Camping New Forest: The Best Sites, Gear, and Essential Rules for 2026

The New Forest National Park is one of the UK’s most beloved outdoor destinations, and for good reason. With ancient woodlands, heathland, and wild ponies roaming freely, it offers a camping experience that feels genuinely different from a standard weekend in a field. Whether you are planning a family holiday with all the trimmings or a back-to-basics tent break, getting the details right makes all the difference.

In this guide, we have researched the best campsites, the essential gear you will want to pack, and the key rules to know before you pitch up — including legally significant points on wild camping and campfires that many guides overlook. We have drawn on manufacturer specifications, official Forestry England and New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) guidance, and owner-review consensus from booking platforms including Pitchup.com and Cool Camping. If you are in a hurry, the Quick Picks section below gives you the top choices at a glance.

Quick Picks

Why Choose the New Forest for Camping?

The New Forest offers a unique blend of accessible wilderness and creature comforts. Unlike many national parks where you have to drive for miles to reach a pub, here you can often walk straight from your tent to a village inn or a forest trail. Forestry England’s campsite pages confirm that their New Forest sites sit within or directly adjacent to open forest, meaning you wake up to the sound of birds and the sight of ponies grazing nearby.

For families, the park is exceptionally well set up. Many campsites feature play parks, bike hire, and dog-friendly policies, so the whole group can enjoy the break. For couples and solo travellers, the quieter sites offer a chance to disconnect and recharge.

The Met Office’s climate averages for the South East and Solent region (available at metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages) record an average July maximum temperature of around 21°C and average July rainfall of approximately 47mm for this part of southern England. In practical terms: expect warm days but plan for showers. A tent with a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of at least 3,000mm is strongly recommended for the New Forest’s damp microclimate.

Important Rules Before You Pitch Up

Wild Camping: The Legal Position

The phrase “wild camping where permitted” appears in many New Forest guides, but the reality is straightforward and worth stating clearly: wild camping is not legally permitted in the New Forest National Park without the explicit consent of the landowner. The NFNPA has confirmed this position on its official website (newforestnpa.gov.uk). Unlike parts of Scotland where the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides a right to roam, England has no equivalent legislation. Camping outside a licensed site on Forestry England or Crown land in the New Forest without permission can result in removal and a fixed-penalty notice. Always book a licensed site.

Campfire Rules

Open fires are banned across all Forestry England campsites in the New Forest. This is not a seasonal restriction — it is a standing policy, enforced to protect the heathland and ancient woodland from fire risk. Forestry England’s fire policy page (forestryengland.uk) states that campfires, including ground fires and fire pits, are not permitted on any of their managed sites. Charcoal barbecues raised off the ground are permitted on some sites — check the individual site page before you arrive. Violation of the fire ban can result in removal from the site.

New Forest Ponies: Safety Rules

The free-roaming New Forest ponies are one of the park’s most iconic features, but the NFNPA is explicit: do not feed the ponies. Feeding causes them to associate humans and vehicles with food, which leads to road accidents and aggressive behaviour. Keep food in closed containers, do not leave food waste outside your tent, and if a pony enters your pitch — which does happen at sites like Hollands Wood — give it space and do not attempt to move it by hand. The NFNPA’s official pony guidance is available at newforestnpa.gov.uk.

Dog Walking Rules

Dogs are welcome on most New Forest campsites but must be kept on a lead at all times within the campsite boundary. On open forest and heathland, dogs should be kept under close control, particularly between March and July when ground-nesting birds are active. Some areas are subject to seasonal dog restrictions — check the NFNPA’s access and bylaws pages before your visit.

Best Camping New Forest Sites for 2026

The sites below are compared on facilities, location, and visitor feedback drawn from Pitchup.com and Cool Camping review aggregates. Pricing is not quoted in this guide because Forestry England updates its tariffs annually and prices vary by pitch type, party size, and booking date. For current 2026 pricing and live availability, book directly through the Forestry England booking system at forestryengland.uk/visit/camping. Prices at independent sites such as Sandy Balls should be checked directly on their own booking pages.

1. Hollands Wood Campsite (Forestry England)

Best for: Families with young children

Located near Brockenhurst, Hollands Wood is one of the most prominent Forestry England campsites in the New Forest. It is a large, well-facilitated site that retains a relaxed, wooded feel despite its scale. For current pitch capacity figures, refer to the Forestry England Hollands Wood campsite page at forestryengland.uk. The standout feature is the free-roaming New Forest ponies that wander through the site — a magical sight for children, but a reminder to keep all food securely stored (see pony safety rules above).

• Facilities: Hot showers, washing-up areas, laundry, electric hook-ups, and a well-stocked shop. There is a children’s play park and a cycle hire centre.
• Pitch types: Grass pitches for tents, plus hardstanding for campervans and caravans.
• Dog-friendly: Yes — dogs are welcome on leads.
• Booking note: Hollands Wood is one of the most in-demand campsites in the south of England. Forestry England typically opens bookings for the coming season in January or February — check forestryengland.uk for the exact release date. Peak-season pitches (July–August) frequently sell out within days of the booking window opening.
• Verdict: Owner reviews on Cool Camping and Pitchup.com consistently praise the clean facilities and the convenient location. The campsite entrance is approximately 0.8 miles from Brockenhurst railway station via the B3055 — check Google Maps or an OS map for the current walking route, as footpath access can vary. The main downside cited in reviews is that it can feel busy at peak times, so booking early is essential.

