Green Hill Farm is actually vast, but perched on the edge of the national park it seems a jot in the wider forest landscape. Across its grassy 50 acres there are four main camping areas to be found, handily distinguished into two family fields and two adult-only fields, one with dogs and the other without. As a result you can really find the pitch you’re after. Whether it be a hard-standing hook-up pitch opposite the playground or a quiet grassy corner beneath the cluster of gangly birch trees.
As much as the different areas allow each camper their own space, the adult-family divide is probably for more pragmatic reasons, namely ensuring children aren’t in those meadows with the deepest fishing lakes. Well stocked with species of carp, Green Hill Farm has two great fishing areas, one in the family area surrounded by a fence to ensure its safety, the other in the adult-only part of the site (there is also a third lake in the adult-only area, but not for fishing). If you manage to book early enough you can bag yourself one of the lakeside pitches, close enough that you can fish directly from your tent.
A further upshot of the different camping areas is that the Lee family, merry proprietors of the campsite, have invested in the proper facilities in each area, most notably the ablutions block in ‘Forest View’ which has the best family facilities and disabled bathroom around. Campers pay a deposit at reception to grab yourself a key to this child-friendly room, a clever way to keep it clean and stop a free-for-all from every person on site. This is not to suggest the rest of the campsite is withering towards its Norman past; since the Lee’s took over the place in 2009 they have re-built every sanitary block here, so the whole place has a thoroughly modern handful of camping facilities.
The adult-only areas can be quite strict – no hand-lopping or eye-pulling though – so if you have kids you shouldn't stray into these spots to explore. Instead, walk back towards the main entrance to the site and take a left, across the recreation field, where a footpath leads into the forest. The same routes that lead from here can be followed by bike, available to rent onsite, and quickly link into the endless pathways that criss-cross the rest of the New Forest. It makes the campsite a handy base for heading directly into the heart of the national park, while still remaining easily accessible from the outside world by car.
There is a small onsite shop selling some food and camping essentials and a licensed bar open during the summer season. Elsewhere, a surprising amount of good eateries lie within walking distance of the campsite. The Shoe Inn (01794 322405), in Plaitford, is a 20 minute walk away and boasts a family friendly atmosphere in an age old setting. The pub was built in 1420 and has a warm atmosphere, accentuated by the steamy home cooked food and live music on certain evenings. There is also a great real ale and wine selection. In the other direction head to The Lamb Inn (01794 390246), 20 minutes walking, a family run pub offering home cooked food, real ales, lagers, wines and spirits. In the village of Nomansland, it is accompanied by Les Mirabelles (01794 390205), a few metres further down the road. If you fancy something special this gorgeoud french restaurant has a wonderful a la carte menu, or on Tues to Sat lunchtime and Tues to Thurs evenings there is a set menu option for £18.50 for two courses or £21.50 for 3 courses.