The New Forest is an amazing place to visit in summer with the family. Not only do I love the peace and quiet the New Forest offers, you can also hit the beach or discover the quaint little villages. Camping in the New Forest aslo means you can the deer, the cows and the horses roaming free in The Forest during long and beautiful walks.
If you want more information on The New Forest, you can head over to my article about the best Airbnbs in The New Forest, my blog about the best hotels in The New Forest. I have also written a blog about the Best dog friendly hotels and cottages in The New Forest.
Table of Contents
New Forest camping overview:
- Best Amenities – Hollands Wood Campsite
- Best hiking trails nearby – Ashurst Campsite
- Best beach nearby – Lepe Beach Campsite New Forest
- Best for Caravans and Campervans – Setthorns Campsite
- Best for Glamping – Rushcroft Farm
Hollands Wood Campsite, Brockenhurst New Forest
Not too far from Brockenhurst lies Hollands Wood Campsite New Forest. Brockenhurst is often seen as the heart of the New Forest with many tourists getting on and off the train at Brockenhurst station.
Choosing to stay at Hollands Wood Campsite New Forest is thus an easy choice when you decide to make a trip to the New Forest by train. Hollands Wood Campsite lies just 1 mile from the station. The little Brockenhurst village is easily accessible. This is quite handy when you want to stock up on bread, spreads, drinks and other necessities while camping. Great New Forest Campsites can be found all over this area.
Though Hollands Wood Campsite lies close to Brockenhurst, this New Forest campsite is rather peaceful. The large oak trees and peaceful environment allow you to disconnect from your stressful life.
You are surrounded by the serenity of the heather, the ancient trees and the free roaming New Forest ponies. These ponies might come and say hi to you on the camping grounds.
Hollands Wood Campsite has toilets and showers for the campers. Tis is one of those caravan sites that boast grass pitches and have extra large pitches available. You are more than welcome to park your caravan, motorhome and even your trailer tent on the grounds. This family campsite offers a chemical disposal point and battery recharging. You can even do your laundry and your dishes at Hollands Wood Campsite! Pets are more than welcome too! A great place to consider for dog-friendly camping in the new forest.
Prices start at £18.50 per night for 2 adults.
New Forest Campsite Location: Hollands Wood Campsite, New Forest, Lyndhurst Road, Hampshire
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents.
Facilities: toilets, showers, drinking water taps, washbasins, CDP, dish washing, laundry, battery charging.
Accessible facilities: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Ashurst Campsite, New Forest Camping
If you want to combine a city trip to Southampton with a nice and tranquil stay in The New Forest, check out Ashurst Campsite. This family friendly campsite offers the pinacle of New Forest Camping.
You can easily get to Ashurst by car or by train from Southampton as the Ashurst train station is only a 5 minute walk away from the camping site.
Ashurst Campsite New Forest offers 280 camping pitches. You have the choice between open fields and secluded spots for your tent or camper. You can choose between hardstanding and grass pitches depending on your needs and preferences.
At Ashurst campsites you can get close to the free-roaming Ponies. You won’t be able to bring your dog as there are a lot of groundnesting birds near Ashurst Campsite.
Ashurst Campsite has toilet facilities and showers for the campers. This New Forest campsite also boasts both hardstanding and grass pitches. You can camp at Ashurst campsite with your tent, caravan, motor home, trailer tents and they have extra large pitches available. This is one of the few New Forest camping sites where you can park your trailer tents.
They have a chemical disposal point available and you can charge your batteries at Ashurst camping grounds. They also have facilities for you to wash your dishes and do your laundry.
From 18.15 for 2 adults
New Forest Campsite Location: Ashurst Campsite, New Forest, Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents.
Facilities: toilets, showers, drinking water taps, washbasins, CDP, dish washing, laundry, battery charging.
Accessible facilities: Yes
Dog-Friendly: No
Denny Wood New Forest Campsite
If you are looking for a campsite to hide away in tranquillity for a few days with your family, the Denny Wood Campsite is the ideal spot. The Denny Wood Campsite is situated between Beaulieu and Lyndhurst but far away from the hustle and bustle a village might bring.
