Camping in the New Forest
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking at getting together a camping trip with some friends in the next few weeks and on the list of possible places to visit is the new forest. I personally hate campsites though, and would prefer to have the group a little more 'out in the wilderness'. Unfortunately I've never been to the new forest though so have no idea if this is possible, and if it is, where I would be looking to go.
So my question is, has anyone been camping out in the sticks, away from caravans etc, and if so, how do you go about picking an area?
I'm looking at getting together a camping trip with some friends in the next few weeks and on the list of possible places to visit is the new forest. I personally hate campsites though, and would prefer to have the group a little more 'out in the wilderness'. Unfortunately I've never been to the new forest though so have no idea if this is possible, and if it is, where I would be looking to go.
So my question is, has anyone been camping out in the sticks, away from caravans etc, and if so, how do you go about picking an area?
_Batty_ said:
Sandy balls 
Still makes me laugh!The other place to try is Holmsley caravan park - the website makes it look old and posh, but it's been very accomodating for a group of mid-twenties the last two summers we were there. Choose your own pitch, shop, not too far away from civilisation etc etc
http://camping.forestholidays.co.uk/campingcara...
Sandy Balls 
Hmm that's a shame you're not allowed to camp outside a proper campsite... Is this a big no no then or worth a try?
If that's not an option then maybe I'll look at one of these campsites. Failing that, has anyone here got any suggestions of better places to try? For the whole 'camp fire in the countryside' type experience.
Hmm that's a shame you're not allowed to camp outside a proper campsite... Is this a big no no then or worth a try?
If that's not an option then maybe I'll look at one of these campsites. Failing that, has anyone here got any suggestions of better places to try? For the whole 'camp fire in the countryside' type experience.
Although I did it once when I was about 14, wild camping in the Forest nowadays is a real no-no. There are enough adenoidal ramblers wasting oxygen down there to shop you before you've even got the first guy rope in. Christ, they'll eviscerate you for riding a mountain bike more than 2cm off the designated path.
A real shame really. I grew up in the Forest & it used to be a wonderfully free place where everyone could enjoy their own pursuits. Unfortunately, the usual kill joys ruined it for everyone for their own benefit.
A real shame really. I grew up in the Forest & it used to be a wonderfully free place where everyone could enjoy their own pursuits. Unfortunately, the usual kill joys ruined it for everyone for their own benefit.
Yeah, camping wild is not allowed. You can get away with it though. Turn up late in the evening, find a wooded enclosure, preferably with a fence that you have to climb, at least two miles from the nearest car park (don't leave your car in a forest car park - pick a populated area).
Get up early the next day, and leave before the morning dog walkers / riders are out and about.
Don't be an a
hole and light fires or leave unburied man poo and don't take a stereo and IF you are caught (you probably won't be) the agisters might be lenient.
Alternatively, here are the offical sites:
http://camping.forestholidays.co.uk/camping_and_ca...
And here is a link to sites in the area:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?coun...
Frankly, I see the attraction of a weekend without neighbours, but for all the hassle, it ain't worth it. I'd rather go somewhere with a shower and flushing conveniences.
Get up early the next day, and leave before the morning dog walkers / riders are out and about.
Don't be an a
hole and light fires or leave unburied man poo and don't take a stereo and IF you are caught (you probably won't be) the agisters might be lenient.Alternatively, here are the offical sites:
http://camping.forestholidays.co.uk/camping_and_ca...
And here is a link to sites in the area:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?coun...
Frankly, I see the attraction of a weekend without neighbours, but for all the hassle, it ain't worth it. I'd rather go somewhere with a shower and flushing conveniences.
GreatGranny said:
You're going to have to look further away from the New Forest to find "proper camping".
Its too close to civilisation and hence a haunt for the glampers.
You need to hit south wales and the Brecon Beacons.
That's more like it... What are the rules and regs somewhere like South Wales? Any decent areas to look at?Its too close to civilisation and hence a haunt for the glampers.
You need to hit south wales and the Brecon Beacons.
superlightr said:
You are not 'officially' allowed to camp off sites in the New Forest. There are some more rural sites but it will still be a typical camp site.
Have you ever camped at the forestry commission sites?Only 1 is like a normal site ie grass pitches laid out in lines. We go back year after year to hollands wood and its like campiing in a wood but with showers and stuff.
We are going to try one of the more wiild sites but the require you to have your own chemi toilet!
Perfectly legal, wild camping, but on a campsite. If that makes sense!
http://www.glynymulfarm.co.uk/
Planning going later on this year so let us know if you decide to use it!!
http://www.glynymulfarm.co.uk/
Planning going later on this year so let us know if you decide to use it!!
There's a couple of remote campsites near Janesmoor Pond, but there is bugger all else there, unless you want to walk two or three miles to the Royal Oak at Fritham.
New Forest is strictly no camping outside of designated areas, and certainly no fires (for very obvious reasons!).
There are a good few small, remote sites though, that aren't your usual 'Carry on Camping' type of sites.
New Forest is strictly no camping outside of designated areas, and certainly no fires (for very obvious reasons!).
There are a good few small, remote sites though, that aren't your usual 'Carry on Camping' type of sites.
GreatGranny said:
You're going to have to look further away from the New Forest to find "proper camping".
Its too close to civilisation and hence a haunt for the glampers.
You need to hit south wales and the Brecon Beacons.
Not quite true.Its too close to civilisation and hence a haunt for the glampers.
You need to hit south wales and the Brecon Beacons.
I grew up there, know it pretty well, and can say that's a very false statement!
There are, of course, posh camping sites you can visit. There are also very basic 'wilderness' sites, where you camp literally in the forest amongst the trees.
These are normally the FC operated sites, which are also normally empty. The down-side of the proper backwoods ones are that it can be a bit of a trek to the nearest pub.
If you do decide to head down that way, Beaulieu motor museum is excellent, although check their website before making plans, as they were having a major refurb earlier this year.
Having lived in the New Forest, and also in South Wales, I can say with some authority that you'd have a much, much nicer time in the New Forest....
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