Is Spring Hill Wild Camping Worth Experiencing?

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a picturesque camping site in the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Bourne Valley. Here, you can stroll through the fields to enjoy the spectacular sunset or roast sausages and marshmallows with family and friends on a campfire. However, planning a Spring Hill Wild Camping camping trip requires detailed planning. Not only does it include packing before departure, but you also need to pay attention to the activities during the camping trip.

This article will help you understand more details of Spring Hill Wild Camping and plan a complete camping trip. We highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station for powering camping appliances outdoors with greater portability and capacity.

Basic Information about Spring Hill Wild Camping 

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a low-impact, environmentally friendly campsite in St Marybourne, Hampshire. It is located in the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Bourne Valley and offers picturesque views of the surrounding area as you walk through the countryside. If you are interested in going there, please be aware of the following information.

Basic Information about Spring Hill Wild Camping

Here is basic information about Spring Hill Wild Camping:

Address: 1 Breach Farm Cottages, Andover, SP11 6DH, United Kingdom

Website: https://springhillwildcamping.co.uk/

Phone Number: +44 1264 513933

Prices: Adults £10/night, Children (3-13 years) £7/night, Children (0-3 years) free, Small campervans £5/night, Small camping cabins £15/night per person (overnight)

Number of Sites: 15 sites

Check-in Time: After 10:00 am

Check-out Time: Before 2:00 pm

Minimum Stay: 1 night

Bookings Accepted: 12 months in advance

Payment Terms: A 15% non-refundable deposit is required when booking. The balance will be debited from your card 1 week before your arrival, minus the deposit paid at the time of booking (15% of the total cost). If you arrive less than 1 week before, the balance will be debited immediately. Alternatively, you can pay the total fee when booking or before the due date.

Infrastructure at Spring Hill Wild Camping

Although Spring Hill Wild Camping has beautiful natural scenery, its infrastructure is relatively simple. Here is an introduction to the core facilities of Spring Hill Wild Camping:

Drinking Water: This camping area provides water for direct drinking or cooking.

Bonfires Are Allowed: Bonfires are allowed in this camping area. However, it is recommended that you confirm in advance whether you need to use a designated area or fire pot when making a campfire.

Barbecues Are Allowed: Although this camping area allows outdoor barbecues with your barbecue equipment, you still need to pay attention to fire prevention.

Washing Area: This camping area has clean water, but hot water is not provided.

Composting Toilet: This camping area uses an environmentally friendly dry toilet without a flushing system. Please cover it with wood chips to keep it dry after each use.

Trash Can: This camping area provides a centralised garbage collection point, which requires the classification of recyclables, kitchens, and hazardous waste.

Attractions around Spring Hill Wild Camping

The following are various attractions around Spring Hill Wild Camping:

(Data Source: Pitchup)

How to Plan a Camping Trip at Spring Hill Wild Camping? 

Planning a Spring Hill Wild Camping camping trip requires systematic preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here is a detailed guide to planning your Spring Hill Wild Camping trip, covering key aspects such as the number of people travelling, weather check, transportation route, campsite reservation and equipment packing:

Step 1: Determine the Number of People Traveling

Whether you are camping with family or friends, please determine the specific number of people travelling. Determining the number of people travelling makes booking campsites and packing items easier. If you are travelling with two people, it is suitable to travel light. Choosing a lightweight two-person tent and shared equipment is recommended to reduce the weight. Suppose more than four people are travelling together. In that case, dividing the work into groups and clearly defining the tasks of transporting items, purchasing food, and route navigation to improve efficiency is recommended.

Step 2: Check the Weather

Please use professional weather forecast platforms such as Google Weather and the Met Office to check the weather at Spring Hill Wild Camping and avoid extreme weather, such as heavy rain and strong winds. 

In addition, please pay attention to the temperature difference between day and night. For example, most mountainous areas may be 25℃ during the day and below 10℃ at night. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag and thermal underwear with a temperature rating of -5℃ if necessary. If the wind speed reaches level 6 or above, it is unsuitable for camping.

Step 3: Plan the Transportation Route

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a certain distance from various public transportation stations, such as 4.9 miles from the nearest bus station and 3 miles from the closest train station.

(Data Source: Pitchup)

Therefore, it is best to drive to Spring Hill Wild Camping. Here, each customer can park up to one car (charged). You only need to enter "Spring Hill Wild Camping" in Google Maps to get the self-driving route. Please download the offline map in advance to prevent the possibility of no signal during driving. Before going out, please check the vehicle, including the fuel tank, spare tyre, etc..

Step 4: Book a Campsite

After confirming the number of people and the trip date, please book the campsite in advance through the official website of Spring Hill Wild Camping or Hipcamp. If you find no vacancies at Spring Hill Wild Camping online, try to call the campsite (+44 1264 513933) to fight for temporary vacancies.

If Spring Hill Wild Camping is complete, consider alternate campsites nearby (mark 2-3 in advance).

Hollington Park Glamping

Stockbridge View Campsite

Cholderton Estate

Step 5: Packing List

Consider the changing weather, mountain environment, and outdoor survival needs when packing for a Spring Hill Wild Camping trip. A detailed list includes clothing, food and cooking utensils, safety and emergency supplies, and other practical items.

