The best glamping in New Forest National Park with wifi provided

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.

98% (156)

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.

98% (156)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

2. Cottage Orne

100%

(11)

1 unit · Glamping · Dorchester, England

A cabin with views on a private country estate in Dorchester

3. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%

(20)

3 units · Glamping · Salisbury, England

Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge

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.

15. Crown Cabin Wiltshire

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(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

A quirky garden cabin for two in Wiltshire

16. Secret Garden Glamping

1 unit · Glamping · Lymington, Hampshire, South East England

A tucked-away bell tent within walking distance of Lymington railway station, near the coast and the New Forest.

17. Choller Farm

1 unit · Glamping · England

For seven decades, Choller Farm has remained within our family, evolving from a dairy farm to a place where we raise cattle, sheep, along with our cherished animals - two donkeys named Boris and Barney, and two goats named Poppy and Patch. In 2005, we proudly introduced our Certificated Location Caravan Park, the lake in 2011 and more recently, we have added four lodges to our offerings.

18. 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.

19. Riding Gate Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, Somerset, South West England

A lodge with a hot tub in the Somerset countryside

20. Cosy Countryside Cabin

1 unit · Glamping · Dorchester, England

The Cabin is situated on our 17 acres of land, next to our garden. It faces down the valley with scenic views and a peaceful setting. An ideal place to relax and a great base from which to explore the beautiful Dorset coast and countryside whether by foot, bicycle, horse or car. If you like wildlife you may spot deer, hares, kestrels, buzzards, barn owls and many more creatures.There is a bbq/fire pit so you can sit outside and stargaze. With no light pollution and a big expanse of sky many stars can be seen on a clear night and the sunsets here can be spectacular. We are slowly but surely making our land more nature friendly. We have sown thousands of wild flowers seeds and planted hundreds of native hedging and trees. To encourage more bird life we are planning to provide more places for them to roost and nest.There is plenty more to do but we are enjoying the journey and hope you will too. The cabin is open plan with a light and pleasant lounge space with a large sofa. A sleeping nook with french linen curtains around it contains a comfortable double bed and cozy duvet; you can lie in bed with a brew and observe the natural world from the window. The kitchen is small but perfectly formed with a fridge/freezer, two ring gas hob and combi-microwave which are perfect for light cooking. Plus a compact shower room. There is no live tv but the free streaming services are available or log into your own accounts for a quiet night in.

Camper favorites in and near New Forest National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

100%

(21)

12 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Shepherd's huts and bell tents on the farm with a prime location between historic Dorchester and seaside Weymouth

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.

Crown Cabin Wiltshire

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

A quirky garden cabin for two in Wiltshire

Secret Garden Glamping

1 unit · Glamping · Lymington, Hampshire, South East England

A tucked-away bell tent within walking distance of Lymington railway station, near the coast and the New Forest.

Choller Farm

1 unit · Glamping · England

For seven decades, Choller Farm has remained within our family, evolving from a dairy farm to a place where we raise cattle, sheep, along with our cherished animals - two donkeys named Boris and Barney, and two goats named Poppy and Patch. In 2005, we proudly introduced our Certificated Location Caravan Park, the lake in 2011 and more recently, we have added four lodges to our offerings.

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.

Riding Gate Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, Somerset, South West England

A lodge with a hot tub in the Somerset countryside

Cosy Countryside Cabin

1 unit · Glamping · Dorchester, England

The Cabin is situated on our 17 acres of land, next to our garden. It faces down the valley with scenic views and a peaceful setting. An ideal place to relax and a great base from which to explore the beautiful Dorset coast and countryside whether by foot, bicycle, horse or car. If you like wildlife you may spot deer, hares, kestrels, buzzards, barn owls and many more creatures.There is a bbq/fire pit so you can sit outside and stargaze. With no light pollution and a big expanse of sky many stars can be seen on a clear night and the sunsets here can be spectacular. We are slowly but surely making our land more nature friendly. We have sown thousands of wild flowers seeds and planted hundreds of native hedging and trees. To encourage more bird life we are planning to provide more places for them to roost and nest.There is plenty more to do but we are enjoying the journey and hope you will too. The cabin is open plan with a light and pleasant lounge space with a large sofa. A sleeping nook with french linen curtains around it contains a comfortable double bed and cozy duvet; you can lie in bed with a brew and observe the natural world from the window. The kitchen is small but perfectly formed with a fridge/freezer, two ring gas hob and combi-microwave which are perfect for light cooking. Plus a compact shower room. There is no live tv but the free streaming services are available or log into your own accounts for a quiet night in.

