Compare campervans, motorhomes and RVs to hire in Southampton, listed by private owners and local hire businesses. See prices, photos and reviews for campervan hire in the UK, then book online with insurance included.
Southampton sits right on the edge of the New Forest, has its own ferry across to the Isle of Wight, and puts the Jurassic Coast within a morning’s drive. Enter your Southampton or Hampshire postcode on the search page, set a collection radius, and you will see insured campervans and motorhomes from owners and operators across the region.
Every vehicle is listed by its owner — private owners and local rental businesses — and booked through our partner Outdoorsy, with insurance and payment protection on every booking.
Campervans and motorhomes for hire near Southampton
The choice runs from 2-berth camper vans — a converted van that sleeps two and drives like a large car — to 6-berth motorhomes with a full kitchen and bathroom. A berth is a sleeping space, so a 4-berth sleeps four.
For the New Forest’s open-access sites and the ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight, a 2 or 4-berth is the easier and cheaper choice. See camper van hire and motorhome hire.
Price follows the same pattern wherever you hire: the smallest camper van is consistently the lowest-cost option, a 6-berth motorhome the most expensive, and the price per night usually drops the longer you book for. Booking in the school holidays, especially August, costs noticeably more than spring or autumn. Enter your dates on the search page for a real price near Southampton rather than a generic average — see motorhome hire prices for more on what moves it.
Where to collect a campervan near Southampton
Vehicles are listed across Southampton and into the New Forest, Winchester, Eastleigh and towards Portsmouth. A 20–30 mile radius in the search shows the full choice; several owners are inside the New Forest itself, useful if that’s your whole trip.
Best road trips from Southampton
- The New Forest — about 15 miles, 1–3 days. Free-roaming ponies, heathland, and one of the best-served campsite networks in the country; an easy first trip.
- The Isle of Wight — a car ferry from Southampton itself, 2–4 days. Coastal walks, the Needles, and a slower pace once you’re across.
- The Jurassic Coast and Dorset — about 60 miles, 3–5 days. Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, and the fossil beaches around Lyme Regis.
- The South Downs and Winchester — about 15 miles, 1–2 days. Rolling chalk downland and an easy city stop on the way.
- The Solent coast — Chichester Harbour and Portsmouth’s naval history, an easy day or two either side of a longer trip.
Campsites near Southampton
- A touring park on the River Hamble, about 10 minutes from the city, with an onsite restaurant.
- Long Meadow Campsite, in the heart of the New Forest, well set up for motorhomes with Brockenhurst station nearby for rail links.
- New Forest Club Campsite, near Bransgore, in open countryside on the western side of the Forest.
When to travel
July and August are busiest and dearest, and the closest vans book first — reserve three to four months ahead, and book Isle of Wight ferry crossings early for summer. May, June and September are quieter and the New Forest is at its best.
Campervan hire near you — other cities
London · Bristol · England · or search any UK location on the main search page.
Campervan and motorhome hire in Southampton — FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Southampton?
It depends mainly on the vehicle size, the season and how long you hire for. A small camper van is consistently the lowest-cost option and a large motorhome the most expensive; booking in the school holidays, especially August, costs noticeably more than spring or autumn; and the price per night usually drops the longer you book for. Enter your dates on the search page to see live prices from vehicles near Southampton. See motorhome hire prices for more on what moves the price.
Where can I pick up a campervan near Southampton?
Owners list vehicles across the city and into the New Forest, Winchester and Eastleigh, and towards Portsmouth. A 20–30 mile radius in the search shows the full choice.
Can I take a hire campervan onto the Isle of Wight ferry?
Most owners allow it, but you book the vehicle onto the Southampton or Lymington ferry separately, and it needs to be agreed in the rental contract. Check the listing and the vehicle’s dimensions before booking.
Can I drive a motorhome on a normal car licence?
Yes, for almost all of them. A full UK car licence covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg — every camper van and most 2 to 6-berth motorhomes. The listing flags any that need a C1 licence.
Are there dog-friendly campervans near Southampton?
Yes — many Hampshire owners set their vans up for dogs, which suits the New Forest and coastal walking. Filter for pet-friendly vehicles and check the owner’s policy. See dog-friendly campervan hire.
What does “fully insured” cover?
Motor insurance for the named driver or drivers is arranged as part of the booking, so you do not organise cover separately. 24/7 roadside assistance is an optional extra you can add when you book. The damage excess and the refundable security deposit are set out on the listing and in the rental agreement before you pay. Terms vary by owner.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer, three to four months ahead — the nearest vehicles go first, and Isle of Wight ferry space books out early. Off-season, a few weeks is usually enough.