This list is for reference only; please adjust it to fit your needs.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Camping

Portable power stations offer significant benefits for camping by providing reliable and portable electricity. They allow users to charge devices, power appliances, and even run small lights without relying on traditional power sources. This can improve comfort and convenience, especially in remote locations or when camping without access to a power grid.  

Portable power stations, like Jackery Portable Power Stations, can charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices, ensuring you stay connected and entertained. They can power small appliances like fans, lights, and even some small refrigerators, enhancing camping comfort and convenience.

Unlike gas generators, power stations are silent and emission-free, making them environmentally friendly for camping. They can be recharged via Jackery Solar Panels, AC outlets, or car chargers, providing flexibility for different camping scenarios.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)  

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station has an astounding 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, enough to power most camping equipment, such as a camping heater. It also has two AC outlets, one USB-A 18W port, and two USB-C ports (100W + 30W), so you can charge several devices simultaneously indoors and outdoors.  

The world's first 2kWh LiFePO4 power station, which features advanced EV-grade CTB (Cell to Body) Structure technology⁵, is engineered to be more compact and lightweight. It weighs a mere 38.6 lbs—approximately the same as a suitcase. It is the ideal power solution for off-grid living, camping, and road trips and features a foldable handle for effortless transport.

There are many ways to recharge it, including 2*SolarSaga 200W (5.5 hours), regular wall charging (1.7 hours), and car charging (24 hours). With Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App, the power station can be charged from 0% to 80% in just 52 minutes with Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App. This feature is ideal for situations where power is required urgently. A complete charge requires only 103 minutes in regular AC charging mode.

The Explorer 2000 v2 provides dependable electricity for RV camping excursions, enabling the efficient operation of key appliances such as portable refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Eliminate the need for regular recharging and power constraints, facilitating a more enjoyable and seamless experience.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

We also recommend Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, which has a 1070Wh capacity. Its capacity and design make it suitable as a portable power supply for small to medium appliances on camping trips.  

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an excellent 1500W output and 1070Wh capacity, 50% higher than the Explorer 1000. It can power high-demand items like portable space heaters, kettles, etc. Equipped with USB-A/C connections and dual PD charging up to 100W, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, laptop), rendering it the ideal companion for all your power requirements.

The app's Emergency Charge Mode allows the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to be fully charged in less than an hour, offering vital power backup when the battery runs low. Moreover, charging from 0% to 100% within two hours via an AC wall outlet prolongs battery longevity.

Experience serenity with its nearly silent operation, maintaining noise levels below 22dB while energising your devices. This power station guarantees uninterrupted enjoyment during camping so that you can power your camping appliances without noise.

Compared to Explorer 2000 v2, the Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station has a relatively low capacity but can still power many appliances outdoors. Enhance your camping experience with the Jackery 1000 v2. Effortlessly energise your camping necessities, including lighting, coolers, and portable stoves, while ensuring your devices remain charged to document every memorable experience. This allows you to relish the outdoors without compromising on contemporary convenience.

What to Do While Camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping? 

At Spring Hill Wild Camping, you can enjoy not only primitive camping but also a wide range of outdoor activities. From outdoor adventure to quiet retreat, here are some of the outdoor activities you can try while camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping:

Fishing

The Bourne Rivulet near Spring Hill Wild Camping is one of the UK's best chalk creek fly fishing spots. For most of the year, the Bourne Rivulet flows through the centre of the village where Spring Hill Wild Camping is located. Therefore, it is a good way to relax and set up a fishing rod along the winding stream in Spring Hill. However, it is recommended that you bring your fishing equipment, such as fishing rods, bait, collapsible buckets, etc.

Hiking

Spring Hill Wild Camping is located on the 44-mile Test Way, with many well-maintained footpaths, providing a wide range of local walking trails for visitors of all levels and distances. However, please prepare in advance for walking, such as wearing non-slip hiking shoes, carrying insect repellent spray, plenty of water and a simple first aid kit. In addition, remember to stay on the marked route and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Biking

Spring Hill Wild Camping is located in the Bourne River Valley, with excellent cycling trails nearby. You can cycle along chalk plains and country roads and experience mountain climbing routes, such as Walbury Mountain (a 20-minute drive). However, if you want to experience cycling, please bring your vehicle and prepare maintenance tools. You should equip your vehicle with lights and reflective equipment for night riding.

Play Board Games

During camping, you can spread the picnic blanket and play board games such as UNO, Catan Travel Edition, and Espionage with your family or friends. Rainy days or nights are also good times to play board games in the tent. If you want to create an atmosphere for the board game, don't forget to bring a small string of lights or a headlamp to increase the lighting.

Bonfire Party

Spring Hill Wild Camping allows fires and barbecues, creating the most favourable conditions for holding a bonfire party. When night falls, the bonfire party will become a stage for everyone. People can usually prepare instruments such as guitars and hand drums, tell stories, and roast marshmallows. However, please use the designated fire pits, stay away from tents and trees, and prepare water or fire extinguishing tools.

