NEWS | A New Era For Fineshade Wood Campsite, Northamptonshire

April 1, 2026 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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Forestry England has announced that the popular overnight parking area at Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire, will reopen as a fully operated campsite under the Forestry England banner, following a competitive tender process that saw Camping New Forest Ltd appointed as the new operator.

Camping New Forest currently manages 11 campsites across the New Forest National Park and is well‑known for delivering authentic, environmentally responsible camping experiences rooted in education, conservation, and community engagement.

Located in north Northamptonshire, and part of the former royal hunting forest of Rockingham Forest, Fineshade Wood can be found between Stamford and Corby on the A43, and is widely considered by locals to be a hidden gem.

Following a short temporary closure of the overnight offer to prepare the site, visitors will soon be welcomed back to enjoy upgraded facilities and the reassurance of friendly onsite wardens. The location, previously run by Forestry England as a motorhome parking area, is beginning an exciting new chapter, with thoughtful improvements planned to enhance the experience even further over time.

Denis Dooley, CEO of Camping New Forest, said:

“It is an exciting opportunity for us to expand and take on the running of another campsite. Our primary remit is education, and visitor experience, environment and community are at the heart of everything we do.

Our vision is to create high‑quality, authentic campsites that communities can be proud of – places that improve local sustainability and give visitors unforgettable experiences; learning about, exploring and embracing nature through camping. We are excited to work with Forestry England and the Fineshade Wood visitor centre to build on the existing experience and enhance what this special woodland site can
offer.”

Hayley Skipper, Director of Operations – Commercial Visitor Development at Forestry England, added:

“This marks an exciting new chapter for Fineshade Wood and the community we serve. Camping gives people fresh ways to enjoy the forest, connect with each other and feel closer to nature.

Fineshade Wood is a haven for nature-lovers, walkers and cyclists of all abilities, with great play areas and a family activity trail, sensory garden, and fantastic visitor centre and café, all right on the doorstep for campers. It’s the perfect spot for a forest getaway and a great location for your next adventure outdoors.
Above all, camping helps us continue Forestry England’s mission to care for our forests and make them special places for people to enjoy.”

Campers can stay at Fineshade Wood Campsite from £13.60, from 1 April, and can book at fineshadecampsite.co.uk

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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