Woodland glamping in New Forest National Park

Miles of open forest, purple heathlands, and ancient woodlands blanket the New Forest National Park, affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Walk, cycle, or go horse riding along forested trails; visit attractions such as the National Motor Museum or Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary; and look out for the herds of native New Forest ponies roaming freely in the park. New Forest camping comes with options, whether glamping in a yurt, checking into a family-friendly holiday park, caravanning along the south coast, or waking up to a pony outside the tent. As always, we’ve sidestepped the holiday parks and larger caravan sites and carefully selected our favourite campsites to help you find your perfect pitch, whether that’s a cosy cabin among the trees or a grassy pitch in an open field. Beaulieu, Burley, and Lyndhurst are among the main villages within the park, while Milford on Sea has shingle beaches with views to the Isle of Wight.

Whether you're glamping or camping in the New Forest, your kids will probably thank you. Okay, so they may not actually say thank you (without a prompt), but they are almost guaranteed a good time. Being outside all day long, cooking on the barbecue, and toasting marshmallows on the campfire are all new adventures for children. Add to that the freedom to go exploring and the opportunity of making campsite friends—and you are likely to have some happy children. The novelty of sleeping in a tent means even bed times can be fun and, after all that fresh air, it may not be long before they fall into a contented sleep, leaving the adults to enjoy the campfire for just a little longer.

So how to choose where is best for family camping in the New Forest? If you have young children or babies, you’ll probably be used to checking out whether a campsite has changing facilities but you might also like to choose a pitch that’s a little closer to the toilets in case of night-time wake-up calls. And if you’re glamping, try to find out what provisions are made for little ones—you may be able to leave that travel cot and high chair at home. Bigger sites can offer play equipment and activities for children, but don’t discount the sites without these, as you might find that watching the New Forest ponies and playing field games are enough to keep the kids entertained anyway.

1. Visit Lyndhurst

The largest village in the national park, Lyndhurst and its New Forest Visitor Centre are great places to start your camping trip. This is the place to head for a map and local tips, while the independent shops of the high street are also good for stocking up for picnics and barbecues.

2. Walk in the woods

Heading out on foot is the best way to explore the heather moorland and ancient woodland of the New Forest. There are lots of well-signposted routes, but if you fancy getting further out, seek out Ordnance Survey map OL22. On foot, you’ll have more chances to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife.

3. Spot a deer

If you haven’t had much luck spotting deer in the forest, try the deer-viewing platform near Bolderwood Ornamental Drive. During the summer months, the deer are fed between 12 and 2:30pm, and so, although they are wild, they are less skittish. There’s a car park and the start of some nice walks here too.

4. Check out some impressive trees

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to be impressed by some of the specimens in the New Forest. Check out the oldest tree—the Knightwood Oak, thought to have passed its 400-year birthday, then gaze up at the tallest trees, including 50-metre redwoods and sequoias, which have their roots in the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.

5. Spend the day at Beaulieu

The huge Beaulieu country estate in the New Forest has so much going on you could spend a week here! Plenty of its attractions are under cover too, so it is a great day out whatever the weather. Not only can you discover the historic house and gardens, but there’s an old abbey and the National Motor Museum=.

6. Take the kids to see Peppa

Peppa Pig World is a great day out for families with younger kids, giving them the chance to meet TV favourites Peppa and George face-to-face. It’s actually part of the larger Paultons Park, where more than 70 rides and attractions are suitable for all ages.

7. Call in at Buckler's Hard

This ship-building village on the banks of the River Beaulieu is a picturesque spot that has changed little since its days using oak from the forest for Nelson’s ships. Call in to see the waterfront, visit a shipwright’s cottage, and discover Buckler’s Hard village history at the Maritime Museum.

8. Go to the beach

This national park includes a lesser-known 40-mile stretch of coast. Perhaps head for Lepe Country Park to enjoy a combination of great countryside and sea views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight—not to mention nature trails, an adventure play area, and a café.

9. Climb a tree

Where better to climb a tree or build a den than in the New Forest? If you haven’t managed it by the time you’re reading this, it’s time to make up for it during your camping holiday in the New Forest. Or at least let your kids have a go!

