BBQ Restrictions in Place Across All Camping New Forest Campsites

UPDATED 20/08/2026

Due to a wildfire risk identified by Forestry England, BBQs, campfires and other naked flames are not permitted on any Camping New Forest campsite until further notice. These restrictions are in place to protect our guests, our staff and the New Forest, following a significant heathland fire and a number of additional fires caused by abandoned campfires and BBQs in recent days.

As of Thursday 20th August, portable gas camping stoves are permitted again, however only stoves using disposable gas canisters are allowed. Gas stoves connected to a separate gas bottle via a hose are not permitted.

There is an exception for the use of small portable camping stoves, permitted the following:

• Fuelled by small, disposable gas cannisters only.
• Used in an open area, away from vegetation and flammable items.
• Raised above the ground on a stable, non-flammable base.
• Lit only when being used and extinguished immediately afterwards.
• Able to be extinguished quickly if needed.
• A bottle of water is kept nearby, and extinguisher boxes are identified.
• Incidents are immediately reported to campsite staff.

We will also permit the use of electric cooking equipment if it cannot be used indoors, permitted the following:

• Used in an open area, away from vegetation and flammable items.
• Raised above the ground on a stable, non-flammable base.
• Heated only when being used and turned off immediately afterwards.
• Monitored when in use and until cool.
• Able to be unplugged quickly if needed.
• Incidents are immediately reported to campsite staff.

If you need further clarification about your specific stove, please contact info@campinginthenewforest.com

The following remain prohibited on our campsites while these restrictions are in place:

• Charcoal BBQs
• Disposable BBQs
• Gas BBQs
• Campfires
• Fire pits
• Solid-fuel cooking equipment
• Liquid-fuel cooking equipment
• Other naked flames

These temporary restrictions apply across all 10 Forestry England campsites managed by Camping New Forest and are being kept under constant review by Forestry England and the emergency services. This page will be updated as soon as any changes are announced.

Alternative options

If you’re staying with us while these restrictions are in place, we encourage you to:

• Bring food that doesn’t require a BBQ or solid-fuel cooking.
• Visit one of the many fantastic pubs, cafés, restaurants and takeaways across the New Forest.
• Speak to campsite staff if you have any questions about the temporary restrictions.

Help protect the New Forest

Forestry England and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service continue to respond to a major wildfire in the New Forest. In the last 24 hours alone, additional fires have been caused by abandoned campfires and the use of a BBQ on the open forest.

We ask everyone visiting the New Forest to help reduce the risk of further fires by:

• Not using BBQs or campfires
• Not using any naked flames
• Disposing of cigarettes safely
• Calling 999 immediately if you see a fire. If possible, provide your location using what3words

Thank you for your support

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of exceptionally high wildfire risk.

By following these temporary restrictions, you’re helping to protect one of the UK’s most special landscapes, its wildlife, local communities and everyone enjoying the New Forest.

This page will be updated as soon as Forestry England changes or lifts the current restrictions.

Note: BBQ’s, fires and outdoor cooking remain permanently banned across the New Forest National Park. This post only relates to the 10 Camping New Forest campsites, not anywhere else in the New Forest.