2. Roundhill Campsite (Forestry England)

Best for: Couples and peace seekers

If you prefer a quieter, more spread-out site, Roundhill is an excellent alternative. Situated on the eastern edge of the forest near Beaulieu, it offers heathland views and a more tranquil atmosphere. The pitches are larger and less densely packed than at Hollands Wood.

• Facilities: Showers, toilets, washing-up area, and a small shop. No electric hook-ups on most tent pitches, which appeals to those wanting a back-to-basics experience.
• Pitch types: Primarily grass pitches for tents; some hardstanding for campervans.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads.
• Booking note: Book via forestryengland.uk. As with Hollands Wood, peak-season availability is limited — early booking in the January/February window is strongly advised.
• Verdict: The absence of electric hook-ups keeps the site quieter at night, and direct access to cycle trails is a significant draw for active visitors. Reviewer consensus on Pitchup.com rates Roundhill highly for atmosphere and pitch quality, with the heathland setting frequently cited as the standout feature.

3. Setthorns Campsite (Forestry England)

Best for: Hikers and cyclists

Tucked away in a secluded woodland near Sway, Setthorns is a smaller, more rustic site. It is popular with serious walkers and mountain bikers because of its proximity to the Castleman Trailway and several long-distance footpaths.

• Facilities: Basic — toilets, cold-water washing-up, and a small shop. No hot showers — confirm this on the Forestry England site page before booking, as facilities can be updated between seasons.
• Pitch types: Grass pitches, mostly non-electric.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads.
• Booking note: Book via forestryengland.uk.
• Verdict: Setthorns rewards those who want genuine seclusion. It is not the right choice if hot showers or electric hook-ups are a priority, but for hikers happy with cold-water facilities, the trail access is outstanding.

4. Holmsley Campsite (Forestry England)

Best for: Groups and larger camping outfits

Holmsley is one of the larger Forestry England sites in the New Forest, set on open heathland near Burley. Its generous pitch spacing and straightforward road access from the A35 make it a practical choice for groups or those arriving with larger vehicles.

• Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, washing-up areas, and a shop. Electric hook-ups available on some pitches.
• Pitch types: Grass pitches for tents and hardstanding for campervans and caravans.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads.
• Booking note: Book via forestryengland.uk.
• Verdict: Holmsley lacks the dense woodland feel of Hollands Wood or Setthorns, but its open aspect and practical layout make it one of the most manageable sites for larger groups. Heathland views and proximity to Burley village are frequently cited positives in owner reviews.

5. Ashurst Campsite (Forestry England)

Best for: Visitors arriving by public transport

Ashurst sits close to Ashurst (New Forest) railway station on the Southampton–Bournemouth line, making it one of the most accessible New Forest campsites without a car.

• Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, washing-up areas, electric hook-ups, and a shop.
• Pitch types: Grass and hardstanding pitches.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads.
• Booking note: Book via forestryengland.uk.
• Verdict: The railway access is the defining advantage. For car-free campers, Ashurst is the obvious starting point. The site itself is well-facilitated and sits within easy walking distance of open forest.

6. Sandy Balls Holiday Village

Best for: Families wanting full holiday-park facilities

Sandy Balls is an independent holiday village near Fordingbridge on the northern edge of the New Forest. It sits alongside the River Avon and offers a significantly wider facilities package than the Forestry England sites.

• Facilities: Heated indoor swimming pool, bike hire, a restaurant, a bar, a shop, and a range of accommodation from camping pitches to lodges and glamping pods.
• Pitch types: Grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups; also glamping options.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads in designated areas.
• Booking note: Book directly at sandy-balls.co.uk. Sandy Balls operates year-round, unlike some Forestry England sites that have seasonal closures.
• Verdict: Sandy Balls is not the choice for those seeking a wild or stripped-back experience, but for families who want reliable amenities alongside forest access, it is one of the most comprehensively equipped sites in the area.

How to Book New Forest Campsites

All six Forestry England sites above (Hollands Wood, Roundhill, Setthorns, Holmsley, Ashurst, and others in the New Forest) are booked through the central Forestry England booking platform at forestryengland.uk/visit/camping.

Key booking points:

• Forestry England typically opens bookings for the main camping season in January or February of the relevant year. Check the booking page directly for the confirmed 2026 release date, as this varies slightly year to year.
• Peak-season pitches (late July and August) at popular sites such as Hollands Wood sell out very quickly — often within days of the booking window opening.
• Cancellation and amendment policies are detailed in Forestry England’s terms and conditions on their booking platform. Review these before paying, as policies differ between full and partial refunds depending on notice period.
• For Sandy Balls, book at sandy-balls.co.uk. For other independent sites in the area, Pitchup.com aggregates availability across multiple New Forest campsites and allows comparison booking.

