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can anyone help?  we want a small non-commercial site in the new forest.  The only other criteria (appart from a few basics) is a play area or  a more natural area of trees or something which seems to act as a magnet for the children to meet and make friends with other children.  Our oldest is 7 and so its really for her.  The last place we camped only had 2 swings in the middle of the field, but that seemed to be sufficent! 

Ive looked at every campsite on the site search here in the new forest and they all seem to be either all singing and dancing (not really my thing), or so basic some of them dont even have a shower!

I found one at ashurst which looks really nice although havent been there! am debating whether to book as it has no hook up but it does have ponies and donkeys roaming around which i know my kids will love!!

Ems

I can't praise Roundhill enough.  No, it doesn't have showers but we've only ever been for 4/5 days at a time and even I can cope with baby wipes or a stand up wash.  Your children will love it and thats what does it for me.  Lots of children take their bikes and last year there was a huge fallen tree they all seemed to meet at to play around and climb on.  There are no marked pitches, just masses of space.  You turn up and find some trees, gorse etc and make your own little camp.  Real back to nature but isn't that what camping is all about?

We are booked to go back for the 5th year running.

Thanks.  Funily enough, i liked the look of the Ashurt one untill i saw the ponies review.  I was put off as i thought the kids would be petrfied by large unthethered animals roaming the site.  Also i dont have  zip up larger or a SIG and it seems they arent above helping themselve to your food. 

 Have read the roundhill one though and like the look of that.   However, i notice lots of people are complaning about Forestry Commission taking over the campsites and raising the prices to rediculus levels.  some it seems dont even have showers.  Any comment

Hi usatproduction.  Yes the FC have put their prices up and its a bit annoying as places like Roundhill don't have new toilets etc.  However, don't let this put you off.  We paid about £55 for 3 nights/4 days which I don't mind paying for such a lovely site.  I would rather pay more for a site with masses of space etc than a tiny cramped pitch on a site with loads of facilities.

PS.  Providing you keep your food put away there isn't a problem with horses.  I use one of those large plastic crates with lids you can buy anywhere.

Hi there

Not sure if you have found anywhere yet...but we stayed at Red Shoot campsite...had a fantastic time...you can read the reviews on here http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results3.asp?search=red+shoot&by=sitename

Its near the new forest but not new forestry commission...there is a brand new toilet block this year.  A small park for the children, well stocked shop and there is a pub just before you enter the site. The food is scrummy.  Lots of walks and forest nearby and cycling too.  Dog friendly.

Scat

Hi, guys. I log in every now and then and am supprised to see this thread of mine keeps jumping up and down.  Its back up again at the mo, so ive had a mosie throu'.  Thanks for the replies.  I do like the sound of the FC sites.  very much my sort of thing and im quite happy without a shower for a few days.  Its interesting that theres still so much space, ems29.  Im secretly rubbing my hands with glee over that.  Perhaps people are boycotting it on price and they will be forced to drop the price next year (or is that wishful thinking).

Anyway, would you believe it, my 7 year old has decided she doesn't want to camp in the NF. and would rather stay at grandmas!!  So thats what were doing.  (i did briefly contemplate putting our tent up on their lawn - but then decided thats plain sillly!).  So..........next year maybe...........when the prices have dropped.........(maybe!)