Camping in Staunton

Staunton's setting on the edge of the Forest of Dean makes it a genuinely appealing spot for a camping trip, with ancient woodland, sandstone outcrops and the Wye Valley all within a short drive. As with anywhere in England, wild camping is not legally permitted without the landowner's explicit permission, so pitching up in the Forest itself or on farmland around Staunton without asking first is best avoided, however tempting the woodland clearings look. Fortunately the Forest of Dean has a long-established campsite culture, with sites ranging from simple, low-key fields with basic facilities to more developed touring and camping parks offering electric hook-ups, showers and family-friendly extras, most within a few miles of Staunton around Coleford, Monmouth and further into the Forest.

Late spring through early autumn is the most reliable camping season, when the woodland is at its greenest and evenings are long enough to enjoy a fire pit after a day exploring the Buckstone or Symonds Yat. May and June bring bluebells and birdsong to the Forest, while September and early October offer a quieter, cooler alternative with the added bonus of autumn colour, particularly striking against Staunton's exposed sandstone. High summer is the busiest period for the region's bigger sites, so booking ahead for July and August is sensible.

For those who prefer more comfort without giving up the outdoor setting, glamping has taken hold across the Forest of Dean in recent years, with options including safari tents, shepherd's huts and wooden pods available at sites within easy reach of Staunton. These tend to suit visitors keen on the surrounding walking and wildlife but less keen on pitching their own tent, and many stay open across a longer season than traditional camping, making spring and autumn breaks a realistic option as well as high summer.