I'm off camping in 2 weeks to the new forest and i was hoping some of you might be able to help me choose a site.
What i'm looking for in the ideal site is...
It would preferably be as close to wild camping as a site would allow (i.e. v rural/as close to being in the forest as poss) - unfortunately my girlfriend has ruled out camping wild on our first trip
I have a portable barrel bbq, so anywhere that allows bbq's would be great
Campfires- to be allowed one of these either on site or in the forest would be good (my bbq also acts as a firepit)
And, if possible, it'd be a site where we could enjoy our privacy and not be reminded there are other campers there.
I hope someone can help, i'd be v grateful, always good to share experience and dodge disappointment!
The Forestry Commission runs several campsites in the New Forest. Most are right in amongst the trees for a wild camping kind of feel. Facilities and size vary. You can find details on their website.
Sorry to be discouraging but the NF doesn't permit wildcamping (well there is one spot, for DOE type stuff, and it has to be requested 6 weeks in advance)
I can't think of any campsite on the forest that would let you have a real fire. And frankly you'll be lucky to find any privacy on the ones I know of around the south western side of the area. That's both Forestry Commission run (the officalNF sites) and the private ones.
(Please - someone out there contradict me!)
Most of the camping facilities are geared towards campervans/electric hook-ups as far as I've ever seen.
If you've got somewhere specific in mind post it and I'll let you know how "rural" it really is if I've come across it on my travels
No, I was thinking the exact same there John. Which is why I didn't jump in, just right off to say that stealth wildcamping out is the only real viable option around those parts.Not that I would ever advocate doing such very naughty things at all though, of course!
Its a populur crowded little place in season teeming with kids,greys in there caravans and the camping prices doubled a couple of years back.
Out of season you can find quite spots at Holmsley in season you,ll be queing for a tiny camping spot surrounded by loads of peeps. No open fires, they do allow barbies however.Sometimes even in season good spots can be found at Ocknell or (if you have youre own loo) Longbeech which are both based on stony cross,its all a bit hit and miss as you can pick a lovely spot and 10 minutes latter someone parks up 20 foot away and there goes youre peace and quite.
Generally the fewer facilities the quiter it will be.High season is obviously school holidays.
John Hee, have you been to any of these before: Aldridge Hill Campsite, Roundhill, Back of Beyond or Acres Down Farm? If so, any recommendations for any of them, or even better, any that you'd recommend steering clear of ... ?
For most years of my life I went with my parents, brother & sister to a campsite in the New forest called Holmsley. If i remember rightly, it used to be an airfield. We went on all sorts of random walks in the wild, right outside the site.
I remember it used to be quite minimal, but a few play areas and things started popping up on my last visits. I haven't been there for years now, so not sure what it's like now!
I've been reading this forum for a while now, but have never had any advice to offer up until now. The New Forest is my local stomping ground. I think I have walked all of it over the last 5 years.
You will not be able to please both of you in the New Forest. The Forestry Commission have the best sites, but during the summer (spring and autumn too in fact), they are so busy, it is a struggle to find them relaxing.
If pushed, I would suggest Setthorns in the south. The lay out and terrain would best suit your list, but no fires i'm affraid.
If you convince her to wild camp, look carefully at the OS map. The 'forest' is very open in many places. I would aim for a mixed wood, not coniferous - these tend to be much boggier for some reason. You want to get as far away from any roads (or the larger tracks) to be undisturbed. Especially the A31, which on a bad day can be heard for miles....
Take you own water.
Imagine the pitch if it were raining. Some of the forest quickly floods out.
Not that I would ever advocate doing such very naughty things at all though, of course!
