Escape to the nation’s forests: the perfect low-cost family camping holiday

Kids in campervan

30 July 2025 

Escape to the nation’s forests: the perfect low-cost family camping holiday 

As holiday costs continue to rise, the nation’s forests offer a refreshing and affordable escape: camping adventures that reconnect families with nature without breaking the bank. 

Forestry England's 14 beautiful campsites across the country provide something for everyone from rustic woodland pitches to family-friendly sites with all the essentials. Set in some of England's most breathtaking natural landscapes, these sites offer a chance to slow down, explore, and make special memories together. 

Hayley Skipper, Forestry England’s Recreation Director: 

"There's something magical about waking up surrounded by trees, hearing birdsong instead of traffic, and watching your children discover the natural world. Our campsites offer families real value: a chance to slow down, reconnect, and make memories that will last a lifetime.” 

Back to nature without the price tag 

Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or unwinding in a cosy glamping bell tent, Forestry England’s campsites offer the perfect base for adventure. Choose from simple grass pitches for a traditional camping experience or opt for glamping if you fancy a few home comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. 

In the New Forest, you’ll find 10 stunning locations where families can spot wild ponies, roam ancient woodlands, and relax in one of England’s most peaceful settings. Glamping bell tents are available at four sites offering a magical summer escape that’s big on adventure, not on cost. 

Forestry England’s and Dorset Council’s Moors Valley Country Park is a stone’s throw from many of the New Forest campsites, where you can enjoy many exciting activities and trails. 

Adventures included 

One of the best things about camping in the forest? The adventure begins right outside your tent. At Forestry England Sherwood Pines campsite, families can step straight into miles of walking and cycling trails, explore adventure playgrounds, and enjoy free-range fun in the fresh air. 

There are also plenty of affordable extras to enjoy— like disc golf, Stick Man trails or Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit.  

Over in the Forest of Dean, Forestry England Bracelands campsite gives direct access to scenic walks and the iconic Symonds Yat Rock. There’s plenty to discover, including the new Feel Good Forest Trail, created in partnership with WWF, perfect for getting your daily dose of nature. 

Digital detox for the whole family 

Looking to unplug?  Postern Hill in Forestry England’s Savernake is just the spot. With no Wi-Fi and only birdsong for background noise, families can enjoy simple pleasures such as stargazing, forest picnics, and time spent together, screen free.  

Suffolk's secret and ancient mysteries 

Forestry England Rendlesham campsite in Suffolk is home to one of England’s most intriguing tales, the famous 1980 UFO incident. Now reopened, the campsite invites families to explore the mystery on foot following the UFO trail, just minutes from Woodbridge, recently named Britain’s happiest place to live. 

Paws welcome – Adventures for four-legged friends 

Most Forestry England campsites are dog-friendly, welcoming two to three dogs per pitch. With dedicated dog-washing stations at key sites, and special Forest Walkies trails at several locations, your furry family members can enjoy their own outdoor adventures too. 

A holiday that gives back 

Every stay supports the future of the nation’s forests. Your camping fee helps Forestry England care for these beautiful landscapes, fund conservation work, and support tree planting efforts that benefit generations to come. 

With prices starting at just £15 per night for a basic pitch, and affordable glamping options too, camping in the nation’s forests offers unbeatable value for a summer holiday that’s low in cost and high in memories. 

Forestry England members also enjoy 10% off campsite bookings, along with free parking at forests all over the country, making an affordable break even better value. 

Camping in the forest is just one way to enjoy an overnight stay with Forestry England. In addition to the 14 campsites, there are also motorhome stopover points at Kielder Castle, Fineshade Wood, and Birchden Wood, a unique glamping cabin at Grizedale Forest, and Forest Holidays nature-sensitive cabins in eight stunning locations—offering even more ways to experience the magic of the forest. 

Find out more and book your stay at: 

https://www.forestryengland.uk/camping or visit individual campsite pages. 

Notes to Editor 

  1. Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright. 
  2. Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 315 million visits in 2024/25. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:    
  • create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests 
  • increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests  
  • plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodlands  

For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.  

  1. Forestry England accommodation: 

Media contact: 

Forestry England press office| media@forestryengland.uk |