You definitely need a car when camping at Denny Wood Campsite as both Beaulieu and Lyndhurst are quite far away. It is 2.6 miles to Lyndhurst and a 7 minute drive from Beaulieu. It is one of the most secluded New Forest Camping Sites.
Denny Wood is a perfect campsite when you want to be cut off from the world. Denny Wood Campsite New Forest allows you to spend the holiday soaking up the sun under the trees or walking through the New Forest. Here you can meet deer and ponies roaming through the heather. Wild camping is forbidden in the New Forest, but Denny Wood is as close as you can get on your family holiday.
There are NO toilets and NO showers at Denny Wood Campsite so keep this in mind when booking your New Forest camping holiday. This will also mean a chemical toilet is required when booking a pitch on this campsite. Denny Wood Campsite has grass pitches and welcomes tents, motorhomes and touring caravans. They also have extra large pitches when needed. They also have a chemical disposal point but do not offer facilities for dishwashing or laundry. There are no pets allowed at Denny Wood Campsite. Denny Wood Campsite offers direct access to the new forest and numerous walking routes.
Prices start at £10.85 per night for 2 adults, making it one of the cheapest New Forest Campsites.
New Forest Campsite Location: Denny Wood Campsite, New Forest, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans.
Facilities: drinking water taps, CDP
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: No
Holmsley Campsite, Holmsley, New Forest
The Holmsley Campsite is situated on what used to be the Holmsley Airfield during World War 2. It is one of the 12 airfields that were situated in the New Forest during the second World War.
The Holmsley Campsite is a beautiful and open New Forest camping spot where you can pitch your tent or put your touring caravan between the trees. Holmsley campsite is also not too far away from Burley which is one of the most beautiful little villages in The New Forest. Burley is known for its New Forest Cider and history of witchcraft.
From the Holmsley Campsite you have direct access to the New Forest by foot or by bike. Holmsley Campstie New Forest has a little shop on site. In this shop you can buy groceries, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and camping equipment.
If you are visiting by car you can easily visit the beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth from the Holmsley Campsite. You can also easily head to Paultons Park or take in your natural suroundings. It’s all about the simple pleasures when camping in the New Forest. It is one of the best New Forest Camping sites for those wanting to combine village with beach and easy access to Bournemouth and Paultons Park.
The Holmsley Campsite has toilets and showers. This peaceful campsite also has hard pitches with and without electricity. The grass pitches also come with and without electricity. Holmsley Campsite allows you to camp with tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents on the perfect pitch. They have extra large pitches in case needed.
Holmsley campsite New Forest also has a chemical disposal point. The campsite offers laundry facilities and somewhere to charge your battery. This family-friendly camping sells gas cylinders. The campsite is accessible for people with restricted mobility. There also is a playground for the kids. As mentioned before Holmsley Campsite also boasts a grocery store where you can buy food, drinks and camping equipment.
From £16.95 per night for 2 adults.
New Forest Campsite Location: Holmsley Campsite, New Forest, Forest Road, Christchurch
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, drinking water taps, washbasins, CDP, Dish washing, Laundry, Battery charging, Play area, shop, gas cylinders.
Accessible facilities: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Lepe Beach Campsite, Lepe New Forest campsite
Are you looking to combine beach and forest on your next New Forest camping trip? Have a look at the Lepe Beach campsite in Lepe, New Forest. It is one of the only new forest camp sites on the beach.
Lepe Beach, a lesser known part of The New Forest has beautiful beach access and great views on the Isle of Wight. This very quiet stretch of coast and sandy beach is perfect for long beach walks or sunbathing. The kids will love chasing away the little crabs in the sand or catching fish on the shore.
Lepe beach campsite is also a stone’s throw away from a marshy nature reserve. When going more inland you can enjoy beautiful cottages and heather covered hills. Here you can enjoy woodland camping next to the beach.