10. Go for a bike ride

The gently undulating terrain and quiet roads of the New Forest are perfect for bike riding. It’s a great way to get around, and there are off-road cycle tracks through the woods too, perfect for family-friendly cycling. If you can’t bring a bike, stop by a bike hire spot in a main town like Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, or Burley.

To learn about the New Forest during your camping holiday, campers can visit the New Forest Centre in Lymington. But a little background always helps (and gives you the chance to be knowledgeable en route to your campsite).

Although there is evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman settlements before William the Conqueror declared the area his “nova foresta” (new hunting forest) in 1079, this is what gave the area its name and shaped the landscape. A system of “commoners’ rights” was set up and remains now, almost 1,000 years later, allowing some locals the right to graze their livestock on the land.

By the 18th century, the forest was used more for its timber than as a hunting ground, and wood from the New Forest was used to build ships. The Second World War also helped shape the landscape, with memorials commemorating several RAF airfields including at Stoney Cross. Since then, tourism has become the main business, which is carefully balanced with protecting this historic landscape. The New Forest was recognised as a National Nature Reserve in 1969 and was only given national park status in 2005.

95% (212)

Top-rated campgrounds

Miles of open forest, purple heathlands, and ancient woodlands blanket the New Forest National Park, affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Walk, cycle, or go horse riding along forested trails; visit attractions such as the National Motor Museum or Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary; and look out for the herds of native New Forest ponies roaming freely in the park. New Forest camping comes with options, whether glamping in a yurt, checking into a family-friendly holiday park, caravanning along the south coast, or waking up to a pony outside the tent. As always, we’ve sidestepped the holiday parks and larger caravan sites and carefully selected our favourite campsites to help you find your perfect pitch, whether that’s a cosy cabin among the trees or a grassy pitch in an open field. Beaulieu, Burley, and Lyndhurst are among the main villages within the park, while Milford on Sea has shingle beaches with views to the Isle of Wight.

Whether you're glamping or camping in the New Forest, your kids will probably thank you. Okay, so they may not actually say thank you (without a prompt), but they are almost guaranteed a good time. Being outside all day long, cooking on the barbecue, and toasting marshmallows on the campfire are all new adventures for children. Add to that the freedom to go exploring and the opportunity of making campsite friends—and you are likely to have some happy children. The novelty of sleeping in a tent means even bed times can be fun and, after all that fresh air, it may not be long before they fall into a contented sleep, leaving the adults to enjoy the campfire for just a little longer.

So how to choose where is best for family camping in the New Forest? If you have young children or babies, you’ll probably be used to checking out whether a campsite has changing facilities but you might also like to choose a pitch that’s a little closer to the toilets in case of night-time wake-up calls. And if you’re glamping, try to find out what provisions are made for little ones—you may be able to leave that travel cot and high chair at home. Bigger sites can offer play equipment and activities for children, but don’t discount the sites without these, as you might find that watching the New Forest ponies and playing field games are enough to keep the kids entertained anyway.

1. Visit Lyndhurst

The largest village in the national park, Lyndhurst and its New Forest Visitor Centre are great places to start your camping trip. This is the place to head for a map and local tips, while the independent shops of the high street are also good for stocking up for picnics and barbecues.

2. Walk in the woods

Heading out on foot is the best way to explore the heather moorland and ancient woodland of the New Forest. There are lots of well-signposted routes, but if you fancy getting further out, seek out Ordnance Survey map OL22. On foot, you’ll have more chances to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife.

3. Spot a deer

If you haven’t had much luck spotting deer in the forest, try the deer-viewing platform near Bolderwood Ornamental Drive. During the summer months, the deer are fed between 12 and 2:30pm, and so, although they are wild, they are less skittish. There’s a car park and the start of some nice walks here too.

4. Check out some impressive trees

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to be impressed by some of the specimens in the New Forest. Check out the oldest tree—the Knightwood Oak, thought to have passed its 400-year birthday, then gaze up at the tallest trees, including 50-metre redwoods and sequoias, which have their roots in the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.

5. Spend the day at Beaulieu

The huge Beaulieu country estate in the New Forest has so much going on you could spend a week here! Plenty of its attractions are under cover too, so it is a great day out whatever the weather. Not only can you discover the historic house and gardens, but there’s an old abbey and the National Motor Museum=.

