THE New Forest is one of Britain s best-known camping destinations. 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.
Last modified on Tue 23 Feb 2021 01.32 EST
The numbers are significant: 250 new campsites so far this year on booking portal Pitch Up, 100 new glamping locations on the Canopy & Stars website, and more to come, plus a host of other treehouses, yurts, caravans and simple pitches awaiting your own canvas.
This summer looks set to offer a bumper selection of new possibilities, partly a result of relaxed regulations about pop-up sites, but also because relatively few Britons are expected to holiday oversees. Bookings are up everywhere – threefold at specialists Glampingly – but increased supply means there is plenty of choice still available.
What makes a good site? Let’s start with a basic one, which lays on a toilet and maybe a shower but little else. The assumption is you are outside the tent most of the time. What I want to know is where can you walk to? Is there a river or lake nearby and can you swim in it, or kayak or fish? What wildlife might be spotted? Can I have a fir