Essential Gear for the New Forest

The New Forest’s combination of damp climate, sandy and heathland soil, and pony activity creates specific gear requirements that generic camping lists do not address.

1. Vango Jura 300 — Best 3-Person Tent

The Vango Jura 300 is a tunnel-design tent built for British conditions. Key manufacturer specifications (sourced from Vango’s official product page at vango.co.uk):

• Hydrostatic head: 3,000mm (main flysheet) — sufficient for sustained New Forest rainfall
• Packed weight: approximately 4.8kg
• Pole material: Fibreglass
• Season rating: 3-season
• RRP: approximately £250–£280 (check current pricing at vango.co.uk or major outdoor retailers)

The 3,000mm HH rating is the minimum we would recommend for the New Forest’s damp microclimate. The tunnel design sheds wind effectively, which matters on exposed heathland pitches such as those at Holmsley or Roundhill.

2. Robens Anjan 2 — Best 2-Person Tent for Couples

For couples at quieter sites like Roundhill or Setthorns, the Robens Anjan 2 offers a step up in weather performance:

• Hydrostatic head: 5,000mm (flysheet)
• Packed weight: approximately 2.1kg
• Pole material: Aluminium
• Season rating: 3–4 season
• RRP: approximately £300–£350 (check robens.eu or major outdoor retailers)

Aluminium poles are more wind-resistant than fibreglass and better suited to exposed heathland pitches.

3. Long Tent Pegs (25cm–30cm) — Essential for Sandy Soil

Standard 18cm pegs pull out easily in the sandy, heathland soil common across New Forest campsites. MSR Groundhog pegs (23cm, aluminium, RRP approximately £3–£4 each) or equivalent long pegs are strongly recommended. Budget for at least 20 pegs per tent.

4. Sleeping Bag Rated to 0°C or Below

Even in summer, New Forest nights can drop to 8–10°C, particularly on open heathland sites. A sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 5°C or lower is advisable. The Alpkit Pipedream 400 (comfort rating approximately 4°C, packed weight 750g, RRP approximately £130 at alpkit.com) is a well-regarded option at this price point.

5. Secure Food Storage Container

As noted in the pony safety section, free-roaming ponies will investigate and attempt to access unsecured food. A hard-sided, latching storage box kept inside the tent porch or vehicle is strongly recommended. Soft cool bags are not sufficient — ponies have been observed nosing them open. Any rigid, sealed container will serve the purpose; dedicated bear canisters are not required, but a sturdy latching picnic box is.

Month-by-Month Seasonality Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wild camp in the New Forest?

No. Wild camping — pitching a tent outside a licensed campsite — is not legally permitted in the New Forest National Park without the explicit consent of the landowner. This applies to Forestry England land, Crown land, and private land within the park. The NFNPA has confirmed this position on its official website at newforestnpa.gov.uk. Campers found on unlicensed land can be asked to leave and may face a fixed-penalty notice. Always book a licensed site.

Are campfires allowed in the New Forest?

No. Open fires are banned on all Forestry England campsites in the New Forest, as a standing policy detailed on Forestry England’s fire policy page at forestryengland.uk. This includes ground fires, fire pits, and chimineas. Raised charcoal barbecues are permitted on some sites — check the individual site page before you arrive. The ban applies year-round, not just during dry spells.

Do New Forest ponies come into campsites?

Yes, particularly at Hollands Wood. The ponies roam freely and will enter open campsite areas. Do not feed them under any circumstances — the NFNPA’s official guidance at newforestnpa.gov.uk explains that feeding causes road accidents and aggressive behaviour. Keep all food in sealed, hard-sided containers and give any pony on your pitch plenty of space.

What is the best time of year to camp in the New Forest?

September is widely considered the optimal month: school holidays have ended, temperatures remain comfortable (typically 15–19°C), crowd levels drop significantly, and the ponies and deer are active. May and early June are also excellent if you book ahead to avoid the late-May half-term surge. July and August offer the warmest weather but the highest prices and the most competition for pitches.

How far in advance do I need to book?

For peak-season pitches (late July and August) at Hollands Wood or Roundhill, booking on or very close to the day Forestry England opens its booking window (typically January or February) is strongly advisable. Pitches at the most popular sites sell out within days. For shoulder-season visits (May, June, September), a few weeks’ notice is usually sufficient, though earlier is always safer.

What gear do I need for the New Forest specifically?

A tent with a hydrostatic head rating of at least 3,000mm is recommended for the damp climate. Long tent pegs (25cm or more) are essential for the sandy heathland soil. Secure, hard-sided food storage is necessary due to free-roaming ponies. A sleeping bag rated to 5°C or below covers summer nights on exposed heathland sites.

Related Guides

• New Forest Camping: The Best Gear and Campsites for 2026
• Camping in Norfolk: The Best Sites, Gear, and What to Know Before You Go in 2026
• Camping Scotland: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Gear, Campsites & Wild Adventures