I last stayed at Holmsley Campsite in Burley earlier this summer as part of a relaxed road trip through the New Forest. It wasn’t my first time – I’d been a couple of years ago under the previous management – but this time I noticed a few changes. We were looking for a proper base for a few nights: somewhere we could park up, stretch out, refill water, and get a proper hot shower after a run of wild camping spots. Holmsley seemed like the right choice again, and it mostly delivered.
This review is aimed squarely at fellow van travellers, whether you’re in a converted Transit, a compact VW, or a full-on motorhome. Hopefully it’ll give you a sense of what to expect before you roll in.
Location & Access
Holmsley sits on the edge of Burley, deep in the New Forest National Park. The setting is quite special because the site is actually on the grounds of a former WWII airfield. You still get a feel for the scale of it – it’s flat and open, with long stretches of tarmac road leading in.
- Access in a van: Pretty straightforward. The entrance is wide, the roads leading in are decent, and you won’t be sweating about tight lanes or low bridges like in some other parts of the New Forest. If you’re in a long wheelbase van or a coachbuilt motorhome, you’ll be fine.
- Scenic factor: While the site itself is open and grassy rather than tucked away, you’re surrounded by forest, heathland, and all those classic New Forest ponies wandering nearby. Drive a couple of minutes in either direction and you’re straight into some of the best walking and cycling routes around.
First Impressions
Rolling in, the first thing that struck me was how big and busy the place feels. Don’t expect a quiet little CL or hidden gem – Holmsley is a popular spot, especially during school holidays. That said, it’s not cramped. The pitches are well spaced, and the open layout means you don’t feel boxed in.
Check-in was straightforward. Staff were welcoming enough – not overly chatty, but they got us sorted quickly and pointed us to our pitch.
The vibe on arrival was very “family campsite”: kids on bikes, dogs on leads, people setting up awnings. If you’re after total solitude, this isn’t it. But if you’re happy with a bit of bustle, you’ll slot right in.
Facilities
One of the big reasons vanlifers choose Holmsley is the facilities. After a run of off-grid park-ups, it’s nice to reset. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Toilets & showers: Decent. They’re not spa-level fancy, but they’re clean and plentiful. Water pressure is good, and showers are free (no annoying tokens).
- Water & waste: Multiple fresh water taps around the site, and grey/black waste disposal points. Easy to access in a van.
- EHU (Electric Hook-Up): Available on some pitches, though not all. Worth booking ahead if you need it, especially in high season.
- Bins & recycling: Well placed, emptied regularly.
- Laundry: Handy if you’ve been on the road for a while. Standard coin-op machines.
- Shop: Small on-site shop with basics – milk, bread, snacks, camping gas, ice creams. Don’t expect a full supermarket, but enough for emergencies.
Atmosphere
Holmsley has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Lots of groups, tents, and caravans alongside vans and motorhomes.
- Quiet hours: Generally respected, though on a busy weekend you’ll still hear the odd bit of late-night chatter.
- Dog-friendly: Very much so. Plenty of space for walks straight from the site. Just keep an eye out for ponies and cattle wandering near the boundaries.
- Sociable vs. secluded: You can make it as sociable as you want. People are friendly, but if you pick a quieter corner pitch you can keep to yourself.
Cost & Value
Pricing is in line with most New Forest campsites. Not dirt cheap, but you’re paying for location and facilities.
- Cost for a van with two adults & EHU: Around £30–£35 a night in peak season (cheaper off-peak).
- Extras: Dogs, awnings, and additional vehicles can add to the cost, so check the booking details.
- Value for money: Fair. You’re getting a big site with good facilities in a prime location. If you’re used to wild camping for free, it’ll feel steep, but as a reset stop it makes sense.
Nearby Things To Do
One of the big draws here is what’s on your doorstep.
- Walks & cycling: Loads of trails directly from the site. You can head into heathland or forest within minutes.
- Burley village: About 10 minutes’ drive. Quirky, touristy little village with tea rooms, pubs, and a witchcraft shop (yes, really). Worth a wander.
- Beaches: If you fancy a change, the coast isn’t far – around 25 minutes to Highcliffe or Barton-on-Sea.
- Pubs: The Crown Stirrup in Lyndhurst or the Queens Head in Burley are both solid options.
- New Forest ponies & wildlife: Honestly, half the fun is just spotting ponies, donkeys, and cattle roaming the forest roads.
Vanlife Suitability
This is definitely a van-friendly site.
- Pitch size: Generous enough for long wheelbase vans and big motorhomes.
- Flat ground: Mostly flat, but bring levelling blocks if you’re fussy.
- Shaded vs. open: Plenty of open pitches, but some with tree cover. If you want shade in summer, request a pitch under the trees.
- Hardstanding: Mostly grass pitches. Fine in good weather, but if it’s been raining you might need traction mats.
Best & Worst Bits
Best bits:
- Great location in the heart of the New Forest
- Spacious site with room to spread out
- Good, clean facilities – showers, waste, water, laundry
- Direct access to trails and nature
Worst bits:
- Can feel crowded and busy in peak season
- Grass pitches can get boggy in very wet weather
- Not the cheapest option for long stays
Personal Tips
- Pitch choice: If you want peace, ask for a pitch on the outer edges, away from the main facilities block.
- Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May/June or September) are ideal. Warm enough to enjoy, but less crowded than school holidays.
- Gear that helped: Levelling blocks (some pitches aren’t perfectly flat), a bike (perfect for exploring without driving), and a power bank (in case you skip EHU).
- Booking: Definitely book ahead in summer – it fills up fast.
Holmsley isn’t a hidden gem or a quiet wild spot – it’s a big, busy campsite with all the pros and cons that come with that. But it’s also one of the more practical, vanlife-friendly bases in the New Forest, especially if you want facilities after a stretch of off-grid living.
Would I go back? Yes – probably not in the height of August, but as a couple of nights’ stop to recharge, shower, and explore the forest, it does the job nicely.
Who it’s best for:
- Vanlifers and motorhomers who want a proper reset stop
- Families with kids who’ll love the space and freedom
- Dog owners looking for walks straight from camp
Who it’s not for:
- Anyone chasing total solitude
- Those who want hardstanding pitches guaranteed
If you’ve stayed at Holmsley yourself, I’d love to know what you thought – especially if you’ve noticed differences with the new management. Drop your experiences in the comments or ask me anything if you’re planning a trip.
Getting there
Holmsley Campsite, Forest Rd, Burley, Christchurch BH23 7EQ
Telephone: 01590 631641
https://www.campinginthenewforest.com/campsites/holmsley