Best campsites in the New Forest National Park
Here are our expert-recommended campsites and attractions in and around the New Forest National Park
The New Forest is a mixture of forest and heathland covering an area of around 150 square miles in Southern England. In contrast to many of the UK's other National Parks, the New Forest is relatively low-lying with the highest point being only 129m above sea level. The park covers much of southeast Wiltshire and southwest Hampshire. It is the only forest to be described in detail in the Doomsday Book and was proclaimed as a royal forest by William the Conqueror. Most of the forest is owned by the Crown Estate and has been managed by the Forestry Commission since the 1920s.
The New Forest has a rich history going back to the time of William the Conquerer. In more recent times Canadian and Portuguese foresters lived in the area during the first World War; evidence of this can be found near Millyford where the remains of a Portuguese fireplace can be found, a poignant memorial to the efforts of the woodsmen who supplied wood from the forest during the conflict.
The village of Lyndhurst is often busy, particularly in the holiday season, but if you can find somewhere to park, head for the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels when you can visit the grave of Alice Liddell. There is much speculation about Alice's life, including rumours of a relationship with Queen Victoria's youngest son, Prince Leopold. We know that she was married at Westminster Abbey to Reginald Hargreaves, who played cricket for both Hampshire and England. But she is also the inspiration for the character Alice in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
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Top New Forest National Park Attractions
Much of the National Park is common pasture and commoners have the right to graze ponies, horses and cattle throughout the year along with pigs from September to November. The date of the annual 'Pannage' or turning out of the pigs depends on the weather and when acorns begin to fall from the trees. The date is set by the Verderers, a group of unpaid volunteers who represent the commoners' rights and who hold many of the same powers as those held by a magistrate. The pannage, or 'common of mast' as it is sometimes known locally, is important for the woodland's ecology and animal welfare. The pigs eat vast amounts of acorns which could cause stomach problems for the other livestock.
The forest has several larger villages, including Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Ashurst, Beaulieu and Lymington; all become busy in the high season. Many of the region's main tourist attractions are centred around the villages, with the British National Motor Museum, along with Buckler's Hard being amongst the attractions of Beaulieu. Lymington is popular with the sailing fraternity and hosts a number of regattas throughout the year.
Amongst the more unusual attractions in the park is the Rufus Stone. Wiliam Rufus was the third son of William the Conquerer and became King of England in 1087. In 1100 he died in a "hunting accident" when French nobleman Walter Tyrell is said to have fired an arrow that missed its mark, bounced off a tree and fatally wounded the King. This was unusual as Walter was usually a particularly good bowman. Williams's younger brother, Henry wasted no time in crowning himself as King Henry I and the inevitable rumours began to swirl. The stone was erected sometime in the 18th century but is nowhere near where historians agree that the incident took place, nor is it a stone any longer having been encapsulated in iron in the 1840s.
Top 20 New Forest National Park Campsites
Best campsites in The New Forest National Park
New Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club site is just 3 miles away from the pleasant village of Bransgore, you can find one the UK’s best caravan sites in the New Forest National Park. The site was originally part of a Second World War airfield. In fact, parts of the original runway still exist and there is also a memorial to the New Forest Airfields just to the north of the site. The site has 275 grass/hardstanding pitches including 13 serviced. All have electricity 16amp.
Holmsley Camping occupies part of what was once Holmsley Airfield in WWII, one of twelve New Forest wartime airfields and Advanced Landing Grounds. Now, the site offers visitors a unique forest base for their holiday and outdoor activities. Stay at Holmsley and you will have the opportunity to set off straight into the forest on foot or by bike. The rural villages of Burley and Bransgore are close by and not much further are Christchurch, New Milton and Bournemouth. Of course, being close to Bournemouth also means the site is close to the coast, and so pristine beaches and blustery coastline walks await at Rally Barton on Sea, Bournemouth, Poole and everywhere in between. The site has 600 grass or hardstanding pitches (some seasonal) most with electric hook-up point.
Setthorns Camping in the Forest is a secluded, back to basics, site surrounded by woodland. Throughout you will come across paths branching off in various directions which you can follow to explore the area, either on foot or by bicycle. With direct access from the campsite, the nearby disused railway line is a great place to start. Guests of Setthorn may be lucky enough to experience a visit from the local New Forest ponies and deer wandering through. Nearby are the seaside resorts of Barton on Sea and Bournemouth. The site has 235 grass or hardstanding pitches (some seasonal), a few have electric hook-up. There are no shower or toilet facilities on this site.
