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This was our third caravan visit to this site and we spent a week there. There are a number of reasons why we keep coming back. First of all the large indoor pool and sauna. We used both every day. Then there is the direct access to the forest. Miles of walks in any direction, great for dogs and we spotted 5 wild boar close to the site. There are also family friendly off road cycle trails through the forest direct from the site. We always try to fit in a canoe trip down the River Wye. We can recommend Symonds Yat canoe hire. They’ll drop you off at Ross on Wye and you can take all day to drift downstream back to their base at Symonds Yat West. Also we always visit Symonds Yat rock to watch the Peregrine Falcons. The site gets very busy at weekends but there is still a great atmosphere amongst all the tents and caravans. Although we had reserved a grass pitch, we changed our minds and chose a hard standing. Many of the grass pitches are poorly drained and get very muddy from other people’s ground sheets.
This is a large commercial site geared for both villa rentals and camping with leisure pool, gym, restaurant/pub, and function suite. The site is set at the Southern end of the Forest of Dean just outside the pretty village of Parkend and has direct access to the forest with its numerous walks and off road cycle routes.
The site has two main camping areas 29 pitches in ‘The Dell’ – not ideal as these are surrounded by trees and villas, or the better placed ‘The Meadows/Hollow/Mead’ with open aspects and larger pitches.
Toilet block is functional but utilitarian, not up to the standard set elsewhere on the site.
Ideal for families with loads for the kids to do, but the function room is used as a commercial venue of weddings and the like and the management put a lovely note in the rules warning of ‘noise pollution’ that can be generated from the Venue which will ‘usually’ cease at 11. 30pm, or midnights on Saturdays. It is noisy and you will be kept awake!
Nice location, ideal as midweek site when kids are in school if you don’t have kids in the party, or weekend site if you do!
I come to this site at least twice a year and I can, t say anything bad unless its the weather the toilets do need to be updated but other than that its great.
I have recommended this site to friends and they come back and said they loved it.
There is lots to do on site you have a pool, entertainment for the kids, nice bar, cooked food from the restaurant, gym and so much more, out and about there is cycle tracks for all sorts, and kayaks on the river, I would give this site a ten but there is always room for improvement.
As it was my birthday, we cheated and booked a woodland lodge at this lovely campsite. We had been before so we knew what to expect. The children love it here, and as it's fairly local to us, it's an easy trip as we know the area well. The lodge was near the small ponds at the top of the site, a two storey affair which was cosy and had everything you needed. The door to the veranda at the back started to stick on our first day, but the maintenance man soon came to help when we reported it.
Lots of kids activities, especially during school holidays. Mine enjoyed mini crossbows, archery, chocolate party (came back faces smeared with choc and big grins), teddy making etc. Nothing too expensive, unlike Center Parcs! The water complex here is fabulous, a daily visit is a must, and it is lovely to be in the jacuzzi watching the kids playing in the pool.
The bar, restaurant and clubhouse become the focus at night time. We didn't use the clubhouse much, except for the kids disco on odd nights. It was nice to sit outside the bar with a drink while the kids played in the huge field behind, or rode their bikes.
There are paths into the forest right from the site, and another that takes you to into the village and towards the preserved railway. The pubs we like nearby are the Miners Arms in Whitecroft and The Red Hart in Blaisdon, both family friendly. The old harbour at Lydney is a lovely spot for a walk, with views of the Severn bridge if the weather is good. Monmouth has lots to do too, as well as the picturesque (but sometimes busy) Symonds Yat. The Go Ape site at Mallard's Pike is close by too.
In the middle of the week we made our annual pilgrimage to Barry Island for a bit of beach fun. The weather was hot and sunny (tidy!) we ate chips on the promenade, played the amusements and went for a walk along the peninsula to Friar's Point.
I would certainly recommend Whitemead as a base to explore the Forest of Dean. We will be back (in our tent) soon!
We have enjoyed 2 nights stay at the Whitemead site. After a warm welcome we received full info on the facilities and the site. All was as arranged. This was during the school holidays and the site was very busy, in fact I believe we had one of the last 2 sites available. It was a very worn grass pitch but considering the very wet weather was quite firm and we had no problems. Hook up was nearby and water just near enough for our long hose to fill up. Our pitch was in The Dell and there are others sites with hard-standings which did look better and nearer the toilet block. All the facilities were of a high standard and very clean. I used the pool once for an early, adults only swim, and found it most enjoyable. It was obviously very busy during the day with the children and great for them in such terrible weather. There are plenty of things available for the kids inside and out. We dined one night at the restaurant which I can highly recommend, being paged from the bar when a table became available. Overall the site was very well kept and we would certainly visit again but maybe at a quieter time. One facility we could not find was a motorhome point.
