The history of Red Shoot Camping Park

Red Shoot Camping Park is not just a place to camp—it's a living testament to the beauty and history of the New Forest. With each new chapter in its story, we strive to honour its roots while embracing the future. As the current owners, David and Jane Wolfenden, we’re proud to continue the legacy that started here in the 1950s and to share with you the rich history of this cherished park.

The Origins: A Farm, A Forest, and A Dream

Red Shoot Camping Park’s story begins in the mid-1950s, when it was part of Linwood Farm, a working commoner’s dairy farm. The picturesque thatched farmhouse, which still stands today just to the east of the park, is a reminder of the area’s agricultural history. The land was part of the farm until the idea for a camping site began to take shape, driven by the natural beauty of the New Forest and its popularity as a haven for campers.

Back in those early days, Red Shoot was a modest site with minimal facilities—just basic toilets and showers. Despite its simplicity, it was an inviting place for those looking to experience the tranquillity of the New Forest, with free camping still allowed by the Forestry Commission. It quickly became a beloved destination for campers, surrounded by the serene landscape of heathland, woodland, and wildlife.

A Family Affair: The Foulds Family

In 1966, the Foulds family became involved with the park when Bunny and Doris Hare purchased both the pub and the camping park in their retirement. They were the first to see the potential of turning this corner of the New Forest into something special, despite its humble beginnings.

During the early years, Bunny and Doris kept the park small, relying on a warden and his wife to help manage the site. The camping park was basic, with few amenities, but the charm of the surrounding forest and the warm hospitality of the owners made it a popular spot.

One of the memorable stories passed down from those early days is of a family who were enjoying breakfast at their picnic table when, much to their shock, the table and their breakfast sank into the ground. The reason? An old, forgotten well had collapsed beneath them! Thankfully, the family and their breakfast were safely retrieved, and the well was properly sealed. To this day, a slight dip in the ground serves as a reminder of that amusing yet unexpected incident.

In 1971, Jaqui and her husband Robin took over the running of the park. With their young daughters Angela, Jaqui, and later Caroline, they moved into the flat above the pub and set about modernising and expanding the campsite. They turned the small, simple camp shop into a central hub for the local community, incorporating the village post office and adding petrol pumps in front of the pub. The park’s amenities also grew, including the transformation of an old milking parlour into a modern shower and toilet block.

Jaqui and Robin’s vision for the park was to preserve its natural beauty while making it more comfortable and accessible to campers. They worked hard to provide a family-friendly atmosphere, blending rustic charm with modern comforts.

The Oldfields’ Legacy

In 1988, Jaqui and Nick Oldfield took over the park, continuing to grow and improve the site. Under their care, the park became well-known for its excellent facilities, including the introduction of underfloor heating in the shower block. They took great pride in maintaining the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the park while providing campers with everything they needed for a comfortable stay. Their dedication made Red Shoot Camping Park a top choice for visitors to the New Forest.

Jaqui and Nick’s passion for the park’s legacy has helped shape it into the beloved campsite it is today. After many years of ownership, they decided it was time to pass the torch to the next chapter of Red Shoot’s story.

Our First Year: New Beginnings and Exciting Changes

In 2024, we—David and Jane Wolfenden—became the proud owners of Red Shoot Camping Park. Having lived in Linwood for over 30 years, we have always appreciated the beauty and peacefulness of the New Forest, and we are excited to continue the legacy of this beloved park.

During our first year, we’ve focused on making several key improvements to ensure the park continues to thrive while maintaining its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in our first year:

• Brand-New Shop: We’ve completely revamped the camp shop to offer a more modern and inviting space for guests. In addition to the essentials, we now have fresh ground coffee, whippy ice cream, and a selection of local goods to make your stay even more enjoyable. Our shop has become a new hub for guests and locals alike.

• New Play Park: We know how important it is for families with children to have a fun, safe place to play, so we’ve introduced a brand-new play park. Featuring a zip-wire, swings, and slides, it has been given the seal of approval by our own grandchildren and is already a huge hit with young visitors.

• Improved Pitches: We’ve worked to enhance the camping pitches, with more electric hook-ups and improved facilities to accommodate all types of campers. We’ve also added hard-standing pitches for those who prefer a more stable base, particularly during wet weather. These upgrades ensure that Red Shoot remains a comfortable and welcoming site for campers.

• Landscaping and Environmental Enhancements: We’ve focused on maintaining the park’s natural beauty by planting new trees, installing new fencing, and adding hedging throughout the site. We’re also committed to an ongoing planting programme to continue enhancing the environment for both our guests and wildlife.

These improvements are just the beginning. We’re excited about the future of Red Shoot Camping Park and the plans we have for its continued growth. Our goal is to ensure that every guest has a memorable and comfortable stay while continuing to honour the history of this special place.

Looking Ahead: Maintaining the Legacy, Embracing the Future

As we look to the future, we’re committed to preserving everything that makes Red Shoot Camping Park so special—its sense of community, its family-friendly environment, and its unspoilt New Forest setting. We will continue to make thoughtful updates that enhance the guest experience while staying true to the park’s history and natural beauty.

We are truly honoured to carry forward the legacy of the Foulds and Oldfield families and to add our own chapter to the park’s rich history. Red Shoot Camping Park has been a much-loved part of the New Forest for many years, and we look forward to continuing to welcome guests for many more years to come.