Woodland Campsites

Woodland camping has seen a surge in popularity in recent years as more of us seek to connect with nature and escape the busyness of everyday life. Camping in woodlands offers a unique experience, with the scent of pine trees, chirping birdsong to wake up to and usually no light pollution so you can see the stars. It's commonly agreed to be one of the most peaceful and rewarding ways to camp.  We'll explore the joys of woodland camping and where you can enjoy it around the UK. We'll look at the different types of woodland camping available, from basic campsites nestled in forest clearings to luxurious fully-equipped lodges and glamping options. A woodland setting offers a tranquil backdrop for camping holidays and weekends away. We've researched some of the best woodland campsites around to help you plan your next forest adventure.

For those who love the idea of a back-to-nature camping trip but also appreciate their home comforts, woodland glamping sites provide the perfect solution. Glamping (glamorous camping) combines remote woodland locations with spacious, fully-decked-out accommodations. Hidden Valley is one excellent example, tucked away in 12 acres of ancient bluebell woods in Monmouthshire. Their safari tents come complete with wood-burning stoves, proper beds and even a mini-fridge. The tents are spaced well apart for privacy. There's a communal area for campfires. It's adults-only, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.

In the heart of the New Forest, Tom's Field offers luxury bell tents kitted out boutique hotel style. Handmade beds, solar lighting and campfire cooking equipment allow you to camp in comfort.They also have forest huts and a cottage for hire. Also, check out West Lexham in Norfolk. Their huge bell tents contain proper beds and wood-burning stoves, starting from £70 a night. For something more permanent, their wooden eco-pods have heating, kitchens and hot water.

Eco lodges provide spacious, environmentally friendly accommodation in woodland settings. They're ideal for families and groups seeking a comfortable base for an outdoor holiday.

• Blackberry Wood is an eco-lodge village on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Choose between modern cob lodges or traditional woodland homes, most sleeping 6-8 people. Facilities include en-suite bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens and sundecks for al fresco dining. There's a communal outdoor heated pool, sauna, pizza oven and games barn on site. Dogs are welcome.

• Lower Shaw Farm near Weymouth has eight Scandinavian-style timber lodges overlooking rural Dorset countryside. Each lodge has two bedrooms (sleeping up to four), an open-plan living/dining area and a balcony. They're self-catering, with all the facilities you need for a self-contained holiday.

• Also excellent are Capital Woodlands near Edinburgh - comfy wooden lodges in a peaceful woodland setting yet handy for visiting the city - or the Hobbit House eco pods at Petersfield in Hampshire for quirky and sustainable accommodation.

For tent camping and motorhomes, there are many wonderful woodland campsites around Britain offering a scenic natural setting and seclusion.

• Idyllic, family-run Cayton Bay Campsite is nestled among trees just one mile from Scarborough's North Bay. As well as tent pitches, they have shepherd's huts and a gipsy caravan for hire. Award-winning Keldy Forest provides tent and touring pitches within 80 acres of tranquil woodlands in the North York Moors National Park. It's home to an abundance of wildlife.

• In the New Forest, Hollands Wood offers a delightful woodland camping experience with tent and campervan pitches under the pine and silver birch trees. There are two small lakes on site for paddling and admiring wildlife. Junction 13 near Glastonbury is a peaceful certified eco-site for tents and campervans set across 20 acres of woodland and wildflower meadows.

• Some more to consider are Low Wray campsite on Lake Windermere, Kelling Heath Holiday Park near Holt, Norfolk, and Bracelands Forest campsite in the Quantock Hills. Most woodland campsites welcome tent campers as well as motorhomes and camping pods. Always check the facilities, local attractions and prices to pick your perfect wooded retreat.

