The crunch of gravel gives way to forest quiet at this New Forest camping ground, where sunlight filters through ancient oaks and the occasional crack of an air rifle echoes from the activity centre beyond. Tucked into 65 acres of Hampshire woodland near the Avon Water, this is proper Scout Association territory — all practical pitches and no-nonsense outdoor living.
Families seeking adventure and groups after a base for New Forest exploration will find their rhythm here, with the forest's famous ponies often wandering the nearby heaths and Bournemouth's beaches a straightforward drive south. The surrounding woodland offers immediate escape into nature, while the broader New Forest National Park spreads its ancient landscapes in every direction.
Pitches accommodate tents, campervans and caravans, with toilets and showers providing the essentials. The onsite activity centre brings an energetic buzz during busy periods — think archery thwacks and climbing wall challenges — though campers can enjoy the woodland setting independently. Check the campfire policy on arrival. The atmosphere leans refreshingly old-school: less glamping gloss, more groundsheets and guy ropes.