The rustle of the New Forest's ancient woodland canopy filters morning light onto your tent, while ponies occasionally wander past with the soft thud of hooves on grass. This is proper back-to-basics camping in one of England's most storied landscapes, where the forest feels genuinely wild despite being just minutes from your pitch.
Bartley Cross suits campers craving simplicity amid nature – families wanting forest adventures, couples seeking woodland walks, and anyone who prefers birdsong to entertainment programmes. You're deep in Hampshire's New Forest National Park, where centuries-old traditions of commoning still shape the landscape and free-roaming livestock have right of way.
The facilities are refreshingly straightforward: clean toilets and showers provide the essentials without the frills. Tents, campervans and caravans all find space here, and you can check about campfires on arrival – there's something special about an evening fire beneath these particular trees. The vibe is peaceful and unpretentious, letting the forest itself take centre stage. Come prepared to disconnect and let the woodland work its quiet magic.
19 routes found via OpenStreetMap
Meanders through gentle countryside with minimal incline, making it ideal for families with young children and pushchairs on firmer sections. Dogs welcome to explore this relaxed local trail. The route takes its name from nearby strawberry farms, offering pleasant rural views and a taste of Hampshire's agricultural heritage. Perfect for a short, easy afternoon stroll when you want fresh air without breaking a sweat.
Follows Hampshire's coastal edge with long flat stretches along sea walls, beaches, and marinas—ideal for families and buggies, though some shingle sections need care. Dogs welcome throughout. Passes historic Calshot Castle, Lee-on-the-Solent's promenade, and offers constant Solent views with ferries, yachts, and Isle of Wight backdrop. Expect urban seafront walking through Gosport's naval heritage sites. Perfect for splitting into shorter sections with frequent refreshment stops and good transp
Follows a disused railway line between Hamble and Netley, offering flat, traffic-free walking on a well-maintained path ideal for buggies, young families, and dogs. The gentle, level terrain makes it accessible for all abilities, winding through woodland and residential areas with glimpses of Southampton Water. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or quick leg-stretch, with the historic Netley Abbey nearby if you fancy extending your outing.
Walk data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open in Maps uses Google / Apple Maps
Get a bespoke packing list tuned to this campsite's facilities, your party and the forecast — generated on demand by Camper AI.
Walking sandals & water-friendly footwear — the unsung hero of UK campsite ablution-block runs.
Outdoor jackets, fleece layers and boots — Berghaus, Rab, Patagonia and more under one roof.
Scottish-made merino wool base layers, cycling kit and hill-walking essentials — built in the Borders to outlast the British weather.
Alternative booking platform — listings for thousands of UK campsites, holiday parks and touring sites.
UK's biggest camping retailer — tents, stoves, sleeping bags, awnings and every accessory you forgot to pack.
† Partner links — CampCompass UK earns a small commission if you buy. Costs you nothing and helps keep the app free of ads.
Verified discount codes from outdoor brands — added by the team as new partnerships go live.
Try Pro free for 14 daysData from OpenStreetMap · distances "as the crow flies" · walk times approximate
We use a handful of cookies to keep you signed in (essential) and — only with your permission — to see which features help campers most (analytics). No ad-tracking, no selling your data. Ever. Read our cookie policy.
Registered with the UK ICO · CSN5693592
Made with Emergent