Can you sleep in a van or car at our New Forest campsites?
Yes – you can stay overnight in a van or other converted vehicle at our New Forest campsites, but only if it’s properly converted and meets our safety criteria. We do not accept sleeping in cars, unconverted vehicles, goods vehicles, or temporary setups such as loose mattresses or non-permanent ventilation.
With more people embracing life on the road, we’re seeing lots of visitors arrive in converted vans – and we completely understand the appeal. There’s something special about bedding down in your own cosy space and waking up surrounded by forest, birdsong, and fresh air. But before you book, it’s important to know what we mean by a “vehicle conversion”.
What counts as a proper vehicle conversion?
To stay overnight at our campsites, your vehicle must:
- be designed as living accommodation;
- have a fixed, or purpose-built, bed with a mattress;
- include built-in, uninterrupted, all-weather ventilation – opening windows or doors does not qualify, and neither do your dashboard A/C vents;
- include drop-out vents if a gas system is installed;
- have emergency exit/entry from the living compartment through the front, side or rear windows;
- have adequate curtains or blinds to ensure privacy.
These requirements ensure safety, comfort and compliance for all guests. Simply reclining your seats and sleeping in a car won’t meet them – it’s uncomfortable for you and not suitable for our sites.
What happens if my vehicle doesn’t meet the criteria?
If your vehicle doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to access our campsites and no refund will be due.Please check your vehicle is compliant before travelling to avoid being turned away.
One more thing worth knowing: even where we approve a vehicle to stay, we’re not confirming the safety of the vehicle itself, and site staff may ask to see gas safety or insurance certificates where necessary.
Do I need a toilet tent or changing tent?
If you’re sleeping in your vehicle and there isn’t enough space inside to get changed, you must put up a small tent attachment for changing. And if there’s no room for a toilet inside your vehicle and you’re staying at one of our back-to-nature sites without facilities, you’ll need to bring a toilet tent too.
A few extra rules to be aware of
- Sign-written vehicles are permitted for towing, provided you’re not trading or working from site – though you may be asked to park away from your pitch.
- Horse boxes aren’t allowed on your pitch unless they’re fully converted and unable to house animals.
- Ladders that aren’t specifically for unit access aren’t permitted, but can be stored at reception during your stay.
Not sure if your setup qualifies? Check before you book
Drop us an email with photos of your conversion and we’ll confirm whether it’s approved before you travel – better safe than turned away!
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Car Camping & Converted Vehicles FAQs
Everything you need to know about sleeping in a van or converted vehicle at our New Forest campsites.
Can I sleep in my car at your campsites?+
No. We do not accept sleeping in cars, unconverted vehicles, goods vehicles, or temporary setups such as loose mattresses or non-permanent ventilation. Only vehicles properly converted as living accommodation may be used for sleeping overnight.
Are campervans and converted vans allowed?+
Yes – staying overnight in vans or other converted vehicles is permitted, but the unit must meet strict criteria. The vehicle must:
- be designed as living accommodation;
- have a fixed, or purpose-built, bed with mattress;
- include built-in, uninterrupted, all-weather ventilation (opening windows or doors does not qualify);
- include drop-out vents if a gas system is installed;
- have emergency exit/entry from the living compartment through front, side or rear windows;
- have adequate curtains or blinds to ensure privacy.
These requirements ensure safety, comfort and compliance for all guests.
What ventilation does my conversion need?+
Ventilation must be built-in, uninterrupted and all-weather – for example permanent roof vents. Opening windows or doors does not qualify, and your vehicle’s dashboard A/C vents don’t count either. If a gas system is installed, drop-out vents are also required.
What happens if my vehicle doesn’t meet the criteria?+
You will be unable to access our campsites, with no refund due. Please check your vehicle is compliant before travelling to avoid being turned away.
In any doubt? Email us photos of your conversion for approval before you travel – better safe than turned away.
Do I need a toilet tent or changing tent?+
A tent attachment for clothes changing must be erected whenever a vehicle is being used for sleeping and there is insufficient space inside. A toilet tent must also be used where space is unavailable internally and there are no facilities on site.
Does approval confirm my vehicle is safe?+
No. Although we may approve a vehicle to stay on one of our campsites, we are not confirming the safety of the vehicle, nor do we hold any responsibility for the safety of the occupants. Certificates of gas safety or insurance may be requested where deemed necessary by site staff.
Can I bring a sign-written vehicle, horse box or ladders?+
Sign-written vehicles are permitted on site for towing, provided you are not trading or working from site – though you may be asked to park away from your pitch. Horse boxes are not allowed on your pitch unless fully converted and unable to house animals. Ladders not specifically used for unit access are not permitted, but may be stored at reception during your stay.