Several campsites in the New Forest are set to reopen for the spring season following a series of refurbishments and operational updates aimed at improving visitor experience and environmental stewardship.
Beginning March 26, Camping New Forest will reopen 10 of its Forestry England campsites, along with its sister site, Long Meadow, marking the start of the 2026 season across much of its network.
The reopening follows winter investment across multiple locations, with a focus on enhancing comfort and sustainability. According to the operator, improvements include upgraded shower facilities, expanded play areas for families, and the addition of new glamping accommodations.
Environmental measures such as enhanced recycling systems and water-saving initiatives have also been introduced, aligning with broader sustainability goals and evolving visitor expectations around responsible travel.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Camping New Forest is introducing an expanded program of guided experiences designed to engage visitors with the natural environment. These include daytime and evening walks centered on local wildlife and habitats, as well as twilight bat-watching sessions, according to the Daily Echo.
Select sites will also host shorter, family-oriented wildlife activities and informal drop-in sessions, providing additional on-site programming intended to diversify the guest experience.
While most sites operate seasonally, Setthorns Campsite will continue to accommodate visitors year-round, maintaining an option for winter camping in the region.
Meanwhile, Denny Wood Campsite is scheduled to reopen after being closed for a year. Camping New Forest describes the site as “perfect for a back to basics style camping” with a “fabulous feeling of remoteness”.
Denis Dooley, CEO of Camping New Forest, said: “We’re expecting another busy season as more people holiday closer to home.
“Investing in our sites helps us improve facilities, protect the environment, support local communities, and deliver educational experiences for visitors of all ages.”
Other campsites operated by Camping New Forest on behalf of Forestry England include Aldridge Hill, Ashurst, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Longbeech, Matley Wood, Ocknell, and Roundhill, all of which are expected to benefit from seasonal demand as domestic travel continues to play a significant role in the UK tourism market.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the developments highlight several ongoing industry trends, including increased investment in sustainability infrastructure, the expansion of guided and educational programming, and the continued growth of glamping as a complementary accommodation offering.
The emphasis on year-round operations at select sites and the integration of low-impact visitor experiences may also provide a model for balancing revenue generation with environmental conservation in protected landscapes.
Visitors are advised to check the Camping New Forest website for updated reopening schedules and availability across individual locations.