Holmsley Campsite sits within the New Forest, just outside Burley, with direct access onto open heathland straight from the entrance. It’s a Forestry England site, and one of the first things you notice is how much it feels part of the wider landscape rather than separated from it.
Booking was simple and quick through the website, which made the whole process feel easy from the start. It was straightforward to choose the dates and pitch type, and everything was confirmed without any fuss.
Arrival was just as smooth. As you pull in, you come up to a barrier with a small reception hut beside it. When we arrived, the lovely lady from reception came out, checked our booking, and pointed us in the right direction. It felt personal and easy, which always helps after a longer drive.
We were given two different field options and a bit of freedom to choose what suited us best. We ended up heading to the quieter section towards the back of the site, past the toilet blocks. As we were there in the middle of a heatwave, the ground was firm and dry, which made parking straightforward. We chose a spot near the rear under some tree cover, which gave us some welcome shade through the hotter part of the day.
The approach roads narrow in places, which is typical for this part of the forest, but they’re perfectly manageable if taken slowly. Once you’re through the entrance, the site opens out into a wide, gently sloping space.
Location Overview
Holmsley occupies the site of a former RAF airfield, and that history still shapes how the campsite feels today. Long stretches of old tarmac run through the site, forming the main access roads and, in some areas, the pitches themselves.
This gives it a noticeably different feel from many other New Forest campsites. Rather than enclosed woodland, the setting is open, with wide views across heathland and low vegetation. There’s less tree cover here, so the whole site feels broader and more exposed, with fewer corners that feel tucked away.
Burley is the nearest village and the most practical nearby stop for supplies, food, and day-to-day essentials. It’s only a short drive from the site, which makes topping up on basics easy once you’re settled in.
Pitches and Layout
The site is large, with pitches spread across several distinct areas. Some sit directly along the old runway sections, while others are set on grass in open ground or closer to the edges where trees begin to gather.
Both hardstanding and grass pitches are available. Spacing varies slightly depending on where you’re pitched, but overall it doesn’t feel tightly packed.
Electric hook-up is available on selected pitches.
The layout is easy to follow. Long, straight roads run through the site, reflecting the original airfield design. It makes arrival noticeably simpler, especially if you’re arriving later in the day or manoeuvring a larger van, as there’s very little need to double back through tight loops or smaller internal roads.
Facilities
Toilet and shower blocks are positioned around the site and are within walking distance of most pitches, following the standard Forestry England setup.
There’s also a washing-up area, drinking water points, and chemical waste disposal.
A small on-site shop stocks basic essentials, which is useful for the usual forgotten bits without needing to drive into Burley.
Atmosphere and Setting
The openness defines how Holmsley feels day to day. Compared with the more wooded campsites nearby, there’s less shelter from wind and weather, and fewer naturally enclosed spaces.
At the same time, that openness gives the site a real sense of space. You’re not boxed in by trees, and the views stretch much further across the heathland, which can make it feel calmer despite the site’s size.
Animals move freely through the site, as they do across much of the New Forest. Ponies and donkeys are often seen walking along the access roads or passing quietly between pitches. After a while, it becomes part of the rhythm of the place rather than something unusual.
The old airfield layout adds to that atmosphere. The straight lines, wide surfaces, and open ground give Holmsley a different pace from more traditional woodland campsites. It feels more spread out, with fewer natural boundaries between areas.
Walking and Access to the Forest
One of the most practical things about Holmsley is how easily it connects to the surrounding landscape.
You can walk directly out of the campsite and onto open heathland without needing to drive elsewhere first. Several informal paths lead away from the site, making it easy to head out in different directions without much planning.
Walks can be as short or as long as you want. You can stay close to the site for an easy evening wander or continue further out across wider stretches of the New Forest.
Cycling is also possible, though in practice it tends to follow gravel tracks and open forest routes rather than dedicated cycle paths.
Practical Notes
The size of the campsite means it can feel busy during peak periods. Because there are fewer enclosed areas, there’s less visual separation between pitches in some sections, particularly on the more open ground.
Exposure is worth considering, especially if you’re in a campervan, motorhome, or using an awning. With limited natural shelter, the site can feel noticeably more affected by wind and weather than more wooded locations.
Ground conditions also vary depending on where you’re pitched. Grass areas can soften after rain, while the old runway sections remain firm and reliable, which can make a practical difference in wet weather.
Overall, Holmsley works well as a straightforward base for exploring this part of the New Forest. The combination of open space, simple layout, and direct access to the surrounding landscape makes it easy to settle in and head out without much friction.
It’s also worth noting that different areas of the site can feel quite different depending on where you’re pitched. The contrast between the runway sections and the grass edges changes the feel of the stay more than you might expect.
If you’ve stayed at Holmsley yourself, I’d love to know what you thought, especially if you’ve noticed any differences with the new management. Drop your experience in the comments, or ask anything if you’re planning a trip.
Getting There
Holmsley Campsite
Forest Rd, Burley
Christchurch BH23 7EQ
Telephone: 01590 631641
Really helpful review, thanks for being honest about how busy it gets in school holidays. We’ve been looking for somewhere in the New Forest that’s easy to get into with a long wheelbase Sprinter, so the bit about wide access roads and no awkward low bridges was exactly what I needed.
Fair review to be honest. I do think £30–£35 a night feels a bit steep when hardstanding isn’t guaranteed, especially if the weather turns and the grass gets boggy like you mentioned. That said, being able to refill water, empty waste, and get a proper hot shower in the heart of the New Forest does make it tempting for a couple of nights.