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Woodlands Camping

Hosted by Jay · Ropley, England
10 units · RV, Tent · 200 acres
97%
·
89 reviews
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Best newcomers: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Best in South East England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

Woodlands Camping is the go-to place for a back-to-basics, eco-friendly experience at the west end of the South Downs National Park. This Greener Camping Club site is a low impact place to pitch a tent or park up in a campervan. It offers off-grid pitches, simple facilities, and plenty of space. It welcomes dogs, allows campfires, and is generally a relaxed place to stay for a week or a weekend in the Hampshire countryside.

As the name suggests, there are plenty of trees around this site – but that doesn’t mean its pitches are shady. In fact, you’ll find them split between two open areas on the edge of a 200-acre wood: The Clearing and The Meadow. The Clearing, which opens March to October, is about an acre with just six pitches, each with its own picnic bench and fire pit. Come as a group and you can hire the whole area for yourselves. The Meadow, meanwhile, is a much larger space with more open views, open from Easter to September only. There are 10–15 undesignated pitches here so you can put your tent where you please and park up alongside. It’s about five acres so there’s always plenty of room and there are often horses grazing in the neighbouring paddock.

The campsite offers a drinking water tap, seasonal rustic showers, and a mix of compost and portable loos. There’s no indoor space and those who will like it here most will be used to the great outdoors. In fact, they might appreciate the chance to explore it beyond the campsite fences. You can navigate country lanes, footpaths, and bridleways to explore the surrounding beauty of the national park. There’s an hour walk to The Fox, if you fancy lunch, or a longer one to West Meon, where there are more choices for food and exploration. On rainy days, Winchester is always an option as it’s only 11 miles away. On sunny ones, the 30-minute drive to Hayling Island doesn’t seem too long for a day on a south coast beach.

Select a unit

Tent pitches (undesignated)

2 units
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Littlewood

96%
(23)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 4
LIttlewood pitches are only accessible on foot which is around 1-2 mins walk away. the cleared areas are only suitable for small to medium size tents.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers

Motorhome/tent pitches (undesignated)

8 units
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The clearing

99%
(76)
Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 7 m
If you’re after a clubhouse, arcade, or on-site entertainment, this is not the place. However, if you would like to be immersed into the outstanding Hampshire countryside with beautiful walks, views, plenty of space with peace and quiet then we may have the spot you’ve been looking for. Woodlands Camping is a quiet eco-friendly camping site set on the northern edge of the South Downs National Park, about five miles drive south of the village of Alresford. Depending on the time in the season guests can choose pitches at The Clearing, The meadow or from woodland pitches ( woodland pitches are only accessible on foot which is about 1-2 mins walk), all of which offer their own benefits depending on your needs and the season. There is also on site bell tent hire for those who want the ease of an empty tent already pitched them or those who want it all set up with beds, bedding, lights, BBQ, kitchen equipment and picnic bench so you can just turn up, light the fire pit and toast your marshmallows :) There’s a ‘leave no trace’ policy in place here and guests are encouraged to do their bit to help preserve the natural environment around them.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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The Meadow

94%
(25)
Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 7 m
The Meadow is an open 5 acre meadow with around 10-15 pitches in total.. if you are planning to holiday with friends and family and all want to pitch together then this is the pitching area to select.. lots of space to set your cam just as you like it and plenty of space for children to run and play...
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

97%· 124 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Nestled away in a quiet spot, this campsite is a haven for those looking to reconnect with nature. With spacious pitches and a serene environment, campers can enjoy the sounds of birds and the beauty of the surrounding woods. Facilities are basic but functional, making it ideal for those who appreciate a back-to-basics experience. The friendly host, Jay, adds a welcoming touch to this peaceful retreat.

  • Robert F.

    Tent camped at Littlewood, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Basic camping at it's best. Quite spot with what you need, nice area to take a walk, friendly host. Woodland or meadow camping, lovely.

  • Na ?.

    Tent camped at Littlewood with kids, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Beautiful site, really felt away from it all

  • Jill M.

    Tent camped at The clearing, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    We loved our weekend stay here. The site is really tucked away. We were in the clearing, adult only area - 6 massive pitches, extremely quiet, lots of birdsong (especially tawny owls at night). Lots of walks nearby. Other campers respectfully quiet. Compost loo’s (although trailer loo’s in operation when we went) rustic and hot showers, nestled in the hedge so could see all the blue tits whilst getting changed, which was lovely. Just our kind of place, all recycling and composting offered. If you want quiet, nature, walking, or cycling, no fuss, eco then this is for you.

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Amenities

  • Fire pits
  • Portable toilets
  • Potable waterTap
  • ShowersHot water
  • Picnic tablesAt some sites
  • Trash disposalAt some sites · Compost bin, Recycling bin
  • No electricity hookup
  • No water hookup
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • Walk-in access at some sites2WD accessible. Short walk at some sites; drive in at the rest.
  • Pet-friendlyOn lead at some sites.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processMeet and greet with your host Jay at some sites; head straight to your site at the others.
  • Cancellation policyStrict at some sites; Super Strict at the others. Full refund 1 week before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in times vary by site (from 1pm). Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowBook from 1 day to 12 months ahead. Stay up to 29 nights depending on the site.

Location

Ropley, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Jay D.Joined January 2023

Frequently asked questions

From the host
If you’re after a clubhouse, arcade, or on-site entertainment, this is not the place. However, if you would like to be immersed into the outstanding Hampshire countryside with beautiful walks, views, plenty of space with peace and quiet then we may have the spot you’ve been looking for. Woodlands Camping is primarily an eco-friendly camping site set on the northern edge of the South Downs National Park, about five miles drive south of the market town of New Alresford. There’s a ‘leave no trace’ policy in place here and guests are encouraged to do their bit to help preserve the natural environment around them. Greener Camping Club Members Only (1 membership required) NB: Arrival times - During the low season during the months of Oct-March arrival times for The Clearing 1pm-6pm / access to LIttlewood is 1-4pm IF YOU EXPECT TO ARRIVE OUTSIDE OF THESE TIMES YOU MUST CONTACT THE SITE PRIOR TO BOOKING
Nearby attractions

Woodlands Camping is on the northern edge of the South Downs National Park where there are plenty of footpaths and bridleways to explore including the Meon Valley Trail and the South Downs Way which both pass through West Meon (four miles). Old Winchester Hill is a great spot for panoramic views on the South Downs not too far from the village. The closest town to the campsite is New Alresford where there are shops and a station on the The Watercress Steam Railway. Another heritage attraction is Jane Austen’s House in Alford (nine miles), now a museum to the author. Winchester, with its impressive cathedral, museums and shops, is 11 miles from site and the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is on the edge of the city too – great for rainy days. Marwell Zoo is also about 11 miles. The seaside is a possible day trip with Hayling Island 24 miles to the south and Portsmouth a little further.

Food and drink

You could walk to traditional pub The Fox in Bramdean (two miles) in about an hour from the campsite or, for a longer walk, head to The Thomas Lord in West Meon (four miles). Both serve food. West Meon also has a village shop for the basics and a good butchers, Buckinghams. There’s another of those in New Alresford (five miles) alongside plenty more shops and eateries.

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