Lepe Beach campsire is a traditional campsite. Campervans and mobile caravans are not allowed on the grounds. The pitches on Lepe Beach Campsite are grass pitches. There are extra-large pitches available end pitches are kept as flat as possible for the comfort of the camper. There are showers and toilets on site and there is a playground for the little ones.
Down by the waterfront you will find Lepe Beach Café and Shop where you will be able to buy a good cuppa and some cupcakes when doing some basic groceries.
You can hire a firepit and firewood if you want to build a campfire on the campsite. There are pre-erected tents available for hire. These tents include camp beds, camping chairs, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, small chopping board, cooking table, washing up bowl, a cooking stove. One of the great New Forest Camp Sites that cater for the whole family.
No caravans, campervans, motorhomes, twin axle vehicles, large single-sex groups and dogs allowed.
Want to find other great camping spots by the beach? Read my post on the best campsites in Bournemouth!
New Forest Campsite Location: Lepe Beach Campsite, Lepe Road, Exbury, Southampton
Caters to: tents
Facilities: Toilets, showers, washing up area, fire pit hire.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: No
Roundhill Campsite, Brockenhurst New Forest Campsite
Another great New Forest campsite in Brockenhurst is the Roundhill Campsite. At Roundhill Campsite you can pitch your tent in the shade of the beautiful trees on the property and wake up to the sight of horses and even cows. Rounhill campsite offers fuss-free woodland camping.
As mentioned before: Brockenhurst is the heart of the New Forest and probably one of my favourite villages in the region. Where Hollands Woods campsite was close to the little village, Roundhill Campsite lies in the middle of the forest.
This means that Roundhill Campsite is the perfect place to wind down and to break away from everyday life and spend some days in nature. If you are into nature and want to go New Forest Camping in the midst of horses and deer – this caravanning site is for you!
Roundhill Campsite lies by Round Pond and although you cannot swim in the cold water, it is very nice to have some water in the area. There are multiple walking trails you can take from Roundhill Campsite. This makes Roundhill campsite a perfect campsite for hikers or people wanting to bike and walk through acres of forest.
Roundhill Campsite permits tents, caravans and campervans. It’s a great campsite to bring your kids. This New Forest campsite offers family friendly camping. You also don’t have to leave your family pet behind as dogs are allowed on the camping grounds.
There are facilities for disabled people and Roundhill Campsite is known for its amazing and breath-taking views. One of the best New Forest Campsites when looking for peace and quiet.
There are more than 600 pitches to choose from. You will have access to hot showers and toilets on the grounds and there is a chemical disposal point. At the front desk you can buy bread and milk and prices per pitch per night for 2 adults start at £16.95 during low season. One of the more expensive New Forest Camp Sites, but more than worth it.
New Forest Campsite Location: Roundhill Campsite, New Forest, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents.
Facilities: Drinking Water Taps, CDP.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: No
Aldridge Hill Campsite, Brockenhurst New Forest Camping
Aldridge Hill Campsite New Forest is yet another great campsite in the middle of The New Forest. This New Forest Campsite is located close to Brockenhurst in one of the most beautiful parts of the New Forest. Aldridge Hill Camping New Forest is known for its many great streams and little rivers running through and close to the camping spot. These are great for kids to catch little tadpoles or play in the water.
Aldridge Hill Camping is a unique getaway with amazing and stunning New Forest Views. Walk through the trees and acres of forest onto one of the many walking paths starting at the campsite into the blooming heather on the Forest.
There are no toilets or showers at Aldridge Hill Campsite New Forest. This means chemical toilets are required when camping on Aldridge Hill Campsite. There are 170 grass pitches and dogs are more than welcome to camp with you and discover the New Forest.
You are welcome to camp with a tent, a touring caravan and a motorhome. There is a chemical disposal point. One of the best New Forest Campsites if you want to experience down to earth camping.
This campsite is close to the New Forest Show which means you can easily walk from the campsite to the New Forest Show when it is on.
Prices start at £10.95 per night for two adults.
New Forest Campsite Location: Aldridge Hill Campsite, New Forest, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans.
