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New Forest Camping: The Top 5 Campsites
Experience a taste of tranquillity on your next camping escapade in the New Forest. Home to breathtaking views, idyllic woodland, vast moors, ancient cliffs and ample walking trails, the New Forest camping sites are perfect for pitching up your tent and getting back to nature.
You won’t be stuck for choice when camping in the New Forest, as it is home to over 50 well-maintained campsites. Alas, this means you can’t camp in the New Forest for free, or just pitch up a tent, as wild camping in the New Forest is illegal. However, the advantage of this is that you can enjoy a superior camping experience in a preserved environment with lots of amenities.
Ready to pitch up? We’ve handpicked five of the best New Forest campsites for you to visit. And don’t forget, everything you will need for your next camping adventure can be found on our Camping Essentials Checklist.
Red Shoot Camping Park
Linwood, Ringwood BH24 3QT
Ideal for: Family Holidays
If you’re planning a family camping trip or campervan staycation this year, look no further than Red Shoot Camping Park. The immaculate campsite has a wide range of facilities and activities for both adults and children to enjoy.
From a bustling on-site play area to a shop and bakery, this New Forest campsite has all the amenities you need, and more, if you run out of supplies.
All that pitching got you thirsty? This camping park is situated behind the Red Shoot Inn, a traditional pub ideal for a relaxing lunch or well-deserved pint after a hike.
Nearby attractions
With direct access to a spectacular forest, home to a rare wealth of bird, animal and plant life, this New Forest campsite is perfect for a nature-inspired stroll. Or if you’re looking for activities, there are nearby museums, cinemas, cycle routes, water parks and golf clubs, to name but a few.
There are also a number of beautiful beaches just a short drive away from Red Shoot Camping Park in Bournemouth, Highcliffe, Barton-on-Sea, Milford-on-Sea, Hengistbury Head, Sandbanks and Studland.
Facilities and amenities
 Parking |
 Pets allowed |
 Power hookup |
 Showers |
 Onsite shop |
 Disabled access |
 Laundry facilities |
Harry’s Field
Abbots Well Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 2JA
Ideal for: Quiet couple getaway
The perils of an uneven pitch are no concern at Harry’s Field, a quiet rural spot with legend status in the New Forest.
Large groups are deterred from staying on this quiet, cosy campsite, ideal for couples, friends or families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Immerse yourself in this quintessential countryside site surrounded by exquisite walking and cycling trails.
Nearby attractions
Just a few steps from the idyllic bike-friendly campsite are miles’ worth of uninterrupted walking and cycling trails. The surrounding acres of countryside see open stretches of fields, epic woodlands and wonderful hidden streams perfect for amblers.
Visit the stream at Ogdens and unwind on the serpentine banks or sightsee the local wildlife and spot the New Forest ponies, foals, donkeys and cows. If it’s a trip to the coast you’re after, then Harry’s field is situated only 15 miles from Hengistbury Head seaside.
Don’t pack too much food, as this campsite benefits from a neighbouring pub called The Foresters which serves local ales and delicious food.
Facilities and amenities
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Disabled access |
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Pets allowed |
Parking |
Showers |
Onsite Farm shop |
 Firepits to Hire |
The Old Airfield
Dragon's Tooth Estate, Ballachulish, Highlands, PH49 4JX
Ideal for: Outdoorsy Types
This former RAF base is not only of historical significance but it also provides the ideal spot for camping. Perfect for pitching, this New Forest campsite is open, levelled and well-drained and regularly harbours glorious views of the sunrise and sunset.
Situated at the heart of the New Forest, and only a few miles from the time-honoured village of Burley, the vast stretch of scenery is mainly comprised of beech and oaks. You’ll also be sharing the land with New Forest’s furry friends as ponies and their foals will be grazing nearby.
Nearby attractions
The Old Airfield is fitting for any outdoor enthusiasts. Its close proximity to the coast was why it was crowned a prime RAF base. Now, it’s a hotspot for adrenaline junkies looking to participate in watersports, cycle on nearby trails and experience breathtaking nature walks.
Avid cyclers can benefit from being located directly next to route 2 of the National Cycle Network where you can ride safely along the car-free trails in the Holmsley area or towards the south, you can cycle near the serene lanes near the coast.
Facilities and amenities
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Pets allowed |
Power hookup |
Disabled access |
Showers |
Firepits |
Long Meadow Campsite
New Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QH
Ideal for: Day-trippers
This easy to access campsite is perfect for campers looking for a break on the South Coast. Whether you’re looking to go back to basics and pitch up a tent, or if you’re looking for an upgraded glamping experience in a campervan or motorhome, don’t fret, as all are permitted at the Long Meadow Campsite.
Renowned as a home away from home, Long Meadow Campsite provides an open space with clean, contemporary facilities. The campsite is a safe place for children to play, adults to unwind and families and friends to enjoy an abundance of nearby activities and outings.
Nearby attractions
The nearest village to the campsite is Brockenhurst, the biggest village in the New Forest area and situated a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk away. Campers can explore and visit the village’s shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
If you’re staying at the Long Meadow Campsite for a longer period, you can also take a day trip and visit closeby cities and coastal towns as the village train station has direct trains to Bournemouth, Poole, Winchester, Southampton and London.
You won’t be stuck for something to do, as this New Forest campsite is ideal for daytrippers. Sightsee the local farm animals at Longdown Activity Farm or have fun with the family at Peppa Pig World which are both within reach.
Motorheads can also sightsee an array of impressive vehicles at Beaulieu Motor Museum which is a 16-minute drive away.
Facilities and amenities
| Parking |
Power hookup |
Pets allowed |
Showers |
 WiFi access |
Laundry facilities |
Lepe Beach Campsite
Lepe Rd, Southampton SO45 1AD
Ideal for: Beachside camping
You don’t need to compromise on your camping or beach holiday because at Lepe Beach Campsite you can experience the best of both worlds. Breathe in the sea air just yards from Lepe Beach or stroll through the New Forest and take in the impressive sights.
As campervans and caravans are not permitted, this family-friendly campsite is best for groups who want an authentic camping experience. If you don’t want the hassle of pitching, this campsite also offers pre-furnished tents for hire which include camp beds, camping chairs and plenty of cooking utensils.
Nearby attractions
Parents don’t need to travel far to enjoy some quality time with the kids, as Lepe Beach Campsite shares its grounds with Lepe Country Park which accommodates a picnic area, climbing frame and swings for little ones to play. Down on the waterfront, the site also has a beach café and a shop for supplies.
Views don’t come much better than the ones from this site, as campers can enjoy the seascape of the Solent and Isle of Wight. You might also come across an array of wildlife and natural habitats, including a range of species of birds, fish, aquatic creatures as well as beautiful wildflowers.
If you do want to venture out and explore some nearby attractions, you can visit Calshot Activity Centre and take part in indoor & outdoor activities for the family. If you have a group of adrenaline junkies then you can also visit Paultons Theme Park which is just a 26-minute drive away.
Facilities and amenities
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Parking |
Showers |
Firepit Hire |
The ultimate camping experience in The New Forest ...
The New Forest offers some of the most spectacular views and camping experiences for outdoor adventurers. Hopefully, this guide has given you some inspiration and helped you decide where to set up your base.
Be prepared for your camping trips any time of the year with the right equipment. At Sea to Summit, we specialise in lightweight tents, sleeping bags and a wide range of camp kitchen essentials designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Browse the full collection and update your camping kit ahead of your next adventure.
Don’t forget to tag #seatosummituk in your social media posts when you’re exploring New Forest so we can share your experience and see how your camping trip went.