If you're heading to the British Grand Prix or other events at Silverstone, on-site camping is available at the Woodlands campsite. This hugely popular motor racing circuit in Northamptonshire has several campsites, but the Woodlands is one of the largest and best equipped. Woodlands camping at Silverstone provides space for tents, motorhomes and caravans just a short walk from the circuit and racing action. Pitches are mostly grass with some hard standing, set under the trees for shade. Facilities on-site include new toilet blocks and free hot showers, pot washing sinks, water points and waste disposal. The friendly wardens provide a welcoming and efficient service. Security teams monitor the sites throughout the night. The shop sells a good range of food, drink and camping supplies. Vegans and those with other dietary needs are also catered for. The atmosphere here on race weekends is second to none. Like-minded fans gather to soak up the racing action by day and relax around their barbecues into the night, with a real party vibe. But don't worry, the woods also give some privacy and quiet. Advance, booking is essential. Woodlands camping is perfect for the full Silverstone experience. The track is within walking distance or a short bus shuttle ride. You'll be at the heart of the action with live music and entertainment to keep race fans entertained throughout the weekend. Check the Silverstone website for dates, ticket options and camping bookings.

With its picturesque coastline, sweeping moorlands and pockets of ancient woodland, Devon is a fantastic destination for a woodland camping holiday. The county boasts numerous campsites tucked away in peaceful forest settings. One of the best is Woodlands Campsite in Ivybridge, not far from the breathtaking South Devon Coast. Lying on the edge of Fernhill Wood, it offers tent pitches and electric hookups scattered among the trees. Facilities include hot showers and accessible washrooms. Local attractions include beaches, Dartmoor National Park, and the charming port town of Salcombe. Tamar Valley Camping and Caravanning Club Site gives you forest campsites just a short walk from the River Tamar. The well-spaced pitches are surrounded by oaks and conifers. The site is located not far from the Devon/Cornwall border. Nearby you'll find historic Launceston and Tamar Valley walking trails. Expect to pay around £25 a night for two people. Up on Exmoor, you'll discover Bracknell Forest campsite, with tent and motorhome pitches set within a forestry plantation. It's a popular site, so booking is recommended. Excellent walking trails lead straight from your tent into the rolling hills. Some more top woodland camping picks in Devon include Waterrow Touring Park in South Molton, Tapley Farm in North Devon and Woodovis Park, set in 19 acres of peaceful woods in Plymouth. Pitch your tent under the trees for a quintessential Devon camping experience. Check reviews and availability to find your ideal site.

Nestled within 50 acres of ancient woodland in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, Little Ropers offers a secluded woodland camping experience like no other. This serene, adults-only campsite provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each spacious, private pitch is tucked away between the pine, silver birch and sweet chestnut trees that make up this enchanting wooded haven. From your tent, you'll be lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of nature, breathing in the scent of wildflowers and woodland. By day, stroll the many walking trails that weave through Little Ropers' woods to discover deer, woodpeckers, squirrels and other wildlife. Back at your pitch, relax in one of the hammocks strung between the trees and simply unwind. With welcoming owners, clean facilities including hot showers, ample drinking water taps, and a well-stocked camp shop, Little Ropers offers a comfortable woodland camping experience. Join in communal campfire evenings toasting marshmallows under the stars for a quintessential taste of peaceful forest life. Campers can enjoy pedal boat trips on the large pond, bushcraft skills workshops, and campfire cooking lessons for a fully immersive woodland holiday. With abundant wildlife, fresh country air and an unspoiled forest setting, Little Ropers provides the perfect tranquil haven surrounded by nature's beauty.

Camping in the woods offers tranquillity, scenery, and a sense of adventure. With excellent glamping options, eco-lodges, campsites and specialist woodlands camping at major events, the UK is blessed with many stunning forest locations to pitch your tent or park your camper. Whether you prefer a full-service campsite or secluded wilderness, Devon's moorlands or the New Forest's ancient woodland, there are myriad options to discover. Follow this guide to help choose your ideal woodland retreat. Get closer to nature with an unforgettable forest camping experience surrounded by the sights, scents and sounds that only woodland camping can provide