England just made campervanning even more exciting

If you have ever dreamed of falling asleep surrounded by nothing but trees, and waking up to the sound of birdsong with a forest all to yourself, this summer that dream just became a whole lot more achievable.

Forestry England has launched something genuinely exciting: the Forest Campervan Road Trip, a brand new trial scheme that opens up seven stunning forest locations across England to overnight campervan and motorhome stays. We are talking deep woodland locations, from Cornwall to the Scottish borders, that most people have only ever visited during daylight hours.

As a campervan hire business, we could not be more excited to share this, because this is exactly the kind of adventure that reminds people why life on the road is so special.

What is the Forest Campervan Road Trip?

Running from 16th July to 14th September 2026, Forestry England is opening selected forest car parks exclusively to campervans and small motorhomes (not cars or caravans) for overnight stays. You can stay up to two nights at each location before moving on to the next stop.

It is a summer road trip itinerary handed to you on a plate, with seven incredible locations to work your way around. Think of it as England's answer to Scotland's much-loved Stay the Night scheme. And if Scotland's experience is anything to go by, this could just be the beginning.

Stop 1. Cardinham Woods, Cornwall

Tucked away just 10 minutes from Bodmin, Cardinham rolls across the valley sides of a beautiful stream with waymarked walks, mountain bike trails and an ancient clapper bridge and old lead mine to discover. There is a children's play area, a Room on the Broom trail and a dog wash station. Note: this site has the strictest vehicle limits on the route at 6.5m length and 3.5 tonnes.

Where to eat: Woods Cafe on site is well loved for homemade cakes and light bites. Hidden gem: Lanhydrock House and Gardens (National Trust) is just a short drive away, and Camel Valley Vineyard, one of England's finest wine producers, is worth a detour.

Stop 2. Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent

Set within the stunning High Weald AONB, Bedgebury is home to the world's most important collection of conifers, with over 12,000 specimen trees across 320 Grade II listed acres. Cycle hire, Go Ape, family trails and a beautiful lake make it brilliant by day. Max length 7.5m, max weight 5 tonnes.

Where to eat: Bedgebury Cafe overlooks one of the pinetum's lakes. Hidden gem: Goudhurst village, perched over 400 feet above sea level with views across Kent's orchards and hop gardens, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Weald.

Stop 3. Jeskyns Community Woodland, Kent

Just two minutes off the A2 near Gravesend, Jeskyns is a wonderful surprise: 360 acres of woodland, orchards, meadows and lakes transformed from former farmland. Families love the five walking trails, cycling paths, a secret Fairy and Elf Village, and a dog swimming lake. Max length 7.5m, max weight 5 tonnes.

Where to eat: Jeskyns Cafe is great for morning coffees and snacks. Hidden gem: Cobham Hall, one of Kent's finest Elizabethan country houses, is just a short drive away.

Stop 4. Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire

Sitting at the highest point in the Chilterns at 267 metres, Wendover Woods offers sweeping views across Aylesbury Vale, waymarked trails for all abilities, a fitness course, Go Ape and even a hidden Iron Age hill fort within the trees. Max length 7.5m, max weight 5 tonnes.

Where to eat: the Cafe in the Woods has lovely views across the escarpment. Hidden gem: Coombe Hill nearby is the highest National Trust viewpoint in the Chilterns; on a clear day you can see all the way to the Cotswolds.

Stop 5. High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Suffolk

The largest lowland pine forest in the UK comes into its own once the day visitors leave. Go Ape, Segway trails, cycling and walking keep everyone busy, and High Lodge also hosts major live music events in summer, so check the calendar before you go. Max length 7.5m, max weight 5 tonnes.

Where to eat: the on-site cafe is open seven days a week. Hidden gem: Grimes Graves, a few miles away, is a Neolithic flint mine where you can descend into a 4,500-year-old pit.

Stop 6. Gisburn Forest, Lancashire

Lancashire's largest forest sits in the dramatic Ribble Valley with some of the best mountain biking trails in the north of England, from family-friendly green routes to challenging black runs, plus a rewarding circular walk around Stocks Reservoir. It is also an accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site. Max length 7.5m, max weight 5 tonnes.

Where to eat: the forest cafe is perfect after a ride. Hidden gem: Pendle Hill, an easy drive away, is one of the most atmospheric peaks in the north and steeped in the legend of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials.

Stop 7. Kielder Forest, Northumberland

England's largest forest near the Scottish borders is in a league of its own. Hundreds of miles of trails, red squirrels, ospreys, kayaking on Kielder Water and a fascinating outdoor art trail by day. By night, you are inside Europe's largest protected Dark Sky Park where the Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy and sometimes the Northern Lights are visible to the naked eye. No pre-booking required. Arrival from 5pm, departure before 10am.

Where to eat: Kielder Castle Visitor Centre has a good daytime cafe. Hidden gem: Kielder Observatory runs regular public stargazing and aurora-hunting events that book up fast, so plan ahead.

What you need to know before you book

• Cost: 16 pounds per night (14 pounds for Forestry England members). Kielder is 15 pounds per night for everyone.
• Booking: essential at all locations except Kielder (Stop 7). These spots will fill up fast.
• Self-contained only: no hook-ups or waste disposal. An onboard or portable toilet is a must.
• Vehicle size: Stop 1 (Cardinham) is max 6.5m and 3.5 tonnes. All other stops are max 7.5m and 5 tonnes.
• Leave No Trace: Forestry England ask all visitors to follow their Forest Code.

Our campervans are fully equipped and self-contained, with everything you need for an off-grid stay like this already on board. Dates are selling out quickly, so if you have got a week in mind this summer, now is the time to check availability.