Hollands Wood is a large, spacious, 22 acre, secluded site in a natural woodland setting. It is set in the heart of the New Forest with an abundance of wildlife. Giant oak trees surround the pitches, sunlight pierces the canopy, and rich green hues colour the landscape as far as the eye can see. With the natural features of the land still in place, pitches weave through the treelines, amongst the ferns and into slightly more open land, giving plenty of camping options. Traffic noise is audible from the busy A337 which runs alongside one boundary. Brockenhurst village is only half a mile away, where there are shops for supplies and gas, etc, plus trains and buses.The site is maintained by a hard working team who, with their cheerful attitude, give this place a very friendly ambience. Dogs are also made welcome by the provision of their own shower (hot water).The site has 600 grass pitches (some seasonal). None have electricity. It is stipulated that there must be at least 20 feet between each unit.
Roundhill Camping in the Forest site is a picturesque setting with expansive open areas, a lake and quiet secluded areas amongst ferns and trees. Its incredible forest surroundings are just waiting to be explored with the paths that cross the site, taking you through impressive heathlands, around a beautiful pond and in between trees. You have plenty of pitches to choose from; whether you go for a quiet spot hugged by majestic pines or for a more open space, you will be spoilt by wonderful views dotted with the famous New Forest ponies that roam freely. The site has 600 grass pitches (some seasonal) without electric hook-up point.
Denny Wood Camping in the Forest site sits in a perfectly secluded spot of the New Forest, England's largest ancient woodland. A haven for nature lovers and a peaceful retreat for stress-ridden holidaymakers. Made up of open grass, pitches under the canopy and tree-lined edges, Denny Wood gives the impression of being cut off from the outside world. Pitches are separated by the natural features of the land, such as ferns, oaks and fallen trees, and are frequented by roaming ponies and donkeys of the New Forest. Denny Wood site provides direct access to many of the waymarked routes amongst the forest. Please note: Dogs are not allowed on this site. The site has 170 grass or hardstanding pitches, some seasonal. The site does not have electric hook-up points or toilet block.
Matley Wood Camping in the Forest site is a seamless mix of forest and smaller open spaces. This secluded site offers a compellingly beautiful woodland experience where you can sit back and relax. Finding the perfect spot could not be easier, with each part of the site offering its own unique bit of character, whether it is surrounded by ferns, carved into the treeline or out in the open, taking in far-reaching views of the forest's glorious trees. The site has 70 grass pitches. This is a limited facility site with no toilets or showers, so your own chemical toilet is essential.
An attractive site, Ashurst is on the fringe of the New Forest, set in a mixture of oak woodland and grass heathland which is open to the grazing animals of the forest. It provides 280 pitches, some of which have been gravelled to provide semi-hardstanding; otherwise you pitch where you like, applying the three-metre rule on ground that can be uneven. Set on the edge of a small area of woodland known as Ashurst Wood, the site is a short walk from Matley Heath, an expanse of New Forest heathland criss-crossed with walking and cycling tracks. Only a five-minute stroll away is the pretty village of Ashurst, where you will find shops, traditional pubs and welcoming restaurants. Local attractions include the Longdown Activity Farm and The New Forest Wildlife Park. There are no electricity connections. Some noise must be expected from the adjacent railway line – the station is a short walk away. No pets allowed.
Ocknell Camping in the Forest site is a beautiful site, brimming with character, free-roaming New Forest ponies, history and charm. Ocknell combines tranquil spots set amongst the trees and ferns with spacious, open pitches, all bounded by the forest's trees. Paths take off in all directions, weaving through the site and in and out of the trees, creating an almost secret garden feel to the site. The site is perfect for children to play and explore, or as a base for taking off into the forest, while the views provided at any one spot are incredible and instantly warm the soul. This is a limited facility site, there are toilets but no showers. The site has 280 grass & hardstanding pitches some of which are seasonal.
Red Shoot is set in the heart of the New Forest, on four acres of level and slightly sloping grass meadows. A simple, rural retreat with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and forest, it is very popular in high season. A cattle grid at the entrance keeps the New Forest animals outside the park. There are 110 good sized pitches, 50 with 10A electricity, served by a gravel access road. There is no site lighting, so a torch would be useful.
Lytton Lawn is the touring arm of Shorefield Country Park, a nearby holiday home park and leisure centre. Set in eight acres, it provides 135 marked pitches with some seasonal available. These include 53 premier pitches (hardstanding, 16A electricity, pitch light, water and waste water outlet) in a grassy, hedged area – this section, with its heated toilet block, is open for a longer season. The rest of the pitches, all with electricity, are in the adjoining, but separate, sloping field, edged with mature trees and hedges and with a further toilet block. The larger reception and well stocked shop make this a good, comfortable, self-sufficient site.
Part of the Shorefield Group, this is a peaceful, family-friendly holiday complex featuring caravan holiday homes set on the edge of the Hurn & Avon Forest in Dorset, ideally located near Bournemouth and with a range of fantastic on-site facilities. There's something for everyone at Oakdene Forest Park. With woodland walks and Dorset's sandy beaches right on your doorstep, you'll be spoilt for choice for things to do. Fantastic accommodation for all budgets, fully equipped gym, live acts & entertainment, Go Active Activities and VRoom. Access to all of their pools, bars and first-class entertainment are at no extra cost when you book your holiday with them. They understand that not everyone wants the same thing from their holiday, which is why their range of accommodation is designed to suit a variety of tastes. With over 80 brand new caravans introduced in 2018, with modern interiors and equipped with everything you could need, it's no wonder their guests come back time and time again.
