Camping in the Forest: Five woodland sites that will blow you away

Camping in the Forest have 16 beautiful campsites on Forestry Commission land, we pick some of the best…

When the sun’s out and photos of the coast are splashed across every travel magazine, it’s easy to forget about one of the UK’s most magical summer settings – the woods. It’s precisely this time of year, though, when trees are green and leafy and dormant animals have woken to fill the forest with sound, that woodland camping is at its best.

Whether you’re an avid nature lover or simply adore being outside, woodland camping could well be what you need. The forest – sheltered and secluded – provides a comforting natural barrier to the outside world, allowing you time
and space to disconnect from the everyday stresses of life and gadgetry. In today’s busy, modern world, this is priceless.

Camping in the Forest have 16 beautiful campsites located on protected Forestry Commission land and run by the Camping & Caravanning Club. Each site
is unique, ranging from expansive, full-site facilities to more laid back, traditional camping
and all are accommodated in some of the most beautiful parts
of the UK. The locations are vast and varied, from the beautiful, unspoiled woodlands of the New Forest and the Forest of Dean, to the stunning Scottish
Highlands. Below, we pick out just a few of our favourites…

roundhill

Roundhill is set between the lovely towns of Lyndhurst,
Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. Roundhill campsite is the perfect example of New
Forest camping with lots to do and explore. With 500 pitches you have plenty of
spots to pick from, whether you go for a quiet spot hugged by majestic trees,
or for a more open space, you’ll be spoilt for wonderful views. The campsite
offers wide and open areas, a lake and sprinklings of ferns and trees; this
picturesque site is just waiting to be explored.

hollands wood

Hollands Wood is the perfect retreat for both mind and body.
Set amongst 22 hectares of beautiful oak woodland, it is the ideal backdrop for
relaxation or an action-packed break. Nearby villages include the beautiful
Brockenhurst with its abundance of restaurants, pubs and shops. It’s a place to
be surrounded by the incredible oaks and green spaces of the New Forest, making
Hollands Wood a perfect retreat for all campers.

holmsley

Holmsley campsite occupies part of what used to be Holmsley
Airfield in WWII, now a beautiful and unique forest base for camping holidays
and outdoor activities. Holmsley offers the perfect location to take in the
stunning forest views. Pitches can be found nestling amongst the trees in their
own secluded areas or sitting in open fields. The rural villages of Burley and
Bransgore are close by and not much further are Christchurch, New Milton and
Bournemouth making Holmsley campsite the perfect base from which to explore the
forest’s more urban neighbours.

ashurst

Ashurst campsite is a magical blend of the traditional forest
camping experience and wide, open pitches – allowing you to soak up the New
Forest ambience and enjoy the unique character that makes Ashurst so special. Boasting
280 standard pitches, ranging from open spaces to peaceful spots amongst the
trees, you’ll always have a piece of the beauty within reach. Just a five
minute stroll away is the pretty village of Ashurst, where you will find shops,
traditional pubs and welcoming restaurants.

bracelands

Bracelands campsite is waiting to welcome you. Open all year
round and located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, you can pitch your tent
whenever you like. The site allows you to immerse yourself in the Forest of
Dean and the miles of walking and cycling tracks it offers. Bracelands is a stone’s throw from many
local attractions including, the famous Symonds Yat Rock, the River Wye and
Monmouth town. There are camping pods
on this site, an exciting new addition that means you don’t need a tent to
enjoy all the Forest of Dean has to offer.

For more information on any Camping in the Forest sites, visit: campingintheforest.co.uk