This may sound strange
but the great thing about Inwood Camping is that the second you pitch your tent,
you regret it. The problem is, the grass here is always
greener. Pitch in the ‘big field’ and you start to stare with envy at those snuggled
beneath the deciduous trees. Pitch beneath the trees, though, and you later
find another, smaller meadow that seems to beckon you over, or you discover the
lanky, dark green pines that tower over yet more perfect patches. So before you down tools and pop up the tent, wander amongst the trees to get a feel for the entire space. The moral of it all will quickly spread into every part of your holiday: take your time, don't rush, for Inwood is a campsite made for exploration.
Set within a large copse that once
joined the rest of Hampshire in swathes of endless forest, Inwood camping has pitches
of all variety. Large groups can stick to the meadow spaces, the biggest of
which offers excellent far reaching views over the North Wessex Downs, while those
seeking a little more peace can find a quiet wooded glade and call the place
their own. Scattered throughout there are water taps and long-drop toilets –
far more sanitary then the portable-potty variety.
One of the best features, though, are the gas powered showers, similarly dotted at various
points around the site. Rustic, unique and fully encompassing the wilderness
feel of the site, they're wonderfully hot and powerful, as well as
conveniently placed.
Back by the reception area, there are more commonplace facilities:
Flushing loos, showers and washing up sinks accompany a handy little shop selling essentials. Here you can also hire a grill, a vital bit of kit when you
discover that cooking over a campfire is encouraged more than gambling in
Las Vegas. It’s easy to see why. The whole ethos of the place is based around
providing that proper camping experience. Pitch where you want, play where you
want, light campfires, build dens, watch the stars, spot the wildlife… the two main rules at Inwood seem to be ‘respect the forest’ and ‘enjoy yourself’ – rules we
are more than happy to live by.
From the far end of
the site there is an excellent 40-minute ramble into Dummer, a small village
with an excellent pub. You could also take the car into the heart of the Wessex Downs to join the scenic trails and cycle routes there. There's off-site optons aplenty but for many, plans to go elsewhere are all
but usurped by kids captivated by the woods and with no intentions of leaving.
With more space at Inwood than you could ever need, the site seems full of life whilst never even approaching overcrowded. Once you settle in, the days just seem to drift away. Just don’t get jealous of other campers. You picked your spot. Now
stick with it.