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Best campsite in Isle of Wight for first first time campers

44 replies

LondonSuperTrooper · 16/08/2013 04:59

After much research and deliberation (some if it on this camping forum- you guys are great!) we have finally bought our first family tent. This is going to be our first camping trip on our own. We are thinking of camping in the Isle of Wight for a week, starting next weekend.

Has anyone camped in the IOW? Any recommendations for good campsites? Good loos and showers are a must. Campsites that allow campfires would be an added bonus. I would like our first camping trip to be a success in order to keep DH on board for future camping trips.

Also, is one week long enough for the IOW? It's a pretty small island and I'm hoping that there is enough activities for us to do and not get bored.

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professorpoopsnagle · 16/08/2013 07:38

I can't think of any that would allow campfires that I have seen but you can search using ukcampsite.

We have stayed here and it really was a very nice feel- spread out with a good field for games that the kids just headed to and came back at dusk. More reviews here The only thing I would say is that it is not central to the island, so if you want to go to the other side it's a bit of a trek.

Have you got kids? How old are they and what do you like to do?

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CitrusyOne · 16/08/2013 07:42

There is LOADS to do on the Isle of Wight come rain or shine. We've camped there for a fortnight in the past and not got bored.

And on an island so small, personally I don't thing anywhere's a 'trek'. We've camped at a few places and they've all been nice. I don't think you can go wrong.

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professorpoopsnagle · 16/08/2013 07:43
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LondonSuperTrooper · 16/08/2013 09:34

Thanks for the replies. My DS is 6 and likes typical boys stuff. He enjoys the beach, football, hunting for bugs. Someone mentioned a dinosaur park or show, do I need to look into that.

professor thanks for the link. They are charging for the showers! Is that normal?!

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professorpoopsnagle · 16/08/2013 20:14

It can be- all that depends on the campsites. Having had a quick look at the base rates they are quite reasonable so if you factor paying for the showers in it's not that bad. It's just a pain having the right change- when we go to a site like this I either save up the coins for a few weeks or go to the bank and change £10 worth (and keep them separate).

I would like to recommend Steephill Cove for a beach- the most perfect beach (IMO) in most of the world. We also did Osborne House (there's also Carisbrooke castle)

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TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 17/08/2013 08:59

We stayed at Whitefield Forest - and got a good 5 night package deal with the ferry included. Was a lovely site but not sure if they allowed campfires. There was a lovely wooden adventure playground and it was set in the forest so lovely for bug hunting adventures and there were lots of red squirrels running around. It was quite central for getting about. Blackgang Chine is a good day out and has some giant dinosaurs

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LondonSuperTrooper · 18/08/2013 00:05

Thanks professor & taffy. I'll look into your suggestions tomorrow. I need to book the campsite before purchasing your ferry tickets.
I'm praying for good weather during the bank holiday week, otherwise DH won't last a night of camping!!

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 00:20

There's one at Compton bay which is Fantastic beach, we saw it yesterday when we were there, lots of people were camping. Tons to do in the island and usually good weather, well better than the mainland anyway.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 00:20

I would go for the west side of the island, much quieter and prettier imo and less touristy.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 00:28

Book your ferry asap, they are heaving atm, be warned it's pricey to cross as it's high season, you can use tesco vouchers if you have any.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 00:29

It'll be very busy to as I think that's the weekend all the mods go over to the island but not 100% sure.

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LondonSuperTrooper · 18/08/2013 06:36

Valium thanks for your tips. Would you recommend booking the ferry before finding a campsite? I'm getting worried now. My concern was booking the ferry and then bring unable to find a campsite that had some vacancy.

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PositiveAttitude · 18/08/2013 06:45

Mods come here for the bank holiday weekend - check out the campsites too as some are used for them. Seaview wildlife park is a brilliant day out and worth a look. It is also worth looking at both Red Funnel and Wightlink ferries for the best deal. It is expensive, but please look carefully, one charges per car and the other car + people, so work out which is cheaper for you.

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LondonSuperTrooper · 18/08/2013 08:05

Positive, thank you for the information. I'm looking at campsites now and checking their availability. Does it matter where the campsite is located? I figure that we will drive all over the island..... or is it best to stay central?

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 18/08/2013 08:14

You can drive everywhere but some journeys are a bit of a trek, taking what looks like the straightest road on the map isn't always quickest as some are narrow and winding, having said that there is so much to do there that you don't need to keep going to the far end and back. We've stayed at Whitefield Forest too and really enjoyed it. The coastal campsites can be very windy. I recommend the fossil hunts run by Island Gem at Brook beach, you have to book in advance.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 08:15

No idea about the ferry sorry,I was saying to Dh I'm not sure how it works, ours was booked by the owners of the cottage we rented so we got it at trade price which was still ridiculously expensive. Could you provisionally book a campsite then confirm once you have the ferry booking? Ime islanders are very helpful and they talk you through what you need to do.

Don't worry where you stay-the island is only 30 min drive across. Look on the map the top of the island to the middle is only 15 minsGrin

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 08:20

Good point about it being windy, it was last week.

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LondonSuperTrooper · 18/08/2013 08:46

Thanks whoknowwheretimegoes my son will love the fossil hunts. Thank also for the tip regarding the wind. I was considering staying at a coastal location. Will look for another camp site now.

Valium no problem regarding the ferries. Online prices are around £170.

Thanks for all of your help & tips.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 08:54

170 is ridiculous considering that next month ,out of season you can do the same trip for about 50 quid,grrrr!

Have a fab time!Smile

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 18/08/2013 08:55

When I say book ahead for the fossil hunt that means ASAP BTW, we had to try three times before getting in, but we were restricted for dates each time. We've had 5 stays on the IOW in the last 4 years, love it there.

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 09:02

My ds went mackerel fishing on one of the tours at ventnor-was the highlight of the holiday, he caught 20 fish!

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captainbarnacle · 18/08/2013 09:09

www.grangefarmholidays.com/ Great campsite on west coast of island - most beautiful. Farm animals, showers, playground, fantastic unspoilt beach, nice shop on site and friendly owners. The is no campsite at Compton beach.

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PositiveAttitude · 18/08/2013 09:10

Look into the ferries carefully. If you change your times to evening and early morning you can get it for about 60-70£ return. It might be a bit inconvenient, but if it saves £100 you might think its worth it. If you want help with this, then PM me and I can have a look for you. - living here and having to pay these prices every time I want to go off the island I have learnt how to get the cheapest going! Wink

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valiumredhead · 18/08/2013 09:12

Well it's very near Compton beach, is it the chale one?

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captainbarnacle · 18/08/2013 09:14

Chale is about 15miles from Compton. I think it's Grange Chine - 3 miles from Compton - you can see? About 2 fields of tents.

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