Ocknell Campsite

Set in the peaceful northern part of the forest near Fritham, this campsite sits among open heath and woodland where free-roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle often graze right through and around the camping area. Deer sometimes pass close by too. It is run as a deliberately simple site, so the appeal is space, quiet and the feeling of camping in the middle of the landscape rather than in a resort-style park.

Pitches are largely unmarked across grass and heath, with hardstanding available and rally fields on site. That means you choose your own spot, which many people love for the sense of space and seclusion, but it also means arriving with a plan if you want distance from neighbours. There is a shop, toilets, washbasins, dish washing facilities, drinking water taps and a motorhome service point. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome, and so are dogs.

• There are no showers. Plan your washing routine around that before you book.
• Bring rock pegs. The ground here is firm and standard pegs will struggle.
• Expect a back-to-basics setup, so pack as though you are self-sufficient for power and comfort.
• Do not follow the postcode blindly. Sat-nav can send you to a nursing home in Fritham village; the campsite entrance is farther along the road, so follow the signed campsite directions instead.
• Keep food sealed and out of reach, and do not feed, pet or approach the animals. They can bite and kick.

No showers is the big one, and the simple facilities will not suit everyone. Some pitches catch background traffic noise from the A31, which light sleepers notice. The unmarked layout can feel busy and haphazard when the site fills up. If you want walking straight from your tent, heath and woodland trails cross the surrounding countryside, which is the main reason to accept the trade.