Shamba is a family run, very modern park although the aim remains to create a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. There are 150 pitches, most used for touring units (45 are on a seasonal basis). Surrounded by trees, the camping area is on flat, open grass with 10/16A electricity available on all pitches. A Scandinavian-style building forms the focal point and here you will find reception, a bar/restaurant, takeaway and a shop. The indoor swimming pool has walls and a roof which can be opened in good weather. The park’s location is excellent for a family holiday on the edge of the New Forest and for visits to the resorts of Bournemouth and Poole.
This mature, well maintained site is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside on the Dorset and Hampshire border. There are 95 touring pitches 20 of which are occupied by seasonal units, 32 on hardstanding with 10/16A electricity hook-ups, water taps and drainage. They are screened by hedges and arranged around a circular gravel roadway. The remaining numbered pitches are on grass in a level, open area with some new planting. The site also offers 2 lodges and a shepherds hut to hire. There is also a rally field, space for ball games and a small playground. There are three small lakes for coarse fishing, and many woodland walks in the area. The site is near to many attractions in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, like Salisbury, Stonehenge, the Jurassic Coast and Christchurch’s Adventure Wonderland. Just off site, it’s a 20-minute walk to the local village of Alderholt to reach a shop, post office and a family- and dog-friendly pub. There are also shops, pubs and restaurants in Fordingbridge three miles further.
This 11-acre rural park is ideal for those seeking a quiet base but one that is within easy reach of all the main tourist attractions of Hampshire and Dorset. There are 120 pitches, of which 50 for seasonal units are located in a separate area. The touring area is a large open field surrounded by trees and hedges. All pitches are well marked, numbered and mainly level. All have 10/16A electricity hook-ups, and are fully serviced with electricity and water and 60 are available with hardstanding. Adding to the attractiveness of the site is a pitch-and-putt golf course set in a sizeable and well landscaped area. This is a dog-friendly park with kennels available.
Located on the northern edge of the New Forest National Park, this site occupies 14 out of a total of 50 acres of beautiful forest owned by the family. It is an uncommercialised hideaway and has two distinctive areas: the ‘adults only’ area, fenced, gated and set around two small lakes, one of which is reserved for coarse fishing; and the ‘family’ area with a playground, views over the meadow, sightings of deer and a generally open aspect. There are 90 pitches in total, with 45 for tents in a separate hilltop meadow with views over the nearby forest and its own fishing lake. The remainder are for touring units with some seasonal pitches and a number of hardstandings. All pitches are level and with 16A electricity.
Victoria, Martin and Family and their team of rangers offer a very warm welcome, and you can see this site is not just a family business but a passion. Back of Beyond is a peaceful 30 acre site located within easy reach of Bournemouth, The South Coast and The New Forest. Consisting of 142 pitches in total 89 with electricity and 20 hardstanding, 45 tent pitches and 9 glamping/yurt/pods. There is an 18 acre wood where dogs can run free, dogs are very welcome and even have their own shower wash. A wildlife lake with Special Scientific Interest status area (SSI) and a pétanque pitch. The shop is licensed, very well stocked with fresh local produce and sells camping/calor gas. Adjoining this is a covered licensed bar, social area and the main reception.
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park is a small family park, set in 80 acres of farmland in the village of Bransgore, just within the New Forest National Park. It has 63 hardstanding pitches for tourers, all with 10A electricity. They are not hedged and have little shade. The on-site coarse fishing lake is free to residents, and has a one mile circular walk. Harrow Wood is an ideal base for camping and caravanning in the New Forest, and a local bus service runs to the local towns of Christchurch, Ringwood and Lymington.
Longfield Caravan Park is located on the Dorset Hampshire border between the neighbouring market towns of Christchurch and Ringwood. We are close to the local Blue Flag sandy beaches of Bournemouth and the New Forest is right on the doorstep. The site is reasonably level and has 20 grass and gravel hard standing pitches suitable for motorhomes, caravans, camper vans or trailer tents. The site has been under the same family ownership for over 40 years and has many regular returning visitors. At peak-times it is advisable to book in advance to ensure a pitch.
Gorse Farm Caravan Park site is set within level fields amongst mature shrubbery and bordered by ancient woodland, all bursting with wildlife. The site is set on a quiet working farm with animals, agricultural vehicles and customer’s cars in the farm area so families with children need to take care around that part of the site. This makes the site unsuitable for children, but it is not an adult only site. Well behaved dogs are also welcome on site. The site has 25 hardstanding or grass pitches all with electric hook-up. They are suitable for caravans and motorhomes, sorry no tents.