New Forestry England Overnight Campervan Trial: Thetford Forest Rules & Details

Forestry England has officially announced a brand-new, 60-day trial running from 16 July to 14 September 2026. They are opening up selected forest car parks across the country to self-contained campervans and motorhomes for overnight stays. High Lodge at Thetford Forest is one of the primary locations selected for the pilot.

Before you pack your bags and head straight for the trees, it is crucial to understand that Forestry England is running this under highly specific, strict parameters. They aren't messing around with the regulations. If you don't follow the baseline terms, you will risk receiving a standard Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Here is exactly what you need to know about booking a spot at High Lodge this summer.

Vehicle Restrictions & Size Limits

Forestry England has set hard physical limits on the types of rigs permitted to use the spaces. Because this is an off-grid trial, your vehicle must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum Length: 7.5 meters.
• Maximum Weight: 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW).
• Height Restrictions: There are no explicit overhead height barriers listed for the overnight bays, but your setup must fit comfortably within a standard long-stay parking bay layout.
• Strict Exclusions: This trial is solely for motorized, self-contained campervans and motorhomes. Ground tents, roof-top tents, caravans, car camping, and trailers are completely banned. If you are running a rooftop tent box setup or pulling a caravan, you are excluded from this trial.

Booking Logistics & Costs

You cannot simply turn up at dusk and expect to park. The overnight spaces require mandatory pre-booking before you arrive on site.

• The Location: 10 designated overnight bays located inside the Nightjar car park at High Lodge (Sat Nav: IP27 0AF).
• The Cost: £16 per night for non-members (£14 per night if you hold a valid Forestry England membership).
• Booking Window: You must book online via the official Forestry England portal by midday (12:00 PM) the day before your planned arrival. Walk-ins are not permitted.
• Timings: You can arrive from 12:00 PM on your booking day, and you must depart the bay by 11:30 AM the following morning.
• Maximum Stay: You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 2 consecutive nights. No return is permitted within a 48-hour window.
• Quiet Hours: Strictly enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. No loud music, social gatherings, or running generators during this window.

On-Site Facilities (What to Expect)

Do not expect the amenities of a commercial holiday park. This is a basic, off-grid experience designed for independent setups.

• No Hookups or Dumps: There is zero electric hook-up (EHU) on-site. There are also no facilities to empty your chemical toilet cassette (Elsan) or drop your greywater. You must pack out absolutely everything you bring in.
• Toilets: The main visitor center toilets at High Lodge will remain open and accessible 24 hours a day for overnight campers. However, Forestry England has strictly stated these facilities must not be used to dump chemical waste or wash dishes.
• The "Zero External Footprint" Rule: When you are parked up, you must keep your entire setup inside the van. You are completely forbidden from putting out awnings, leveling blocks, outdoor tables, or camping chairs.

The No-Fire Regulation

The biggest trap for van lifers looking to cook a meal is the strict fire policy. Because Thetford Forest is a high-risk area for wildfires, especially during July and August, regulations are zero-tolerance.

Banned Heat Sources: Open campfires, fire pits, charcoal BBQs, disposable BBQs, and even external gas camping stoves are completely prohibited in the car parks.

You are only permitted to cook using internal appliances built inside your vehicle (such as internal gas hobs, built-in ovens, or low-draw 12v appliances).

The 7 Participating Locations

Is it Worth It?

At £16 a night, it serves as a highly reliable, legal option to stay inside the UK’s largest lowland pine forest without looking over your shoulder for a knock on the window. You get immediate access to world-class biking trails, quiet evening walks after the day-trippers go home, and fantastic dark skies.

If the community treats this trial with respect—leaving zero trace, keeping our setups internal, and respecting the quiet hours—there is a genuine chance Forestry England could make this project a permanent fixture.