Camp under South East England’s star-filled skies in ancient coastal forests near Brockenhurst.
Nestled within New Forest National Park, the picturesque village of Brockenhurst welcomes campers to South East England pubs, shops, and tea rooms. Campsites, cabin rentals, caravan parks, and glamping sites allow campers to stay and play directly in New Forest and hike the England Coast Path, the U.K.’s newest national trail. Across The Solent in the English Channel, explore the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features iconic cliffs and beaches covering nearly half of the island. Returning inland, Cranborne Chase AONB sits northeast of Brockenhurst with shepherd hut rentals amongst rare chalk grasslands, chalk escarpments, and chalk river valleys.
Just moments from Brockenhurst, majestic trees, epic viewpoints, and wildlife sanctuaries await in New Forest National Park. Oak-lined trails weave through the park and provide refuge to rare species and birdlife, including snipe, curlew, and redshank. Campsites and holiday parks managed by Camping in the Forest offer tent and caravan pitches with access to electricity, showers, and toilets. Wake up and traverse the park’s historic walking routes—look out for New Forest ponies roaming free on the land.
Take a ferry across The Solent strait to Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where chalk cliffs and sandy beaches cover half of the island’s coastline. Enjoy sunshine and sand at Whitecliff Bay, take a chairlift to the top of Needles’ chalk stacks, or visit the medieval Carisbrooke Castle. Family-friendly campsites, cottage rentals, and unique glamping sites are available throughout the area with full hookups, firepits, and swimming pools.
Less than an hour from Brockenhurst, campers will find Cranborne Chase AONB, known for its chalk land features and dark sky preserve. Cranborne Chase’s many trails are ideal for nature walks, cycling, and horseback riding. They also provide unique viewpoints of Fovant Badges, a cluster of military badges cut into the chalk hills of Wiltshire. Privately-run camping parks, caravan sites, and unique holiday home rentals within the AONB range from levelled pitches with firepits to eco-friendly shepherd’s huts. Most campsites provide full hookups, showers, and toilets.
Camping near Brockenhurst is a year-round activity, though seasonal weather patterns can impact access and activities. Summer is the peak season with warmer temperatures and lack of rain. Expect larger crowds and make reservations to guarantee a shaded pitch. Winters are long and cold with temperatures dropping drastically. Though it is rare to see a drop below -3°C, campers should come equipped for cold-weather camping from late fall to early spring.