Facilities: Drinking Water Taps, CDP.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: No
Setthorns Campsite New Forest camping
I know we have already covered a lot of New Forest campsites in and around Brockenhurst, but I cannot stress how amazing this cute little village is. It is the beating heart of The New Forest and easily the best base to visit the rest of the National Park. Setthorns Campsite offers woodland camping for the whole family.
Setthorns Campsite New Forest is set against the background of rolling hills and beautiful ancient trees. Ponies graze on the grass pitches. Setthorns camping new forest is secluded and private to give you that real back-to-nature feel. It is the perfect opportunity for you to unwind in a beautiful setting. Setthorns campsite new forest is known as a great, secluded campsite.
Setthorns boasts 235 soft and well-kept grass pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and trailer tents. Do make sure to book your trailer tent pitch well in advance. It is one of the only New Forest campsites offering a trailer tent pitch. You can book standard, premium and select pitches. Beware that there are no toilets or shower facilities and that this means you are required to bring a chemical toilet with you.
As Setthorns Campsite New Forest is focussed on tranquillity and wants to take the camper back-to-nature there is also no electricity available. Be sure to take enough or back-up batteries with you when you camp at Setthorns Campsite.
Dogs are more than welcome to join their owners on an unforgettable camping trip!
Prices start at £13.10 per night for 2 people.
New Forest Campsite Location: Setthorns Campsite, New Forest, New Milton, Hampshire
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents.
Facilities: Drinking Water Taps, CDP.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Sway New Forest
Are you looking for the perfect mix between hotel and caravan park? Then Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping Park New Forest might be the place to book for your next Holiday in The New Forest!
Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping park boasts three modern self-catering cottages. It also has beautiful hard ground and soft grass pitches for holiday makers to enjoy in a beautiful farm setting. There is also a gypsy caravan in one of the most secluded corners of the farm and a cosy Shepherds Hut that boasts amazing views over the farm. This makes Rushcroft Farm one of the best glamping sites in the New forest for luxury glamping. This is one of the best Sway New Forest campsites. This New Forest holiday park is a great New Forest Escapes for those with kids.
These cottages, the caravan and the hut are perfect for friends or family travelling with you that might not be comfortable staying in a tent or mobile home. It is also perfect for those that want to treat themselves to a bit of farmhouse luxury while staying at The New Forest.
The New Forest Campsite is open from May 23rd until September 4th and are located separate from the cottages and the glamping sites. The pitches are peaceful and there is a big emphasis on natural and farm camping. When camping out at the Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping Park you can make friends with the fox and badger often visiting the farm grounds. There are also wild deer grazing in the meadows. You can even spot some buzzards, owls and hawks when you are lucky. This makes for a cool camping experience! Please do keep away from the forest wildlife as horses can kick. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery without coming to close to horses, donkeys and cows.
Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping park is very popular with holidaymakers who are looking to do some horseback riding on their holiday to The New Forest. There is accommodation for up to sex horses in beautiful green pastures with automatic water and grass provided. You can also take a ride in the outside manage with an assortment of jumping equipment free for you to use.
As Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping park puts an emphasis on that peaceful English farm atmosphere there are no groups of more than 2 people (and 2 kids) allowed. In addition, everybody is asked to be quiet by 10:30 PM. This means that Rushcroft farm offers Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping.
There is electricity provided at the pitches. Unbreathable ground sheets are prohibited on the camping grounds as they suffocate the grass. There are clean toilet and shower facilities provided. When you are bringing a chemical toilet you can empty it at the provided Chemical Disposal Point. Rushcroft Farm Caravan and Camping Park also has dishwashing facilities and there is a fridge for guests to use.
You can bring your tent, your mobile home and mobile caravan. Dogs are allowed on the property with a maximum of 2 dogs per pitch. It is one of the few real dog-friendly campsites in the new Forest. Book a spot at this New Forest Holiday park today!
New Forest Campsite Location: Station Approach, Sway, Lymington
Caters to: tents, motor homes, touring caravans, trailer tents.
