This may sound strange but the great thing about Inwood Camping is that the second you pitch your tent, you regret it. The problem is, the grass here is always greener. Pitch in the ‘big field’ and you start to stare with envy at those snuggled beneath the deciduous trees. Pitch beneath the trees, though, and you later find another, smaller meadow that seems to beckon you over, or you discover the lanky, dark green pines that tower over yet more perfect patches. So before you down tools and pop up the tent, wander amongst the trees to get a feel for the entire space. The moral of it all will quickly spread into every part of your holiday: take your time, don't rush, for Inwood is a campsite made for exploration.
Set within a large copse that once joined the rest of Hampshire in swathes of endless forest, Inwood camping has pitches of all variety. Large groups can stick to the meadow spaces, the biggest of which offers excellent far reaching views over the North Wessex Downs, while those seeking a little more peace can find a quiet wooded glade and call the place their own. Scattered throughout there are water taps and long-drop toilets – far more sanitary then the portable-potty variety. One of the best features, though, are the gas powered showers, similarly dotted at various points around the site. Rustic, unique and fully encompassing the wilderness feel of the site, they're wonderfully hot and powerful, as well as conveniently placed.
Back by the reception area, there are more commonplace facilities: Flushing loos, showers and washing up sinks accompany a handy little shop selling essentials. Here you can also hire a grill, a vital bit of kit when you discover that cooking over a campfire is encouraged more than gambling in Las Vegas. It’s easy to see why. The whole ethos of the place is based around providing that proper camping experience. Pitch where you want, play where you want, light campfires, build dens, watch the stars, spot the wildlife… the two main rules at Inwood seem to be ‘respect the forest’ and ‘enjoy yourself’ – rules we are more than happy to live by.
From the far end of the site there is an excellent 40-minute ramble into Dummer, a small village with an excellent pub. You could also take the car into the heart of the Wessex Downs to join the scenic trails and cycle routes there. There's off-site optons aplenty but for many, plans to go elsewhere are all but usurped by kids captivated by the woods and with no intentions of leaving. With more space at Inwood than you could ever need, the site seems full of life whilst never even approaching overcrowded. Once you settle in, the days just seem to drift away. Just don’t get jealous of other campers. You picked your spot. Now stick with it.
Inwood is on the edge of the sweeping North Wessex Downs (01488 685440), both beautiful and generously populated with charming little villages such as The Candovers. The small traditional town of Alresford is home to the famous Watercress Line (01962 733 810). Campers are not far from Jane Austen country, she lived in Alton, a nearby base for walks and tours of the famous area. Old Basing, which is just the other side of Basingstoke is surprisingly rural, has a historic ruined castle and wonderful canal walks, though half an hour away Winchester is perhaps the most notable place for a busy day trip. It's cathedral (01962 857200), market place and intriguing castle ruins (0870 333 1181) make it well worth the drive.