6. Take the kids to see Peppa

Peppa Pig World is a great day out for families with younger kids, giving them the chance to meet TV favourites Peppa and George face-to-face. It’s actually part of the larger Paultons Park, where more than 70 rides and attractions are suitable for all ages.

7. Call in at Buckler's Hard

This ship-building village on the banks of the River Beaulieu is a picturesque spot that has changed little since its days using oak from the forest for Nelson’s ships. Call in to see the waterfront, visit a shipwright’s cottage, and discover Buckler’s Hard village history at the Maritime Museum.

8. Go to the beach

This national park includes a lesser-known 40-mile stretch of coast. Perhaps head for Lepe Country Park to enjoy a combination of great countryside and sea views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight—not to mention nature trails, an adventure play area, and a café.

9. Climb a tree

Where better to climb a tree or build a den than in the New Forest? If you haven’t managed it by the time you’re reading this, it’s time to make up for it during your camping holiday in the New Forest. Or at least let your kids have a go!

10. Go for a bike ride

The gently undulating terrain and quiet roads of the New Forest are perfect for bike riding. It’s a great way to get around, and there are off-road cycle tracks through the woods too, perfect for family-friendly cycling. If you can’t bring a bike, stop by a bike hire spot in a main town like Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, or Burley.

To learn about the New Forest during your camping holiday, campers can visit the New Forest Centre in Lymington. But a little background always helps (and gives you the chance to be knowledgeable en route to your campsite).

Although there is evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman settlements before William the Conqueror declared the area his “nova foresta” (new hunting forest) in 1079, this is what gave the area its name and shaped the landscape. A system of “commoners’ rights” was set up and remains now, almost 1,000 years later, allowing some locals the right to graze their livestock on the land.

By the 18th century, the forest was used more for its timber than as a hunting ground, and wood from the New Forest was used to build ships. The Second World War also helped shape the landscape, with memorials commemorating several RAF airfields including at Stoney Cross. Since then, tourism has become the main business, which is carefully balanced with protecting this historic landscape. The New Forest was recognised as a National Nature Reserve in 1969 and was only given national park status in 2005.

95% (212)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hollington Park Glamping

95%

(11)

6 units · Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs

2. 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

3. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

20. Acacia Bay Woodlands

2 units · Glamping · England

A beautifully designed and curated set of cosy cabins located in a magical ancient woodland setting. Completely renovated for 2024, an ideal retreat for a group looking for a magical holiday surrounded by nature. Each cabin has private parking, secure gardens and private entrance. The cabins are not isolated as just off from the main road. This allows you to feel cocooned in The Woodlands yet have easy access to a Tescos superstore 5 minutes up the road.

Camper favorites in and near New Forest National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Kit Tipi - Milton Meadow

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Wareham, England

Secluded, private, pop up glampsite on a farm. Ideally situated to explore the Jurassic Coast.

Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Gold Hill Glamping

90%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Hello, welcome to Gold Hill Glamping, which is based at Allan’s Farm, a working dairy farm and our family home. You are likely to see the cows coming in for milking twice a day. There are our lovely shetland ponies Pixie and Trudie to stroke and and past the time with, they love attention! There are usually fresh farm eggs available to buy if you wish. Wildlife is in abundance here. Deer and hares are regular visitors and different species of owl can be heard hooting behind the glamping fields. We have a lovely bell tent, called Willow Bell which has its own eco- loo and BBQ area with Kadai fire-pit and logs / chairs to sit around the fire. We are excited to be welcoming a spacious Lotus Belle tent to our glamping portfolio from Spring 2021. The Lotus Belle offers all the comfort and spaciousness of a yurt but with the simplicity and ease of a bell tent. Hazel, our Lotus Belle tent, will be situated in a separate, and peaceful location on the farm with its own eco – loo and simple glamping kitchen facilities. Thereby, allowing for visitors to glamp completely separately, but also offering the option for friends and family to stay here together. The tents have a very comfortable double bed, which will be fully furnished for your stay, plus two single futon-style beds (please bring your own bedding for the futons). All crockery, BBQ tools, bedding, a fire pit, seating area and a couple of finishing touches are provided for your stay. Both bell tents also have access to a hot shower, and flushing toilet a short walk away in a converted building in the farmyard. We are also planning a small honesty shop, to buy local sausages, eggs and Barber's cheese which is made from our milk.

