If you’re someone who enjoys being surrounded by nature and engaging in outdoor activities, then the New Forest is the best place for you. This famous national park in rural Hampshire is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, ponies, and various bird species, providing a wonderful opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe and connect with the natural world.
The New Forest offers campsites for families with young children, couples needing some time away, and individuals fancying a Great British hike without company but with plenty of contemplation.
All just a two hour or so scenic drive from London, each campsite on our list has its own unique character – there’s a location for everyone! You’ll find amenities designed for families, including kid-friendly play areas. Some amenities provide comfortable living areas, perfect for couples looking for a quiet, cosy getaway.
Harry’s Campsite
Harry’s Campsite provides fantastic Frogham, Hale Park, and Burley venues. Each site offers spacious pitches for your tent and glamping options for those who prefer a bit more comfort. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a relaxation enthusiast, Harry’s Campsite puts you in the heart of the New Forest with plenty to see and do nearby.
With direct access to one of the UK’s most popular national parks, you’ll always be close to beautiful trails, picturesque villages, and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you hike, cycle, or soak up the scenery, Harry’s Campsite ensures a memorable stay.
All their campsites have a range of facilities to help make your stay as pleasant as possible. They have facilities such as clean shower blocks, covered kitchen spaces, seating areas, pizza ovens at the weekend, fire pits for hire, and barista coffee and breakfast pastries in the morning. Each camping site is well-drained and offers plenty of space to park and pitch your tent.
They also have glamping available at Harry’s Field in their Luxury Bell Tents and Standard pre-erected bell tents at their other venues. Dogs are welcome to stay with you, if they’re well-behaved.
Aldridge Hill Campsite
If you like the idea of wild camping but still want to enjoy some of the luxuries in life, then Aldridge Hill Campsite is perfect. The Campsite is surrounded by babbling streams, ancient woodlands and large areas of open heathland, providing an authentic experience of nature at its best. This is an environment where children can run around at will or wander off exploring new things that interest them and where grown-ups may relax and absorb the quietness around them.
If you are tired of cooking over a campfire, you could also walk or ride to the nearby village of Brockenhurst. This place offers stores, pleasant restaurants, and bars where people buy things produced there. The ponies and donkeys, usually friendly, can frequently be seen moving around freely in this rural area.
Holmsley Campsite
Holmsley Campsite is an area that used to be an airfield during WWII. It uniquely combines history with the natural environment. On each side, you would find old trees and large stretches of heath. For people who love nature, it represents the right spot. While resting at your Campsite, you can see ponies feeding or other wild animals.
Holmsley is located near the coast, making it ideal for those looking forward to having regular strolls in the forest and relaxing on the beach. It’s a quick drive from sandy shores and other seaside thrills in Christchurch and Bournemouth. Facilities provided on the site include areas with electricity connections, without electrical power available, and places specifically set apart for camping on grassland.
Long Meadow
Situated in the middle of New Forest National Park, campsite Long Meadow provides access to off-road walking and cycling networks. It offers several stores and pubs where people can drink and eat what they like most.
Long Meadow is easily reached via the A337. It can accommodate tents, campervans, and even large motorhomes whose owners can park on the grass or other dedicated spaces. If you’re travelling with children, the campsite has plenty of areas for them to play.
Long Beech Campsite
Long Beech Campsite is heaven for those who wish to switch off and escape everything. This beautiful natural site has no toilets or showers, ideal for those who prefer the wilderness.
Since the Campsite is in an isolated area, you can relish in the beauty of stillness, occasionally punctuated by rustling leaves and animal sounds. There are plenty of walking tracks through the woods for everyone, from casual amblers to lifelong hikers.
The Bottom Line
The New Forest offers an idyllic retreat for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquillity. With its diverse range of campsites catering to families, couples, and solo adventurers, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy.
The wildlife and beautiful scenery of the New Forest make a fantastic setting for camping, guaranteeing a memorable experience with nature. Embrace the peace, take a breath, and make lifelong memories.