The benefits of wild camping at Back of Beyond

Wild camping has been very much at the forefront of the news recently. Camping off-grid is something incredibly special and something that we feel everyone should try at some point, in a safe and legal way.

To us, camping without electricity is a great opportunity to disconnect from the busy modern-day world. It’s a chance to step back – switch off those phones and other technology and enjoy nature at its best. Here at Back of Beyond, we have our own wild camping area, where you can camp off-grid but with the benefits of 5* facilities close by.

It’s ideal for star gazing!

When wild camping in rural areas (including here at Back of Beyond), you can often enjoy minimal light pollution and can see spectacular displays of stars at night. We love the game of trying to guess which constellations we can see overhead!

No distractions

By switching off the tech and going back to basics you have no distractions. Have a chat, read a book, play games and simply enjoy each other’s company.

It’s good for your mental health

Being close to nature has proven benefits to your mental health. By wild camping, you’ll often be able to hear the bird song and be woken slowly by the rising sun – much better than a noisy alarm clock! Here at Back of Beyond, you may even be lucky enough to hear the hoots of an owl or the distinctive churring of a nightjar.

Learn new skills

Toasting marshmallows
Hire fire pits from Reception

Never pitched a tent before? Never cooked on a fire? These are things you can try when wild camping. Of course, if you are wild camping here, then you can also have a chat to our friendly wardens who’d be happy to give you some advice (they’ll even sell you some marshmallows should you feel like a tasty treat!).

Wild camping at Back of Beyond

On our site, our wild camping area is Emma’s Glade. This area of our park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the unique wildlife that can be found here. For that reason, dogs aren’t allowed on this area of the site (don’t worry though, if you do have a dog – there are other areas you can camp).

We, like many others, love the peaceful nature of Emma’s Glade. Plus, here you also have the added luxury of our toilet and shower block just a short distance away.

And, don’t forget, our campsite is within easy reach of the stunning New Forest National Park as well as the beautiful Dorset coastline – so there are ample opportunities to get out and about in nature here. Bring your bikes and enjoy the many cycle routes nearby – including the Castleman Trailway and make the most of the great outdoors.

If you’d like to know more about our camping opportunities, then check out our camping page. We’d love to see you here in 2023.