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Van-Friendly New Forest

  • info2092900
  • Jul 8, 2025
  • 2 min read

When it comes to exploring the local area - sometimes it can be overwhelming knowing which way to go, where to park, where to camp and what you'll find at each stop.


So we've broken it down for you. If you're near the Bournemouth area and looking for a weekend away then here's the article you've been looking for.


Driving

If you're looking to explore the New Forest, lucky for you there's lots of camping sites and van-friendly parking areas.


Just a warning note: if you're new to driving on the Forest be aware that often the roads are only single track but two-way with ruts on the side and animals as well; while Pine Campers vans are built for every terrain you'll need to drive carefully and give way to the animals who live wild on the Forest.


Van-Friendly Car Parks

For parking, here are the best areas not only for road accessibility but also for space. Most of the car parks are unmade and covered in gravel often with lots of potholes:


  • Cadnams Pond (just off the A31)

  • Ocknell Pond (just off the A31)

  • Burbush Forestry (just outside of Burley)

  • Bolderwood Car Park

  • Beerchen Wood (Brockenhurst)

  • Bolton's Bench (Lyundhurst)

  • Hatchet Pond (just outside of Beaulieu)

  • National Trust New Forest Northern Commons (up from Moyles Court School)

  • Fordingbridge Astronomers Observing Location (Frogham)

  • Ashley Walk (on the B3078)

  • Deadman Hill (on the B3078)

  • Horseshoe Bottom (Brockenhurst)



Camping

Below are our top 3 sites to go to. But you can also find more on the Camping New Forest website.


Holmesley Camp (near Burley)

  • Website

  • EV charging points

  • Chemical disposal point

  • Pizza takeaway

  • Dish washing

  • Toilets

  • Showers

  • Wash basins

  • XL pitches

  • Dog-friendly

  • Toilets

  • Accessible Facilities


Hollands Wood Campsite (near Brockenhurst)

  • Website

  • Battery charging

  • Showers

  • Washbasins

  • Dog Wash

  • Toilets

  • Accessible Facilities


Ocknell Campsite (off the A31)

  • Website

  • Toilets

  • Chemical Disposal Unit

  • Rally Field

  • Washbasins

  • Accessible Facilities

  • Motorhome Service Point


Tile Barn Outdoor Centre (Brockenhurst)

  • Website

  • Toilets

  • Showers

  • Washing-up area

  • Well-lit path

  • Secure entrance gate with a key code


 
 
 

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