Solent Kayak Camping

The Solent represents an interesting prospect for the paddling camper. The official campsites adjoining the coast are few and far between. I can only think of one on Hayling Island and one at Eastney (Portsmouth). Wild camping offers far greater possibilities.

Much of the Solent coast line is sparsely populated with numerous privately owned stretches of beach. It has to be said that discrete wild camping is likely to go undetected in many places, both on the main land and Isle of Wight coast lines. There are many bays and inlets and even headlands where scrub land meets the beach, offering lots of possibilities for low impact overnight stays.

I have thought long and hard about identifying good sites, but decided against this for two reasons: What appeals to me may differ from another paddler and finding camping spots as part of planning a trip is half the fun.

Using OS GETAMAP and BOAT LAUNCH will give you a map and birds eye view. A number of locations can be found offering undisturbed peace with all states of tide access. They will be obvious and if not, you should reconsider camping at all! Most will be some way from a road or civilisation. Look for small bays and some headlands.

Beware:
Opposition may be met at some sites.
The land may be privately owned.
Some spots may be exposed in some conditions.
Camping is entirely at your own risk.
Consider how the site would be if the wind changed.
Make sure you have an exit route in a emergency.