Campsite Activities in the New Forest
There’s more to camping in the New Forest than pitching up. Join a guided walk through ancient woodland, watch the light fade on an evening wildlife wander, or discover how the forest shifts with the seasons – all from your pitch.
What’s on this season
Our guided activities run year-round and change with the seasons. Browse the live calendar below for dates, times and availability, and book your place in a few taps – spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Ways to explore from your pitch
Whether you want a guided experience or the freedom to roam, here’s how to make the most of the forest on your doorstep.
Walks
Walk straight from your tent – no car needed. The New Forest is laced with routes across heath, mire and ancient woodland, from flat, buggy-friendly loops to half-day rambles. Or join one of our guided walks with Sally for a more immersive, insightful way to get to know the landscape.
Wildlife spotting
Famous free-roaming ponies graze near the campsites; look for fallow and roe deer at dawn and dusk, and – in autumn – pigs turned out for pannage. Keep a respectful distance and never feed the animals.
Stargazing & dark skies
Away from town lights, the forest has some of the darkest skies in southern England. On a clear night, pick out the Milky Way and the odd meteor straight from your pitch – bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust.
Cycling the forest
Miles of waymarked, largely traffic-free routes thread through woodland and open heath, for families and confident riders alike. We offer bike hire at Holmsley and Roundhill campsites – or if you’re staying at one of our other sites, there are plenty of bike-hire shops across the forest to get you going.
Water & adventure
Guided canoe and kayak trips are a brilliant way to see the forest from the water (little ones from around 18 months with an adult), and archery sessions are a fun way to learn a new skill. These experiences are bookable through our partners at New Forest Activities.
Signs of the season
The forest changes month to month – blossom and bluebells scenting the air in spring, fungi pushing up and leaves turning in autumn, ponies and deer shifting with the seasons. Slow down as you explore and spot the signs of the year turning around you.
Activities by season
The New Forest is a year-round destination – here’s what each season does best.
Mar – May
Spring
Blossom, birdsong and new foals. Gentle guided walks, plus free family nature drop-in sessions.
Jun – Aug
Summer
Long light evenings for wildlife wanders and stargazing, plus cycling, canoeing and beach days on the nearby coast.
Sep – Nov
Autumn
The showpiece season: pannage pigs, rutting deer, fungi and fiery colour. Perfect for photography walks and cosy evenings.
Dec – Feb
Winter
Crisp, quiet and atmospheric. Frosty morning walks, the clearest dark skies of the year, and a peaceful forest to yourself.
Great for families
Alongside the bookable activities there’s plenty to do for free: pony spotting, den building, stream paddling, and seasonal nature trails in the school holidays. Water and archery sessions have their own minimum ages (canoeing welcomes children from around 18 months with an adult) – check each activity before you book.
Plan your visit
Guided walks set off from a meeting point confirmed when you book – usually reception or a nearby car park. Wear sturdy footwear and layers, and bring water, a torch for evening activities, and binoculars if you have them. Let us know about accessibility needs or buggies when booking and we’ll point you to suitable routes. Dogs are welcome on many activities but should be kept on a lead around livestock and wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
What activities can you do while camping in the New Forest?
From our campsites you can join guided walks, evening wildlife wanders and seasonal nature sessions, or head out on your own to cycle waymarked trails, spot free-roaming ponies and deer, and stargaze under dark skies. Guided canoeing, kayaking and archery are also available through local partners.
How do I book campsite activities?
Use the live calendar on this page to see dates and availability and book online in a few taps. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking ahead – especially in school holidays.
Are the guided walks suitable for children and families?
Yes. Most guided walks and wildlife wanders are relaxed and family-friendly. We recommend ages 10+ for the activities we host; for activities run by third parties, please check their age recommendations on their own website.
Can you see free-roaming ponies and deer?
Yes. New Forest ponies are free roaming and often seen near the campsites, and deer are best spotted at dawn and dusk. Please keep your distance and never feed them.
Is the New Forest good for stargazing?
Very. With little light pollution, the forest has some of the darkest skies in southern England – on a clear night you can see the Milky Way straight from your pitch.
What can you do in the New Forest in autumn?
Autumn brings pannage (pigs turned out to feed on fallen acorns), the deer rut, fungi and spectacular colour – ideal for photography walks and cosy evenings. See our autumn guide on the blog for more.
Do I need a car to reach the activities?
No. Most guided walks and many trails start from or near the campsites, so you can leave the car on your pitch.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on many activities but must be kept on a lead around livestock and wildlife. Check each activity’s details, and see our FAQs for site-by-site dog policies.
Explore more in the New Forest
Check out some of the local events and attractions in and around the New Forest on our Things To Do page