Black Knowl
To Find site:- If approaching from the M3/M27
it might be worth considering using the M271 and entering Lyndhurst from
the Totton/Ashurst direction as this allows easier navigation through
Lyndhurst at peak times. From Lyndhurst on the A337 towards Brockenhurst
watch out for the Balmer Lawn Hotel on the left, a little further on,
opposite the Carey's Manor Hotel turn right into Grigg Lane signed B3055
Sway/New Milton. Continue to the staggered cross roads and cross into
Sway Road, don’t be tempted to go right through the village as this will
take you through a Ford!
Just past the Esso Garage turn right
into The Rise, signed Rhinefield/Burley and right again at the T
junction into Rhinefield Road. Continue along Rhinefield Road past the
Forest Park Hotel and about half a mile further on turn right passing
car park on left. Continue along this road (regular large speed humps)
to site. The final approach to the site is mainly single track. For this
reason the site instructions state no arrivals before 12 noon and
departures are to be by 11.30am.
This member’s only site has a superb location
right in the New Forest a couple of miles outside the village of
Brockenhurst. Like a lot of other Caravan Club sites it is well
camouflaged from the surrounding countryside. In total there are 130
pitches, 91 are hardstandings, of which 18 are serviced with water and
waste. They have an open aspect set out
around a circular access road. Outside the main season only the hardstanding pitches are used. The site has an interesting toilet block
which is circular in shape and consists of 12 individual
cubicles containing a toilet and shower accessed from the outside of the
building. Within the building are also male and female toilets without
showers and linked to the block are also male and female showers. There
is also a dish wash area. The laundry facilities are accessed from
inside the female toilet area. Whilst the block is kept clean it does
seem to be in need of, at the least, a makeover as it is showing signs
of age. There are several water/waste disposal points dotted around the
campsite including one for motorhome grey water disposal which requires
removal of a heavy drain cover. Electric points, rated at 16amps, using
CEE17 blue plugs are convenient to all pitches. Currently there is no
Wi-Fi available on this site. Mobile signal varies from network to
network.
Reception sells a few essentials and papers may be
ordered. There is also an information room with details of local
restaurants and places to visit.
(NB since this site report was written in 2015
the CMC have refurbished this site with new toilet block and more
hardstandings, including 18 serviced pitches.)
There is so much to do in this area. Both Southampton and Bournemouth are within easy reach. Nearer to hand is Lyndhurst which has quite a selection of shops. Brockenhurst has a Tesco Extra for most basics but if you want larger food shops a journey to Lymington would be the nearest option. There are several restaurants/pubs in Brockenhurst. Closer to the site there are many opportunities for walks, cycle rides and drives. Unfortunately there is no public transport in the immediate vicinity of the campsite but the site does have details of local taxi’s. In Brockenhurst there is a railway station and also bus services.