We have visited Whitemead Forest Park on a number of occasions since we became caravan owners and will continue to return on a regular basis due to the wonderful facilities and atmosphere.
The pitches are spacious and well laid out, we usually prefer the 'Dell' which is the lower part and prefer hard standing due to the time of year we go there. The hard standing are mostly gravel and this is what we prefer. We have stayed on grass pitches and these drain well and don't seem to become to boggy.
The shower block on the lower level is adequate and perfectly clean but the lighting could be upgraded to bring the standard up. I ahve never had to wait for a shower or found it busy at any time.
The leisure facilities, for us, are a big draw as on a wet day the swimming pool is a fab way to spend time with the children. It is included in the cost of the stay, has a pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi and our children love Splash Time when there are floats and balls available to play with. The swimming pool can be busy but I've never found it overcrowded.
There is lots to do in the area, we usually take our bikes as there is access to an off road trail from the site which is fabulous for children.
We will be going back (have even booked for next Easter - over 12 months in advance!)
Just returned home after 4 nights. We had such a lovely time we didn't want to leave.
The staff were friendly & helpful. Pitches were flat & terraced so the view was great. The toilets were regularly cleaned.
It was the best site we have come across so far for dog walking, through a gate to find 4 paths which all led into the forest, the kids even found a rope swing which proved very popular.
We went swimming every morning & all loved the jacuzzi, the pool was very clean as we're the changing rooms. We didn't partake of the many extra activities put on for kids but there was plenty of choice. We did go to the bingo twice which the kids really enjoyed & there was a very competent singer one evening.
We went to Symonds Yat, Monmouth, Goodrich Castle & the Nagshead nature reserve opposite campsite entrance.
The only small criticism was the queuing to get in as cars seemed to be parked in the caravan bay.
This is our third visit to Whitemead Forest Park and before leaving we have booked again for 2015 ! So I guess you can say we love it at Whitemead ! We stayed in the Dell part of the park which is part hard standing and part grass, close to amenities and shower block. The toilets and showers are always warm and clean (yes I have used better on sites but these are absolutely fine). The facilities at Whitemead are great, indoor pool with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna are lovely and free as included in the pitch price which makes it good value for money. There is evening entertainment on throughout school holidays which again is free, we didn't use it this time are our children now teens preferred going to the cinema as Cinderford which is a lovely quaint independent cinema. This year we also all did Go Ape which is just a mile down the road, great family day out. The kids took part in the Archery on site which was £8 per person and good value they thoroughly enjoyed it. There are lots of activities on during school holidays for children to take part in if they wish. We were very lucky with the weather this year and had a BBQ every day (Tesco 3 miles away). We ate in the restaurant on site on the last night and the food was excellent. We also had a drink in the bar most evenings so the boys could watch sky sports ! This site does have everything, the peace, wildlife and tranquillity of a beautiful forest yet with facilities on site should you wish to make use of them and they charge per pitch (up to 6 people) rather than per person so it does work out great value. Give it a try you will not be disappointed.
First outing in the tent, so went local, this meant we would not be doing the normal tourist trips out so the site had to be good to entertain our three kids.
Staff helpful.
Restaurant ok, overpriced, better to be had locally.
Plenty of area for the kids to run and explore. The play area was ok, as we were leaving the bark was being relaid as it had been worn away in several areas.
The toilet blocks were basic and rustic, but always clean.
The pool was fine for the kids, although 1. 2m was a little too deep for our four year old twins, all the kids loved splash time.
Kids entertainment was enjoyed, but 90 minutes of mini crossbows too long as the majority of the time was spent making up little games and nothing to do with the crossbows.
The pitch we had was grass with EHU, yes we have a large unit, but was not expecting the back of the tent to touch the EHU and the canopy pegged out roadside.
The biggest let down was that cars had driven over the pitch in wet conditions, leaving wheel ruts, which we could not avoid, the one under the bedroom pod the most annoying.
The twins cried when we packed up the tent as they did not want to go home.
Stayed here for a long weekend, we were unsure if the site would be open due to the floods, but all was OK we had a gravel pitch which was a good size. The whole site was well looked after and there was plenty to do the pool was very good our grand daughter loved it. The entertainment was excellent, we used the restaurant which was very good although a bit on the pricey side. I have noted the previous comments regarding the toilets and showers not being up to scratch, these problems must have been addressed as we found them very good.
We visited Whitemead Forest Park as first time campers with a Motorhome.