Stories from the community

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

S

Simon

September 2025

With pets

5 nights at Cottage Orne

If you're looking for a peaceful & private retreat, this hidden gem is the perfect place to stay. We were warmly welcomed by Evie and daughter as soon as we arrived, even though it was a very wet & windy evening. Cottage Orne is cosy & comfortable with great views. Only natural sounds were to be heard including owls. After a day out walking with the dog in the beautiful surrounding countryside, it was lovely to be able to return & sit out on the decking, relax and warm yourself around the firepit. The fairy lights added a magical touch. The fenced cottage garden is ideal for those with dogs and having the freedom to access the extensive grounds was an unexpected treat. What a great place - Thanks Evie & family xx

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!!

C

Carl

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cottage Orne

We stayed at Cottage Orne for the August bank holiday weekend and so glad we booked it. Evie was amazing and always available if needed and our kids loved playing with the new puppies. The cottage itself was perfect for a long weekend away and catered for our family of 4 with no problems. If we are ever back in the area, I'm sure we will be back to 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.

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!

L

Lauren

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

Lovely campsite, great facilities and close to the Jurassic coast. The cafe is lovely for a morning coffee too!

Lyndsey

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to South Downs Hideaway

Beautiful in every way. Peaceful, quiet with stunning views. Lovely outdoor space to rest and watch the rolling hills. Anna's little touches like breakfast etc were very thoughtful. The dog loved it too. Would recommend to anyone.

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 😊

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.

Jo

June 2025

2 nights at Oakhill Ponds

Beautiful location, we loved staying in the Shepherds Hut. Loads of thought has been put into the space, lovely individual garden with seating, hammocks, so nice to eat outside in the sunshine & to be able to use the outdoor hot tub after a swim. The spa was fab & swimming in the pond was tonic for the soul. Amanda & Rob were great hosts, & they have definitely achieved what they have set out to do - provide people with an incredible place to slow down, appreciate nature & reset. Thank you

J

Jessica

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Had such a lovely weekend staying at the Shepard's Hut. Everything we needed for cooking and eating at the hut, an amazing hot shower, and beautiful views from the bedroom windows. Matt and his wife were super friendly and helpful. We will definitely be coming back!!

a

anurag

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Southwood Park Estate

Loved the camp vibe and the people are very welcoming and friendly. The campsite is very clean and things are there for everyone likeness to enjoy. The staff is very sweet to help. You just have to ask. Make sure to get your cooking equipments like if you want to cook near your tent. There is stove and fireplace. You can also use the open kitchen BBQ to cook if you want. Get yourself a camp chair if you want to sit comfortably outside next to the fireplace near your tent and an outdoor lamp Each camp is separated so you have ample privacy The camp area is beautifully designed and decorated which looks great during daytime. Breakfast is scrumptious and you can have food and drinks throughout the day in the restaurant. The campsite hosts are super nice and loves to take good care of their guests

Jack

May 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cottage Orne

Absolutely beautiful place to stay, so scenic, not a single car noise to be heard just the birds and the farm animals. Couldn’t recommend more for a cozy getaway, lovely walks around the estate and a short drive to the beach. Host was also super lovely and welcoming.

V

Vaibhav

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Caalm Camp

Amazing site and amazing host. Very generous on firewood.

G

George

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Southwood Park Estate

Really enjoyable stay. Best kid friendly camping I’ve been on and lots of great facilities. Would highly recommend. Great things to do nearby.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best glamping in New Forest National Park with wifi provided 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.