Best Woodland Camping in Mendip Hills AONB

In the Mendip Hills AONB, forest camping means waking up to birdsong and a thick canopy overhead. With over 730 forest sites, you’ll find hidden clearings and ancient woodlands perfect for pitching your tent. Spots like Abbey Home Farm (100 reviews), Primrose Fields Campsite (75 reviews), and Brig's Farm (66 reviews) are local favourites, each with its own character and plenty of regulars. Most sites here welcome pets, offer showers, and let you light a campfire under the trees. Swimming spots, trails for horseback riding, and fishing lakes are close by. Expect to pay around £100 a night, but you’ll find options as low as £9 if you don’t mind keeping things simple. Pack for muddy boots and long walks—you’ll want both.

97% (847)

Top-rated campgrounds

In the Mendip Hills AONB, forest camping means waking up to birdsong and a thick canopy overhead. With over 730 forest sites, you’ll find hidden clearings and ancient woodlands perfect for pitching your tent. Spots like Abbey Home Farm (100 reviews), Primrose Fields Campsite (75 reviews), and Brig's Farm (66 reviews) are local favourites, each with its own character and plenty of regulars. Most sites here welcome pets, offer showers, and let you light a campfire under the trees. Swimming spots, trails for horseback riding, and fishing lakes are close by. Expect to pay around £100 a night, but you’ll find options as low as £9 if you don’t mind keeping things simple. Pack for muddy boots and long walks—you’ll want both.

97% (847)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%

(204)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow

2. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

2 units · Glamping · Crickhowell, Wales

A secluded, riverside bell tent in the heart of The Black Mountains

3. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%

(47)

9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England

Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds

4. Liba Vineyard

3 units · Glamping · England

Liba Vineyard is a biodynamic vineyard and luxury woodland glamping site on the edge of Salisbury, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge. Our vineyard, hand planted in Spring 2024, has nearly 4,000 vines of four different varieties. We manage our vines in line with organic and biodynamic principles, working hand-in-hand with nature and avoiding the use of any herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers. We hope to take our first (small) harvest in 2026, by which time we will be fully certified (organic and biodynamic) and will be able to make our wine on-site. Our glamping pods, brand new for Autumn 2025 seek to give guests an eco-luxurious stay in an area of native woodland bordering the vineyard. These pods are perfect as a base for exploring Salisbury, nearby historic sites such as Stonehenge and Old Sarum, or the beautiful countryside of the New Forest National Park, Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, North Wessex Downs or the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty slightly further afield.

5. Aldridge Mill

95%

(22)

5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.

6. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

7. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%

(44)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand

8. Kingsmead Camping

99%

(96)

36 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cullompton, England

A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes

9. Croft Cottage Camping

98%

(80)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small-time camping with a family-friendly buzz, a walk away from the beautiful New Forest

10. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

99%

(85)

4 units · Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England

Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail

11. Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

12. Walnut Farm Glamping

97%

(39)

8 units · Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.

13. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

14. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

15. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast

16. South Allenford Farm

88%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

A farmer’s field for self-sufficient campers in Cranborne Chase

17. Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

18. Forest Edge

100%

(24)

44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon

19. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

20. Jubilee Camping

96%

(98)

51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park

Camper favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast

South Allenford Farm

88%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

A farmer’s field for self-sufficient campers in Cranborne Chase

Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

Forest Edge

100%

(24)

44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon

Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

Jubilee Camping

96%

(98)

51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park

Stories from the community

F

Finty

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Aldridge Mill

We loved our stay at Aldridge Mill! It was so peaceful and lots of lovely walking spots near by :) It was so refreshing having space for ourselves and our dogs - We arrived at the end of September so was very quiet and spacious.

A

Alec

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Wonderful spot! Incredibly friendly and welcoming staff. Warm showers were an unexpected bonus!

A

Ashik

September 2025

2 nights at Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

Thanks Mark for the lovely stay! The area is secluded and picturesque, which really gave us the feeling of living a nomadic life with just the basic amenities. A few tips for future visitors: Bring a hanging light or headlamp, as it gets very dark and there’s no lighting provided. There’s a gas stove and cooking area, but you’ll need to bring your own utensils. Pack warm duvets and thick jackets if you’re visiting in autumn, as nights can get very cold. 🚗 Important: Do not drive your car down to the tent. Park just after entering the gate and walk down instead. I missed the host’s message about this, got stuck trying to drive back up, and had to be rescued by a farmer with his tractor (thankfully the host responded quickly and was super helpful!). Despite that little adventure, I absolutely loved the stay and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique experience without the hassle of putting up a tent yourself.

