There are over 50 car parks controlled by New Forest District Council, both costal and in towns and villages. Charges apply in most of the car parks, but some are free. Some car parks have electric vehicle charging points. If you are planning to be in the area for some time, you may want to consider buying a parking clock. Full details are available on the NFDC web site.
There are over a hundred car parks in the Crown Lands. Parking is not allowed anywhere other than within the official car parks. Some car parks, particularly those at the main visitor sites are quite large, whilst others are very small with space for only five or six cars.
A map of car parks is available on Forestry England website, but virtually every Forest road within the Forestry England boundary will have a number to choose from.
During the winter months a number of car parks are closed and some may be temporarily closed at other times. Details of closures can be found on the Forestry England website.
If you park on New Forest verges, you will damage wild flowers and grasses that are of huge ecological importance. The verges are specifically protected as a SSSI. You will also be committing a criminal offence.
Forestry England and commoners need access to gates as they go about their business and so you should never park in front of them.
Rather than parking on verges or in front of gates, if your chosen car park is full, then why don’t you select another and take the opportunity to explore a different part of the Forest.
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