninham Farm, Shanklin, Isle Of Wight, England, PO36 9PJ
Whitefield Forest Touring Park
Whitefield Forest has won several awards for being one of the best campsites on the Isle of Wight. The site sits near Ryde within 28 acres of forest.
There are a mix of traditional grass and all-weather hardstanding pitches, all very spacious with electric hookups.
Facilities
- heated amenities block including baby, family and disabled facilities
- laundry and dishwashing facilities
- play park & bush craft area for the children nestled in the woods
- forest walks including red squirrels.
- Well behaved dogs on leads
- bus stop just outside entrance
- beaches and Ryde nearby
Fees
From £13 a night per person
Address: Whitefield Forest Touring Park, Brading Road, Ryde, Isle Of Wight, PO33 1QJ
Downsview CL Campsite
Downsview is an adults-only campsite. It is on the south side of the Island only a mile or so from the coast. The scenery is stunning, with views stretching miles in almost every direction and it is sandwiched between areas of outstanding beauty.
Facilities
- Adults only
- All pitches are level hard standings 8m x 8
- Fully serviced pitches
- 16amp metered electric hookups (a daily allowance of 10kwh is added to your pitch fee at cost)
- Standpipe on the pitch
- Grey water disposal point on the pitch
- Dogs welcomed – doggy heaven with walks right from the campsite
- Very peaceful
- Drive over greywater disposal point for motorhomes
- Chemical toilet disposal point
Fees
From £26 a night
Address: Newport Road, Bierley, Whitwell PO38 2QW
Things to do on an Isle of Wight Road Trip and Motorhome Holiday
There are plenty of things to do on an Isle of Wight holiday. Here are a few ideas for you:
- Visit the Needles and Old Battery (sunset is the best time)
- Alum Bay- the sands are multi-coloured
- Ventnor Botanic Gardens
- Boat trips to the Needles
- Kayaking
- Paragliding
- Any of the sandy beaches (East coast is more protected from the prevailing winds
- Sandown pier and amusement arcade
Family attractions
- Monkey Haven (primate rescue centre). Also home to owls, kookaburras, reptiles and more.
- The Donkey Sanctuary
- Amazon World Zoo Park is home to a wide range of rare and exotic animals.
- The Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown- over 1,000 fossils, life-sized models and animatronic dinosaurs.
- Isle of Wight Zoo, from tiny bees to magnificent tigers.
- Steam train
Historic Attractions on the Isle of Wight
- Carisbrooke Castle – Edwardian gardens, Norman Keep, royal history and museum.
- Osbourne House- the holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Don’t miss the beach where they bathed.
- Brading Roman Villa – one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK
- The Shipwreck Centre in Arreton, showing shipwreck finds from around the local coast, early diving equipment, navigational instruments and more.
- Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum – an extensive collection of antique dolls and toys.
- St Catherine’s Lighthouse- museum showing history since 1323!
Want more tips for motorhoming?
Here are some more ideas you might find useful:
- Essential Motorhome accessories every van should have
- Best Sat-nav for motorhomes or campervans
- Motorhome Security– tips for at home and on the road
- How to get Internet & wifi in a motorhome
- Europe- essential gear for travelling to Europe
- Best gift ideas for motorhome and campervan owners
Want FREE checklists, eBooks and additional tips to help? Visit our resource page
Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.
Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.
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