F

Fiona

September 2025

8 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

Lovely spacious site. Loos and showers immaculately clean. Christina was super helpful recommending bike rides and lending us an an OS map. The real clincher though was the easy access to the neighbouring woodland/forest for dog walking.

J

Julian

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.

This was a super last-minute booking, despite knowing that it was going to be pretty wet all weekend. Despite the rain, this was a magical place and my son and I had a special time together. The rain maybe made it even more special. Anna is lovely and very helpful and their dog spent quite a lot of time with us because he realised we would continue to throw a stick for it until we went to sleep. Which was bliss!

a

andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

A very spacious campsite with well-maintained composting facilities. The scenic drive down to the site is beautiful, and the clear night skies make it perfect for stargazing. Martins and owls were active both day and night, adding to the atmosphere. On some alternate nights, music played nearby from around 10 pm to 4 am. While noticeable, it was at a consistent and tolerable volume, and importantly, it wasn’t accompanied by disruptive behaviour.

K

Kelly

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

I love camping on Christina's land. Some may think it's very basic with portaloo's ( always smell nice and are always clean) and porta- showers ( which are lovely and hot and clean) but for us it's perfect especially for the kids and dog- not a phone in sight. We have camped there three times and will definitely be returning. Christina can not do enough for you, and always greeted with a smile.

S

Sean

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Brig's Farm

Quiet, lovely place. Very off grid. Nice toilets and showers. Good recycling and bins. Great location.

J

Joana

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Walnut Farm Glamping

Amazing stay with beautiful views. The tent is equipped with everything you need and beds are comfortable. The environment is very calm and pizza night really is a success, not only the pizza's are very nice but you get to know the other people staying - amazing if you have kids as they start playing together. We had an amazing time and would definitely return and recommend the stay.

Carree

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Snelling Farm Campsite

Fantastic campsite, heavenly amount of space, great atmosphere and brilliant facilities 😊👍

B

Billy

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

A very warm and friendly welcome. A lot of space to find a pitch, easy access to water, clean toilets and very clean showering facilities. Zero complaints and we will 100% return again.

D

Dan

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Primrose Fields Campsite

The campsite is spacious and in a good location. Showers are great, toilets are a bit basic (portaloos) but cleaned regularly so wasn't really an issue. A nice peaceful weekend thanks!

C

Chey

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Primrose Fields Campsite

I camped in my camper van, so to be honest, I didn't require the use of the many facilities available. However, top marks for site tidiness, and the arrival too, a friendly and warm greeting. It was great to see night time fires like some medieval encampment, the off the ground fire pits (available for hire) along with kindling and wood were very much in use. But along with the fires , health and safety was also provided for, buckets of water and ash bins specifically for safety. I mention this as the summer has turned all grass land into savannahs. The publicly accessible forestry commission land was wonderful for walking my dog at all times of the day. I will be returning. Its a wonderful site, run by people who choose to infuse the very ground with that of laughter and fun times. What a great legacy to leave on our earth.

A

Alan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

Friendly welcome, lots of space. Great campfire kits.

E

Eder

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

We loved every moment everything was organized and clean. Cristiane is a fantastic host, and so is her team.

C

Caroline

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Croft Cottage Camping

Bill and Helen are so lovely and accommodating. A very ebullient and energetic couple. They rallied all the campers together on our last night to play volleyball as the site was closing for the season the next day. There’s a volleyball and badminton net in the middle of the field with rackets etc supplied if you just want a fun knock up. There pitch sizes are great are really generously spaced out. Loved the llamas and the fresh hen eggs that Helen left out for grabs one morning.! Couldn’t fault this place. We will be back.

T

Tomas

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Primrose Fields Campsite

We had a fantastic stay at this campsite! The grounds were clean, well-kept, and perfectly set up for a relaxing getaway. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcome. The helpful lady at reception went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed, from directions to local walks to tips on the best spot for sunset—she really made things easy for us. And then there was the funny guy on the team—he kept us laughing with his stories and jokes, and really added to the friendly atmosphere. It felt less like staying at a campsite and more like being part of a little community. All in all, a brilliant place to stay—friendly staff, great facilities, and good vibes all round. We’ll definitely be back!

K

Kelly

August 2025

7 m Class A

1 night at Primrose Fields Campsite

Beautiful site. Excellent facilities and friendly approachable staff. Will definitely stay again A***********

B

Byron

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Primrose Fields Campsite

A big open field, simple and affordable. The bathroom where clean and the person who checked us in was so nice. The woods behind the camp space was really lovely for walks. On the bank holiday weekend, loads of kids. WE had a such a great time with fires at night and adventure in the day. Dorsett is a great spot for loads of family activities, like monkey world and the beaches.