Camping in Aldershot

Aldershot itself is a built-up garrison town, so this is not a campsite destination in its own right, but it sits within easy reach of some appealing wild country for anyone touring Hampshire and Surrey with a tent, campervan or caravan. As with everywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal, so stick to licensed sites, farm campsites or the small number of areas, such as parts of Dartmoor, where informal camping is specifically allowed. Around Aldershot the terrain is a mix of sandy heathland, pine plantation and the gentle chalk downland of the Surrey Hills a little further south, giving a good variety of short walks and cycling routes for anyone based nearby.

The Basingstoke Canal towpath, which runs close to the town, is a popular route for cyclists and dog walkers staying at nearby sites, while the heaths around Ash Ranges and Bourley Reservoir offer open, sandy landscapes reminiscent of the Surrey and Hampshire commons further afield. Campsites in the area tend to be small, family-run touring and camping parks rather than large holiday parks, often set on farmland or in wooded pockets between Aldershot, Farnham and the Blackwater Valley, and they make a sensible, affordable base for exploring both the Surrey Hills and the edges of the South Downs.

Late spring through to early autumn is the best window for camping in this part of the country, when the heathland is at its most colourful with heather and gorse, and evenings are long enough for a walk along the canal after pitching up. Midges and biting insects can be an issue near the water in high summer, so many campers prefer the shoulder months of May, June and September. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without sacrificing the outdoor feel, a growing number of local sites offer glamping options such as bell tents, shepherd's huts and pods, giving easy access to the same countryside with rather more comfort than a standard tent pitch.