Sandyballs anyone?

[Shaggy]

Planning on taking our tent to Sandyballs for the early May bank holiday. Anyone been there recently? Is it fun? DD is three an a half. Also, has anyone camped there? We have to pitch the tent on a gravel pitch. I'm slightly concerned it might damage the tent, or be uncomfortable. Any thoughts?

[TE44]

Have not been to Sandyballs (thought post was April fool at first)

You can use a bit tarp under tent to protect

Make sure its tucked in or cut to size or else rain may

get in. Have a great time.

[Mrs TP]

We went a couple of times in 2005 and 2006. The last time our oldest two were 5 and 3. We stayed in a wooden lodge but the camping was v near by. The pitches are nicely spread out with plenty of dishwashing and personal washing facilities. At that time the place itself had a swimming pool, which could get incredibly busy and so you might be turned away and also an onsite Harvester / Wetherspoons type family pub with meals plus an outdoor burger and chips type place. I think it has got more facilities since our last trip. It was all v clean and well organised. There is an onsite walk through the pine woods to a river - great for picnics. It is also brilliantly placed for other New Forest stuff. Food shop onsite which is reasonably priced with local produce. Defo fine with young ones.

[ClareC]

My friend was there with her family this weekend.... Wil ask her.

I know they were in a lodge and according to FB had a lovely time

[bluesuperted]

No experience of camping but stayed in one of the nicest lodges with friends and 3 little ones last October. Had a fab time, two nice enough on site restaurants, a fun soft play, lovely lodge itself, nice walks, playground, agree loads of New Forest stuff nearby. We loved it and hoping to go back with same friends this October. Definitely book swimming - we nearly missed out. I had a lovely pregnancy massage too and if staying in a lodge, I recommend booking an online shop for your arrival - we had an Ocado delivery and it was fab as pretty much sorted us out for the weekend with only a few bits needed from the on site shop.

[Shaggy]

Thanks everyone. Sounds great. I will make sure to book the swimming. Really looking forward to it now!

[Otta]

I try to avoid sandyballs. Terrible chafing.

[childsleepsolutions]

I love Sandy Balls; camping and the lodges. We always hire bikes and go for a lovely bike ride with the kids. If you fancy this it's worth phoning before hand and booking the bikes you need as they can all get taken on busy weekends. They wouldn't let us do this when we went in March but I think this was because it was such a quiet weekend anyway. Have fun! Ps we put tarp under the tent and it's fine. Also, Moors Valley is nearby which is a lovely country park that's worth a visit.