Camping in Lydney

Lydney sits on the doorstep of the Forest of Dean, one of England's most established camping and glamping areas, with sites ranging from simple grassy pitches to fully-equipped safari tents and shepherd's huts tucked among the oaks. As with everywhere else in England, wild camping on Forest of Dean land or along the Severn estuary is not permitted without the landowner's explicit consent, so plan on booking a recognised site rather than pitching up informally; Forestry England and private landowners do enforce this, and unauthorised camping can mean being asked to move on. The good news is that the Forest has no shortage of legitimate options within a short drive of the town, many run by families who know the local trails and can point you towards the best cycling routes or a good pub.

The terrain around Lydney itself is gentle, low-lying and river-adjacent, better suited to touring pitches and family sites than to rugged wild camping in any case, while sites further into the Forest proper, towards Parkend, Christchurch or Cannop, sit among denser woodland with more of a wild, secluded feel despite being fully serviced. Many of these woodland sites also make a natural base for exploring the Dean Forest Railway, the Sculpture Trail and the mountain bike trails at Cannop, all reachable by bike or a short drive.

Camping season in the Forest of Dean generally runs from Easter through to late September, with the driest and warmest stretch typically falling between May and August; the tree cover that makes the woodland sites so appealing also means paths can stay muddy for longer after rain, so waterproof boots are worth packing whatever the forecast. Glamping has grown steadily here in recent years, and pre-erected bell tents, pods and huts with proper beds and heating are now a realistic option even outside the height of summer, extending the season for anyone put off by a traditional tent. Whichever style you choose, booking ahead is sensible in the school holidays, when Forest of Dean sites fill up quickly.