New Forestry England campervan road trip launches for summer 2026

Campervan and motorhome owners looking for a unique UK getaway this summer have a brand-new adventure to plan with overnight stays now available deep in the nation’s forests.

Forestry England has announced its exciting new Forest Campervan Road Trip, giving ‘van owners the rare opportunity to stay overnight in some of England’s most beautiful woodland locations.

Photo supplied by Forestry England

Running for a limited period from July 16^th to September 14^th 2026, the initiative opens selected forest car parks exclusively to self-contained campervans and motorhomes for off-grid overnight stays.

A brand-new way to explore the UK by campervan

This summer-only experience invites you to slow down and enjoy the UK’s forests in a completely different way.

Instead of visiting for a day, you can now:

• Stay overnight surrounded by nature
• Watch the sunset through the trees
• Wake up to birdsong in peaceful woodland settings

Photo supplied by Forestry England

Visitors can stay for up to two nights at each location, making it easy to plan a scenic multi-stop road trip across England’s forests.

Even better, prices are designed to be affordable:

• £16 per night (£14 for Forestry England members)
• £15 per night at Kielder Castle

Where you can stay…

The route features seven stunning forest locations, each offering its own experience for campervan and motorhome travellers:

• Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent – Famous for its world-leading conifer collection
• Jeskyns Community Woodland, Kent – Meadows, orchards and abundant wildlife
• High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Suffolk – Set in the UK’s largest lowland pine forest
• Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire – Woodland trails and Chiltern Hills views
• Cardinham Woods, Cornwall – Peaceful ancient woodland just outside Bodmin
• Gisburn Forest, Lancashire – A hotspot for mountain biking and outdoor adventure
• Kielder Castle, Northumberland – Located in England’s largest forest and a Dark Sky destination

Whether you’re planning a family break, an active cycling trip or a peaceful escape, the forest locations offer something for everyone.

Photo supplied by Forestry England

What to expect from your stay

These stopovers are designed as simple, off-grid experiences, perfect for travellers who enjoy off grid motorhoming.

At most sites you’ll find:

• Nearby visitor centres with cafés and toilets
• Walking and cycling trails for all abilities
• Family-friendly attractions like Gruffalo trails and play areas

Photo by Forestry England

However, it’s important to note:

• There are no electric hook-ups or waste disposal facilities
• You’ll need to be fully self-contained
• Many activities and facilities may close overnight

For longer trips, Forestry England operates 14 campsites, ranging from back-to-basics sites to full-facility locations, which you can combine with your road trip for a mix of off-grid and fully serviced stays.

Important rules for campervan and motorhome owners

Before you go, there are a few key rules to be aware of:

• Pre-booking is required
• Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours
• Only self-contained campervans and motorhomes are allowed
• Vehicle size limits apply (up to 7.5m / 5 tonnes; 6.5m / 3.5 tonnes at Cardinham Woods)
• Caravans, tents and trailer tents are not allowed
• No awnings, BBQs, generators or outdoor furniture
• No fires, stoves or generators
• Visitors must remove all waste and leave no trace
• Overnight stays are only permitted in designated locations

These rules help protect the forests and make sure this trial scheme can continue in the future. If successful, there’s hope that similar initiatives could expand across the UK.

Plan your forest road trip

If you fancy trying something different this summer, this limited-time road trip is a fantastic way to explore England’s forests and connect with nature beyond usual campsites.

Plan your route and book your stay here.

Don’t forget your motorhome or campervan insurance

Before setting off on your forest adventure, make sure your vehicle is properly protected.

At Caravan Guard, we offer specialist campervan and motorhome insurance designed for touring the UK and beyond, giving you peace of mind whether you’re staying on campsites or enjoying off-grid stopovers.

Find out more about our campervan insurance and motorhome insurance.

Ready to hit the road?

With stunning forest locations, affordable overnight stays and a chance to experience nature after hours, Forestry England’s new campervan road trip is set to be one of summer 2026’s must-try touring adventures.