The New Forest in Hampshire is one of the most accessible camping destinations in southern England — a national park of open heath and ancient woodland grazed by free-roaming ponies.
What to expect
A gentle landscape of heath, woodland and grassy lawns with a cluster of large campsites set right among the trees and ponies, ideal for families and easy, low-mileage camping. There is no wild camping here, but plenty of organised sites. Watch for free-roaming animals on the roads.
Getting there car-free
The New Forest is one of the easier national parks to reach by train, with Brockenhurst and Ashurst stations inside the park and more around its edges.
Can you wild camp in the New Forest?
No — wild camping is not permitted; use the organised campsites within the forest.
When is the best time to camp here?
Spring to autumn, with the woodland especially lovely in late spring and autumn.