Tips for Camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping

When camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping, following these tips will make your experience safer, more comfortable, and more environmentally friendly:

Tip 1: No Pets

Bringing pets into the campground will likely disturb wild animals or other campers. Spring Hill Wild Camping has clearly stated that pets are not allowed. Therefore, please strictly abide by the rules and not bring pets into the campground.

Tip 2: Respect the Privacy of Your Neighbors

Keep a proper distance from other campers to avoid disturbing others with noise or lights. Keep your conversation volume down at night (after 21:00), and do not use intense lighting to maintain the quiet atmosphere of the camping area. In addition, do not take pictures of other people's tents or private spaces without permission. When you are outside the tent, do not cross your neighbour's territory and try to avoid it.

Tip 3: Fire Safety

Only light a fire in a designated fire ring or pit, at least 3 meters from tents and vegetation, and use fireproof mats to isolate sparks. Do not leave the campfire at will. Before leaving, cover the fire source entirely with sand and ensure the residual heat. Please do not treat it with water rashly. Do not burn charcoal or candles in the tent to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

Tip 4: Environmentally Friendly Measures

When camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping, everyone must avoid picking plants, destroying rocks or trees, and feeding wild animals to reduce interference with nature.

In addition, please bring your garbage bags, collect them separately (kitchen waste, plastics, recyclables), and clean the camp thoroughly when you leave. Use biodegradable detergents when washing dishes to avoid polluting water sources.

Tip 5: Enjoy Nature

During Spring Hill Wild Camping, please put down your electronic devices and observe natural details such as the stars, birdsong, and vegetation. Then, walk lightly and lower the volume to avoid disturbing wild animals. In short, adjust your activities according to the weather and enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant time around Spring Hill Wild Camping.

Is Spring Hill Wild Camping Worth It?

Whether Spring Hill Wild Camping is worth experiencing depends on your travel preferences and expectations. The following will analyse the advantages of Spring Hill Wild Camping and the aspects that need to be considered:

Reasons for Experiencing It

Many people usually choose Spring Hill Wild Camping for the following reasons:

Immersive Natural Experience

Spring Hill Wild Camping is located in the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Bourne Valley. It is picturesque and suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. However, Spring Hill Wild Camping is not a popular campsite. It is quiet and has few people so you can enjoy nature alone.

Sense of Adventure

Spring Hill Wild Camping has a relatively simple infrastructure, which can meet the yearning for outdoor survival experience and is suitable for people who want to relax and completely escape city life.

Diversity of Outdoor Activities

There are cycling trails, hiking trails, and fishing places (Bourne Rivulet) near Spring Hill Wild Camping. These are suitable for families, friends, or solo adventures and meet the needs of different groups of people.

Factors to Consider Carefully

While Spring Hill Wild Camping has many attractive reasons, some factors must be carefully considered:

Facilities

Spring Hill Wild Camping only provides basic facilities such as composting toilets, drinking water, washing areas, fire pits and garbage disposal. If you want to experience hot showers and swimming pools, consider elsewhere.

Transportation and Accessibility

Spring Hill Wild Camping is located in a small mountain village in the Bourne Valley, and transportation is inconvenient. For example, its nearest train station is 3 miles away.

No Pets

Spring Hill Wild Camping stipulates that pets are not allowed. If you plan to camp with your pet, this is not an ideal campsite.

Honest Reviews of Spring Hill Wild Camping

The following are genuine reviews from people who have been to Spring Hill Wild Camping on platforms such as Hicamp:

The value of the Spring Hill Wild Camping experience depends on one's personal preference for nature exploration and acceptance of camping conditions. This may be ideal if you are looking for a low-cost, high-degree-of-freedom outdoor experience and can prepare adequately in advance. For example, as a low-cost nature camping site, Spring Hill Wild Camping is usually suitable for budget backpackers, motorcycle travellers, and hikers.

FAQs about Spring Hill Wild Camping

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Spring Hill Wild Camping:

1. Why should you go to Spring Hill Wild Camping?

According to most of the honest reviews, the reasons to choose Spring Hill Wild Camping are as follows:

Experience a private tent with a built-in fire pit

Enjoy the stunning views of the valley at sunset

Interact with alpacas

2. Can I bring my dog to Spring Hill Wild Camping?

No, Spring Hill Wild Camping has clearly stated that pets are prohibited.

3. Is it easy to eat at Spring Hill Wild Camping?

Spring Hill Wild Camping is easy to eat at. It is about 500 meters from the local pub, The George Inn, and 600 meters from the well-stocked country store. In addition, Spring Hill Wild Camping allows barbecues.

4. How many people can a campsite at Spring Hill Wild Camping accommodate?

Spring Hill Wild Camping clearly states that each campsite has a maximum of 6 guests.

Final Thoughts

Spring Hill Wild Camping is committed to being a low-impact, environmentally friendly site that provides only basic camping facilities. If you are looking for adventure, have outdoor experience, and can make adequate preparations in advance, camping at Spring Hill Wild Camping may be an unforgettable experience. However, if you have higher requirements for the completeness of facilities or bring the elderly or young children with you, you need to consider further.