7 secrets to getting the most out of New Forest camping

Although the New Forest is surrounded by built up towns and cities, you may not be familiar with leafy Hampshire’s easily accessible lush pastures and the numerous activities available. A New Forest camping experience is beautiful and exciting, perfect for nature lovers and explorers. To fully enjoy the New Forest, you need to delve deep into the countryside to seek out its hidden gems to create a varied itinerary during your stay.

1. Find out about any upcoming events prior to your trip

Special events and occasions always bring a new lease of life to any area. Before you plan your trip, find out about any upcoming events in the New Forest to give your holiday an extra boost. Carnivals, festivals and country shows are held throughout the year including the Hampshire County Show in July, a seasonal outdoor theatre in Exbury Gardens and Frogham Fair in August.

2. Pitch up next to the coast

While many wouldn’t think of going to the New Forest for a beach holiday, the area actually has some of the best beaches in the UK. One of the best is Milford-on-Sea, just two miles from woodland, with handy award-winning campsites nearby. For more beach fun, pitch up on the outskirts of the New Forest and venture south to the charming seaside towns of Lymington, Highcliffe and Barton-on-Sea.

3. Note down a few villages to visit

Although the New Forest National Park is arguably to most popular tourist attraction in the area, there are a number of little villages and hamlets dotted around the landscape that you should make time to visit. One of the best is the ancient village of Beaulieu situated at the head of the Beaulieu River. Alongside beautiful picnic spots with riverside views, Beaulieu is home to the British National Motor Museum with more than 250 classic motor vehicles, including the record-breaking Bluebird. Other little villages in the New Forest include Brook, Fritham and Linwood which each boast some high-quality traditional pubs and interesting landmarks, including the Rufus Stone in Lower Canterton.

4. Venture off the beaten track

When in a place with ‘forest’ in its name, it makes sense to venture off the main roads and into the undergrowth to get a real sense of the area. Unsurprisingly, the New Forest has more woods than you can shake a stick at. There are plenty of scenic campsites to pitch your tent in the New Forest. After you make yourselves at home, you can then venture along walking trails which connect the woodland with the help of a New Forest tour if you so wish. One of the most popular is the Fritham Walk which will lead you across the lush Fritham Plain and down to a little village.

5. Take a break from your camping stove

While meals by the campfire are a satisfying and cheap way to feed your family, it would be a shame to miss out on a few hearty meals in the region. From modern bistros and bars in the larger seaside town of Lymington to some traditional lunchtime treats in the New Forests’ scattered pubs, there will be a menu, and price, to suit you. We recommend the family-owned Bell Inn in Brook, the Royal Oak pub in Fritham and the Hobler Inn along the Lyminton coastline. But take note that the Royal Oak serves food from 12pm to 3pm to avoid disappointment.

6. Live on the green side

We often rely on our cars for comfort and ease, especially if we have children to ferry from one place to the next. However, walking and cycling are advised if you want to seek out some of the best views and little gems nestled into the countryside. Take full advantage of the New Forest’s network of pathways to explore its ancient landscapes and see the plethora of wildlife that dwells there. The New Forest National Park alone welcomes more than 13 million annual visitors. Its staff and locals rely on campers to think green while visiting in order to preserve the natural beauty of the forest.

7. Pack some special gear

The success of any camping trip is dependent on how well prepared you are. For a trip to the woods, make sure to pack plenty of extras alongside your basic essentials such as bug spray, a thick sleeping mat, warm layers and wellies to be fully prepared for the great outdoors.

Hopefully this following guide has given you a few tips and ideas for your next camping holiday to the New Forest National Park. While there, why not get out a pen and paper and jot down a few hidden treasures of your own.