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Drinking Water Taps, CDP, paddock for horses, electricity, Glamping, Holiday cottages.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: Yes
YHA New Forest, Burley New Forest Camping
YHA New Forest is a recently renovated and refurbished Youth Hostel. This New Forest Camping provides rooms and camping to travellers enjoying The New Forest. This New Forest holiday park is located just outside of Burley.
The hostel has 34 beds available in dorm rooms and private rooms but there are also camping pitches, pods and bell tents available.
YHA New Forest has three camping pods available where guests can stay all year round. These heated pods are a perfect alternative when travelling with people who might be very comfortable sleeping in a tent. There is one double bed pod and two 2 single bed pods available.
You can also choose to stay in belltents and landpods. The belltents are part of the YHA glamping experience and the landpods were fully upgraded in 2019. This is one of the New Forest’s best glaming sites and offers peaceful glamping.
These landpods are offer a very comfortable experience and you can even open up the roof for an amazing view of the night stars. There is a BBQ firepit provided outside for a great and amazing al fresco experience.
There is also a YHA camping ground. Prices are per person rather than per pitch. There are showers and toilet facilities available and only tents are allowed on the grass pitches on the camping ground. There is free wifi available at reception and you can eat and have breakfast at the main building.
You might not be staying in natural surroundings so much, there are some natural features to enjoy in the large garden. This great New Forest camping spot is great because it has excellent facilities and a newly renovated facility block. YHA also offers bike hire and you will be located on a beautiful forest road near Burley. Here you have access to cycling paths, and the Burley village is in walking distance. Here you won’t only have stunning views over the forest, you can also see some amazing wildlife. Burley has its own Deer Safari where you can meet this amazing wildlife up close.
Pets are welcome in the camping grounds and cabin accommodation but there is a £5 surcharge if you are staying in the bell tents or in a camping pod. This is one of the best New Forest Campsites that also offers glamping. One of the best New Forest escapes for those wanting a tad of luxury!
New Forest Campsite Location: Cott Lane, Burley, Ringwood
Caters to: tents, glamping.
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Drinking Water Taps, glamping.
Accessible facilities: No
Dog-Friendly: Yes
How many New Forest Campsites are there?
There are quite a few campsites in the New Forest. You can either stay on a campsite in the New Forest or one on the edge. The ones in the forest are either managed by Camping in the Forest or by the forestry commision.
How can I find a New Forest Campsite?
You can find a New Forest campsite in this list!
What is the average cost of a New Forest Campsite?
The average New Forest Campsite will cost about 20 GBP per night depending on whether you are camping with a tent or a campervan and the facilities at the campsite.
What is the New Forest Hampshire?
The New Forest is a National Park in southern England that covers approximately 220 square miles. It is characterized by its diverse landscape of heathland, forest, and wetlands. The New Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, ponies, and pigs.
Where is the New Forest Hampshire located?
The New Forest is located in southern Hampshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 220 square miles and is bounded by the towns of Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Lymington.
What is the history of the New Forest Hampshire?
The New Forest has a long history dating back to the time of the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror granted it to his followers. In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded that the New Forest covered an area of approximately 18,000 acres (73 km2).
What are the best things to do in The New Forest Hampshire
There are many things to do in The New Forest Hampshire. Here are some of the best things to do:
1. Take a walk through the forest. There are many walking trails available and it is a great way to see the natural beauty of the area.
2. Visit one of the many museums in the area. There are several museums dedicated to the history and culture of The New Forest Hampshire.
3. Go on a nature hike. There are many different hiking trails available and it is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery.
4. Visit one of the many historic sites in the area. There are several different historic sites to visit including castles, churches, and homes.
5. Go fishing. There are many different lakes and streams in the area and it is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!
Thanks for the info. We usually go to Bridport but we have been looking into the New Forest recently.
The New Forest is beautiful! Maybe try it out for a weekend?
I love going to the New Forest! Perfect for little kids!
Is Muddycreek Farm any good?
Hi Rachelle! I have no idea to be honest. I am sorry.