There’s something special about your first camping trip in the New Forest. Waking up under a canopy of trees, hearing birdsong instead of traffic, and perhaps spotting a pony quietly grazing nearby. It’s simple, grounding and a completely different pace of life.
If you’re planning your first stay, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to expect, what to bring, and how to enjoy the Forest responsibly while helping to protect it for future generations.
Choose the Right Campsite for You
Not all campsites are the same. Some offer full facilities including showers and electric hook-up, while others provide a more back-to-nature experience.
Camping New Forest, operated by the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, manages 11 authorised campsites across the Forest. If you’re looking for family-friendly sites with excellent facilities, Ashurst and Holmsley are popular choices. For a quieter woodland setting, Setthorns, Denny Wood and Matley Wood offer a more secluded feel. Longbeech is exclusively for adults seeking peace and tranquillity, while Hollands Wood, Roundhill, Ocknell and Aldridge Hill provide a mix of open space and tree-lined pitches.
Think about what matters most to you. Do you want easy access to shops and transport links? Or somewhere more tucked away, where you can truly switch off? Want to understand the differences between each site? Read our guide comparing all 10 campsites.
Booking a designated campsite ensures you’re camping legally and responsibly. Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the New Forest, as it can damage fragile habitats and disturb wildlife.
Pack Smart
It’s easy to overthink your first camping trip. In reality, comfort and preparation matter more than packing everything you own.
Whether you’re bringing a tent, campervan or caravan, focus on the basics:
- Comfortable bedding suited to the season
- Warm layers, even in summer
- A torch for evening walks or late-night trips to facilities
- A reusable water bottle
- A small kit with essentials like plasters, suncream and insect repellent
If you’re pitching a tent, check it at home before you arrive so you’re not figuring it out for the first time when you arrive! If you’re bringing a caravan or motorhome, double-check your electric hook-up cables before setting off.
The New Forest weather can change quickly, so layers and waterproofs are always a good idea as well!
For your washing up on-site, use biodegradable washing-up liquid and avoid pouring waste water directly onto grass or tree roots. Small actions like this help protect the delicate ecosystems that make the New Forest so special.
Follow the New Forest Code
The New Forest Code exists to help everyone enjoy the area safely and responsibly, while protecting the landscapes and wildlife that make it so unique.
Key points include:
- Keeping to designated paths to avoid damaging fragile habitats
- Taking litter and dog waste home, leaving no trace of your visit
- Not feeding or touching ponies, deer or other wildlife
- Driving carefully and observing speed limits to protect free-roaming animals
These small actions make a real difference. By following the Code, you’re helping to protect the New Forest and its wildlife for future generations.
You can read the full New Forest Code here.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
One of the most memorable parts of camping in the New Forest is seeing free-roaming ponies, cattle and deer wandering nearby. While it can feel special to be so close to them, they are wild animals and should always be admired from a distance.
Feeding wildlife may seem harmless, but it can cause serious health problems and make animals reliant on human food. It also encourages them to approach roads and campsites, increasing the risk of accidents for both animals and drivers.
Respect Local Communities
The New Forest isn’t just a National Park – it’s also home to many villages and small businesses. Be considerate by:
– Parking only in designated areas, not on verges or in front of gates
– Supporting local shops, cafes and markets
– Keeping to public footpaths when exploring
Enjoy the Forest – But Leave It As You Found It
The best way to show your appreciation for The New Forest is to ensure it remains unspoiled for future generations. By following these simple guidelines, you’re playing your part in protecting one of the UK’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Are you planning a trip to The New Forest? Book your stay with Camping New Forest and enjoy a responsible, eco-friendly camping experience.
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