Strive Glamping

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Strive Glamping offers a unique holiday experience in a beautiful meadow surrounded by woods and wildlife. Keeping life simple and looking after the environment are central to the ethos of the woods. The woodlands extend to over 60 acres, nestled in Dorset countryside. Only 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, and connected by numerous bridleways and footpaths to both local and national walks, it is perfectly positioned for a wonderful break. Our pretty paddock surrounded by fields contain 5 beautiful classic 5 meter Bell tents. Glamping is 20 minutes’ drive from Dorchester in Dorset Half an hour’s drive to the Jurassic Coast and Weymouth harbour Woodland walks accessed from the pitches, trout fishing next door Whether you’re looking for a couples’ getaway or a weekend meet-up with a large bunch of pals, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Strive Glamping at Southover Woods, With more than 60 acres of private woodland and meadow, and the perfect view of a stunning sunset. No matter whether there are two of you or 6 of you, you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. Each comes with two camping beds with mattresses, two bedside tables and lamps, carpeting and rugs, outdoor seating and a travel cot if requested on booking. If you’re quiet at night, the chances are you’ll get to hear owls a-hooting and may even see elusive deer flitting through the trees. Direct from the pitches, you can walk for miles on an extensive network of footpaths in Southover Woods, connecting up with the long-distance Hardy Way and Dorset Jubilee Trail. Keen angers can head right next door to the well-stocked trout pools at Wessex Fly Fishing. The Southover Woods owners also organise bushcraft sessions, yoga, forest bathing and woodland games please see activities listed. Just so you’re aware, the Bell Tent pitches are down a long and bumpy track that can get muddy, and there will be some fetching and carrying of gear required from your vehicles. Situated in the heart of Southover Woods is the amazing Chloe at Birchbark Events. Chloe offers a full range of activities including bushcraft and survival, Foraging, Wellness, Yoga, Team Building, events catering for children, families, large groups and survival specialists. Birchbark Events tailor events around you. Bushcraft is the practice of outdoor skills, studying and developing the understanding, in order to not only survive but thrive in nature. Fire lighting and management, Tools of the trade, Shelter building and camp craft, Axe and knife skills, Water purification, Natural navigation, Tree identification, Whittling, knots and ropes and Access to Wooodland play area.

Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

Acacia Bay Woodlands

2 units · Glamping · England

A beautifully designed and curated set of cosy cabins located in a magical ancient woodland setting. Completely renovated for 2024, an ideal retreat for a group looking for a magical holiday surrounded by nature. Each cabin has private parking, secure gardens and private entrance. The cabins are not isolated as just off from the main road. This allows you to feel cocooned in The Woodlands yet have easy access to a Tescos superstore 5 minutes up the road.

Stories from the community

S

Savannah

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

The Yurt was lovely and well setup. Loved the lights and fire place inside to warm it up when it got cold in the evening. The site had chairs and a fire pit setup with wood available to buy which was great as we didn’t have to try and find some before arriving. Would really recommend!

A

Andy

September 2025

2 nights at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Beautiful Yurts - excellent facilities and a peaceful setting. Made for a perfect quick getaway. Hosts were friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

E

Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

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.

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!

B

Barb

August 2025

2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.

N

NICHOLA

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fallow Coombe Glamping

We — two adults, a teenager, and our dog — had a fantastic weekend at Fallow Coombe Glamping. We had the whole site to ourselves, enjoying all the charm of camping with the bonus of luxurious touches such as an incredibly comfortable bed and a powerful shower. The space was thoughtfully arranged, spotlessly clean, and Alice had added so many considerate details that made us feel truly looked after. Thank you.

R

Rezaur Rahman

August 2025

4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot. The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity. One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day. Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!

E

Elizabeth

August 2025

2 nights at Fallow Coombe Glamping

Lovely spot, really private, good bed and bedding and the bath was a treat. If the hot tap on the bath goes cold just turn it off and on again. It is close to a (small, not busy) road but that was only small downside.

F

Fiona

July 2025

3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut. A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊

With a low level heater, table lamp and double plug socket, fairy lights and tea lights, it’s very cosy.

M

Madeleine

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

Beautiful experience! My 3 year old daughter and I loved it. Such a tranquil location. Rachel was super helpful and gave some great recommendations. The caravan was idyllic. Will be recommending to anyone wanting a good base to explore the New Forest.

