Nice, small, secure and unflashy site on Isle of Wight?

[MeAndMySpoon]

So this year we're getting back on the camping horse. We have a lovely bell tent and haven't used it nearly enough. Summer before last was so appalling we ended up cancelling three short camping trips. Last summer I didn't even bother booking, and then it was ok weather after all.

DS1 is very intensely interested in dinosaurs and fossils and I understand that the Isle of Wight is a good place to spot footprints on beaches, etc. So I'm looking for a nice and smallish campsite that can accommodate a larger tent but not feel packed in, and preferably one that is safe for small children - DS2 is 3 and has ASD, is also strongly drawn to water, so open streams probably not a good idea. I don't like campsites that have too much in them, so we don't need a pool, club, pub etc (a café might be handy, also a playground) but proximity to some local amenities would be useful. We'd be taking a car over.

I haven't been to Isle of Wight since I was a smallish child and I have really fond memories of Blackgang Chine funpark (is it still open??) which both boys would love, but is there much of interest for adults? I have a shameful impression of it being a bit bland and for retired couples - please correct me!

One of our children also has ASD and we consider much of the same things as you. We stayed here in 2012 and it was lovely. We booked a premium view pitch but all seem nice and there is good spaces in the field- they could fit another row in but don't. There is a large field for ball games and the amenity block is good, if the showers feel rather small. The only downside is that it is more over one side of the IOW than the other but travelling isn't too bad. We visited Steephill Cove (which is a lovely beach and I don't really do beaches, again quite small so that you can see all your kids plus safe bathing), Osbourne house- the treehouse in the garden is cool, Alum bay which was but has to be done, tootled around Yarmouth, Ryde and also drove around Sandown etc.

Thanks, Professor! I like the look of it - sounds ideal. I can't remember the scale of the Island but from what I know, it ought to be ok to drive across to various attractions. Is Steephill Cove on that side of the island?

Steephill Cove is near Ventmor, about 40 mins drive away. It's along the coast road which is rather nice.

If you do book, get the campsite to book your ferry tickets as it was a little cheaper that way (or was then).

Thanks, good tip.