Best campsites in the New Forest for a staycation

Every year thousands of families flock to the Forest to sample its beautiful scenery, enjoy its wide open spaces and watch the free-roaming animals for which the area is famous.

Covid-related travel restrictions and the resulting rise in staycationers mean the Forest is likely to be busier than ever this summer.

Here we take a look at some of the best campsites in the area, based on reviews submitted to Tripadvisor.

Red Shoot Camping Park - Toms Lane, Ringwood

Reviews:

"Very kind and welcoming staff. The facility was well looked after. Other guests very warm and friendly. Accommodation was very good. The toilets and showers were kept very clean. Shop offered anything one would want (within reason) and that was very helpful to have on site, as was the close by pub for a bite to eat. Recommend."

"From the moment we arrived the welcome could not have been better. This was our first ever caravanning trip although we have camped in tents for many years. For us the site was just the right size with all the facilities that we needed Due to the pandemic we were not able to use the toilet or shower facilities but there was still washing up, water and waste disposal. There is a great, well equipped shop and the Red Shoot Inn for just a drink or a choice of great meals that can be eaten in or take away. This site sits in a great location to access fabulous walks or cycling trails. There are some lovely villages and towns near and we also went to the beach at Milford on Sea. We came with friends and our dogs and had a great time. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable."

"Fantastic site would recommend to anyone we really can't fault it. Situated in the beautiful New Forest just a short journey from the stunning 12km award winning beach of Bournemouth and Poole bay. This site is nice and quiet yet with lots to do right on your doorstep no to mention the fantastic Red Shoot Inn, where, the food is second to none. This site is amazing and the staff are so professional."

Burgate Manor Farm Holidays - Fordingbridge

Reviews:

"My wife and I stayed here for a few weeks in between moving house. The accommodation is superb and we found everything we needed was on hand. The farm is well placed for exploring the New Forest and we were able to enjoy long walks with our dog. There is also an excellent Indian restaurant at the end of the drive which is well worth a visit. Would recommend the accommodation to couples and families with children of all ages."

"Lovely cottage. Very cosy. The owner couldn’t do enough to make sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The cottage is well equipped with everything you would need. Will definitely be booking again. In fact my daughter booked another break there before we left."

"Good, well furnished accommodation alongside the River Avon. There are footpaths leading directly to riverside walks, with plenty of bats, swans and even kingfishers to watch. Less than a mile's walk brings you in to the woodlands of the New Forest. A little further afield is the open heathland of Ashley Walk, where we took several long walks in some amazing countryside."

Long Meadow Campsite - Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst

Reviews:

"This was our first time camping as a family and had a really good time. The staff were helpful upon arrival getting us checked in and showed us to our pitch and explained the basic rules and the current Covid rules. There is food and drink available on site - we had lovely fish and chips the first night. We were pleasantly surprised by the large pitch and the space between pitches is massive, it didn't feel crowded at all. The access into the New Forest was straight off of the campsite through a lovely little wood with a stream."

"We found this site by a fluke a few years ago, it’s now our must go to site each season. Firstly the wardens are fantastic hosts who run a beautiful site. The grass pitches are huge and laid out fantastically as pointed out like a picture. The facilities are cleaned regularly and are spotless, the walks from the site can go from a few minutes to a few hours. The little stream is an ideal spot for kids and dogs. If you go to this site you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Longmeadow for a great stay."

"We have just had a short break at Long Meadow Campsite, just outside Brockenhurst in the New Forest. We live only five miles away but it is the first time trying this site and can't praise it highly enough. Huge well-kept pitches, immaculate toilets and showers and lovely wardens. With deer wandering in and around the touring field, direct access to New Forest footpaths and cycle ways and only a 30 minute picturesque walk to Brockenhurst, it is going to be our go to choice when we want a short break close to home. Just so peaceful. We have tried many of the other campsites in the Forest, but this is by far the best."

Hoburne Bashley - Sway Road, New Milton

Reviews:

"We had a great weekend stay in a very clean caravan. The entertainment staff were excellent and there are plenty of facilities to use. Unfortunately we were not there long enough to make use of more. We will definitely be back, but longer next time. It was very easy to order and pay for food and drinks. The staff were cleaning regularly which made us feel very safe."

"Just returned from a lovely seven-night night stay. We only booked a few weeks ago and only the basic caravan was available, however it was one of the nicest we've stayed in - spotlessly clean, roomy and modern. The caravans are quite packed in, so it isn't a picturesque site, but the facilities made up for it. Our three-year-old loved the evening entertainment and the family games were fun. The indoor swimming pool is great for families, and we even braved the outdoor pool in the cold weather. Overall, a great base for exploring the beautiful local area - so much to see and do."

"Just spent a week at Bashley Park. The unit was typical looking from the outside but once inside it was like a Tardis, so well laid out. The kitchen/lounge area was a treat as it was so spacious. TV's in all the bedrooms, also a patio veranda for evening drinks. The whole site is spotless and well maintained and our accommodation was absolutely first class. The pools and fitness areas are clean and tidy. Overall a fabulous place and great location for the Forest and also beaches etc. However, the wi-fi was intermittent and I hope this can be rectified."

Hollands Wood Campsite - Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst

Reviews:

"Always a winner, good to be back and will return soon. Love this site, it’s perfect for everyone and never disappoints. Great for young and old and a 15-minute walk to the pub and good shops too. Well done Hollands Wood and its staff."

"The site is beautiful, one side backs on to a lovely open field and the other side is more woodland based. It was extremely busy when we arrived late afternoon Saturday so we will try and arrive much earlier next time. The lovely gentleman who checked us in gave us lots of useful information about the site etc. Toilets and showers v clean - and nice warm showers too. The location of the site is perfect with lots of walks, shops and pubs within walking distance. We loved the horses running through the campsite on Sun eve, and the herd of cows that walked right past our tent."

"Surrounded by nature, incredibly friendly staff, facilities cleaned regularly. Can get a little busy on the weekend (has a nice vibe) but you can take a 30-second walk from the site and be surrounded by woodland. Great amenities nearby, hot showers, water supply points."

Pictures: Tripadvisor