G

Grace

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Thank you so much to Matt and his family for a wonderful stay. The cabin was clean and we loved the little touch of the welcome gifts. We were so pleasantly surprised by the space around the cabin and the privacy we had. It was such a great space for children to run around in. It is so special that there is only one cabin as so many farms have numerous, we loved the private feel. Our only comment is that as a group of 4 adults and 1 child, we felt it was about as packed as we would like it. The bunk beds are very small for adults but we made it work. Fabulous that there was an air fryer available. Could do with some more outdoor cooking equipment like tongs, grills and oven gloves. But we all had a great stay and would love to visit you again in the near future.

D

Danilo

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Such a great place, Matt is really friendly too. Highly recommended

L

Louise

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

My family stayed at Hazelbank farm for a weekend. My children loved walking around the farm and exploring the wooded areas. They loved feeding the sheep and playing in the tree house. It's a lovley location very quiet and peaceful. Matt helped show us how to light the fire we really enjoyed having the fire in the evening.

Gareth

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Absolutely amazing! Couldn’t have asked for more from Emma and Vidar (hosts) or the accommodation we stayed in (Hazel). Beautiful, clean and tidy site. Equally as pristine sleeping, cooking and toilet/shower facilities too. We stayed one night but will be back for more.

Russet: Luxury ensuite Yurt with Hot-Tub

L

Lucy

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Walnut Farm Glamping

Walnut farm is a very special place. We had the best time staying in Russet yurt - it is extremely comfortable, spacious, private, luxurious, and perfectly kitted out. We couldn’t have asked for more. We loved it all and hope to be back again one day.

C

Chris

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fallow Coombe Glamping

We had a great stay at Fallow Coombe Glamping. The set up is great, felt very relaxed and peaceful. The outdoor bath was a great little treat. Alice was great with all communication throughout and I would very much recommend a stay here. Thanks.

M

Megan

May 2025

3 nights at Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

The Shepherds hut was so cosy and magical, Rachel welcomed us so well and it felt immediately like home. There was plenty to do in the area around with walks and maps provided. The surrounding area and views were gorgeous and we had plenty of space within the cabin too. Definitely am looking forward to coming back again in due course! Thank you Rachel

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping in New Forest National Park guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

New Forest campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August and during school holidays. Early bookings are essential if you want to visit these times—popular holiday parks and glamping sites can book up six months in advance.
If you do arrive without a reservation, it’s a good idea to secure a campsite first thing in the morning, as available spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and some sites ask for the full payment upfront.
Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Many campsites open from March or April to September or October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Bluebells in spring, cool shade in summer, crunchy leaves in autumn, and a wonderland in winter, the New Forest manages to be a genuine year-round destination with abundant natural beauty whenever you choose to visit. Summer is peak season, and the park’s beaches and walking trails can get crowded in July and August. Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid the queues and book activities in advance to avoid disappointment. The forest landscapes change throughout the seasons, and many campers choose to return at different times of the year. Come in spring to admire the bluebells and other wildflowers, in autumn when the woodlands are ablaze with fall foliage, or wrap up warm for frosty winter walks.

Know before you go

New Forest National Park is in Hampshire, along England’s south coast, about a 15-minute drive from Southampton or Bournemouth, or a roughly 2-hour drive from London.
Trains from London Waterloo take 90 minutes, and there are eight train stations in the park: Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hinton Admiral, Lymington, New Milton, Sway, and Totton.
There are more than 150 car parks in the New Forest, many of which are free. Parking is not permitted anywhere other than in the car parks. Regular buses connect all the villages and attractions in the park, and there’s a hop-on-hop-off New Forest Tour Bus in July and August.
Wild camping and overnight parking are not permitted anywhere within the park. Fires and BBQs are also off-limits, except on private camping lands and caravan parks.
Many small towns and villages dot the park, so you’re never far from a shop, pub, or information point.
The New Forest has many accessible trails and attractions. All park buses and trains are accessible, and there are accessible restrooms in more than 20 car parks.
The New Forest has free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and cattle. These animals have the right of way on forest roads, and there is a strict speed limit of 40 mph throughout. It is a fineable offence to feed any animals in the park.