It is located in a beautiful setting with great facilities for all the family. My little girl loved the pool which we used every day.
Staff were very friendly & helpful
The only negative thing I would say is the toilet/shower block were not great. I did avoid them were at all possible by using the showers & facilities in the pool area. ;0)
Although I live quite close to Whitemead I had never visited before because I usually avoid large sites with entertainment in favour of smaller quieter ones. I was therefore a bit hesitant about Whitemead, but as we were 2 families with 7 children aged between 5-15 years and wanted a week in the Forest of Dean we thought we'd give it a go.
We were on 2 of the grass caravan pitches as we wanted EHU, and the size of the pitches was quite good, bigger than I expected. The terraced lay out also meant it seemed more private and spacious, as well as allowing us to see over the huge field where ball games could be played, over to the forested hills beyond. The area that I think was for non-EHU tents did seem a bit sloped.
We didn't do any of the many paid activities that are laid on, but there also seemed to be a lot that didn't require much if any extra money. The playground was fine for the little kids and had a good slide. The swimming pool was really good and included in the cost of the pitch. The main pool was 1. 2m, which was a little deep for some of our kids (although there is a small toddler pool as well) but at certain times, called Splashtime, there were floats and balls available which was great. Outside there was a badminton net and table tennis table available to be used, and the equipment could be hired for only £1 (with a £5 deposit). Various board games could also be hired, as could BBQs.
We didn't go to the restaurant or the adults' evening entertainment, but did take kids down to the panto and disco in the earlier evening, which they loved.
A big bonus of the site for me was being ab;e to cycle from the site directly onto the network of trails through the forest. And if the takeaway prices of the on site restaurant are a bit high then the fish and chip shop in Coleford, Al's Plaice, will take phone orders that you can then collect (10 mins drive away).
There was a bit of late night noise, but it wasn't excessive. All in all, from being hesitant at the start of the week we left saying how we'll go back next year, so it must have been good!
Have just returned from a 3 night stay at Whitemead Forest Park. The location is fantastic - the Forest of Dean is on your door step with plenty of walks and cycle trails for all abilities.
The campsite itself is in a beautiful setting and the facilities are second to none. The kids enjoyed the pool area and the evening entertainment.
We ate in the restaurant once and were not disappointed. The prices seemed fair and the portions were large. The staff were always pleasant and helpful.
My only criticism would be that the toilet/shower block was not up to scratch. It lets the whole site down really. Both the mens and ladies were constantly flooded and, as mentioned before, the toilets do not flush very well. These really need some proper attention.
We would return to this site but, hopefully, after the toilet/shower block is revamped.
Just returned from a 5 night stay here, the site is lovely, the grass pitches are a good size, but some could do with a little TLC/grass seed. Awning ground sheets must be breathable, but then tents share caravan pitches so no grass where our awning was! Friends had Dog Mess on their pitch 3 times! Reported to Reception and it was removed:).
In the main toilet block there are only 3 ladies showers, located just through the entry door, which results in congestion due to queueing, I found that the shower curtain wrapped itself round me whilst in the shower and the cubicle floor ends up wet! There are 6-8 toilets and opposite them small privacy cubicles for washing. The toilets don't flush very well and need attention, as previously stated there's a lot of wasted space in there.
Lots of activities to keep everyone happy, great location. Parkend has a couple of pubs (we visited The Fountain, does food), post office, bike hire/cafe & Dean Forest Railway. Well worth a return visit.
11am departure, can be extended (for a small fee) subject to availability
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Common Questions
Is Whitemead Forest Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Whitemead Forest Park have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Whitemead Forest Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
Rallies Welcome 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
Evening Entertainment 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
Indoor Pool On Site 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
Golf <5 miles 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
This was our third caravan visit to this site and we spent a week there. There are a number of reasons why we keep coming back. First of all the large indoor pool and sauna. We used both every day. Then there is the direct access to the forest. Miles of walks in any direction, great for dogs and we spotted 5 wild boar close to the site. There are also family friendly off road cycle trails through the forest direct from the site. We always try to fit in a canoe trip down the River Wye. We can recommend Symonds Yat canoe hire. They’ll drop you off at Ross on Wye and you can take all day to drift downstream back to their base at Symonds Yat West. Also we always visit Symonds Yat rock to watch the Peregrine Falcons. The site gets very busy at weekends but there is still a great atmosphere amongst all the tents and caravans. Although we had reserved a grass pitch, we changed our minds and chose a hard standing. Many of the grass pitches are poorly drained and get very muddy from other people’s ground sheets. 
