Sponsor content created with Forestry England
One of the best things about owning a campervan or small motorhome is the ability to go anywhere at any time – it’s simple to pack up and hit the road, heading for wherever your dreams take you.
But it’s all too easy to follow the crowds and end up somewhere with facilities you don’t need – after all, you have everything you require on board – amongst hordes of other people, all keen to get away.
Which is why we’re really excited about Forestry England’s new Forest Campervan Road Trip initiative, starting next month, which allows motorhomers to stay off-grid in some of the most beautiful and peaceful woodland locations across the country.
A location for everyone
From 16 July to 14 September 2026, you can park up at one of six new car park locations – as well as Kielder Castle, where overnight stays have been available for a number of years – in some of England’s most spectacular spots, from Cornwall to Northumberland.
Best of all, you can stay for up to two nights, giving you the rare opportunity to get back to nature and explore everything that the forest has to offer – whether it’s peaceful hikes, all-action mountain biking or watching wildlife in its natural habitat, it’s all there waiting for you to enjoy, from dusk to dawn.
As for where to stay: for stunning scenery, you could consider Bedgebury National Pinetum and Jeskyns Community Woodland, both in Kent, or Wendover Woods in Buckinghamshire.
Cardinham Woods in Cornwall, High Lodge in Thetford Forest in Suffolk and Gisburn Forest in Lancashire are all perfect if you enjoy walking or cycling, while Kielder Castle in Northumberland is ideal for star gazing under beautifully dark skies.
And the price is great value, too: your stay will cost just £16 per night (£14 for Forestry England members). Kielder Castle, meanwhile – where pre-booking isn’t required – costs £15 per night for members and non-members alike.
Get ready for adventure!
Here are Practical Motorhome’s top tips for making the most of your Forestry England stay.
1 Book now! The experience is available for a limited time until 14 September 2026, and spaces are likely to fill up quickly. Spots must be pre-booked at all locations except Kielder Castle, where you can just turn up and stay. For all other locations, tickets can be booked via the Forestry England website.
2 Check that the size of your vehicle will be accepted. At Bedgebury, Jeskyns, High Lodge, Wendover, Gisburn and Kielder Castle, the maximum vehicle size is 7.5 metres and 5 tonnes. At Cardinham, the maximum size is 6 metres and 3.5 tonnes.
3 Make sure you have everything you need on board and leave no trace. Facilities are limited so you must take all your rubbish and waste away with you, even water and toilet waste. You can also read all of the regulations on the Forestry England website.
4 If you can’t bag a spot this time, or if you’d like to stay somewhere with more facilities, take a look at a Forestry England campsite. There are 14 around England, offering showers, toilets, water and waste disposal, and more.
So what are you waiting for? Your fantastic forest stay is out there, ready for you to experience right now.
To discover more about Forestry England’s new Forest Campervan Road Trip initiative, simply visit the website.
You can also read the latest news from Forest England Camping on Instagram and Facebook.
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