Happy New Year!

Big plans, muddy boots, and even better camping in 2026

If 2025 was the year we found our feet, then 2026 is the year we lace up our boots properly and crack on.

Over the winter we have been doing what we do best. Drinking tea, walking the meadow, watching the light change, and talking through how to make camping at Rusty Meadow even better whilst still respecting the pop up rules!

Not bigger. Not shinier. Just better.

The big question has been simple. How do we offer more choice and comfort, without losing the laid back, slightly scruffy, everyone welcome feeling that makes Rusty Meadow what it is.

The answer. More ways to stay, more flexibility, and camping that works for real people, not just Instagram.

A longer season, done properly

We know many of you wanted more chances to camp with us. As a pop up campsite, we are limited to 60 days a year, but for 2026 we have planned those days more thoughtfully. By spreading them out better, focusing on weekends and school holidays, and making the most of the dates we are allowed, we can offer a longer feeling season without bending rules or drowning in paperwork.

That means more opportunities to enjoy meadow camping, without changing the pace or atmosphere.

Classic pop up camping

Our standard camping pitches are staying exactly as they are. Simple, spacious, and low key. You bring your own tent, pitch up, and settle in. No electric hook ups, no rush, and plenty of room for kids to roam and adults to properly relax.

Camping without the faff

For 2026 we are introducing Rusty’s Ready Tent. This one is for families who love the idea of camping, want to build memories together, but do not want to buy, store, or haul a car full of kit for the one week a year they get away.

Your tent is already pitched and airbeds are included. You bring bedding, food, and your favourite people. No complicated setup, no stress, and no need to become a camping expert. Just turn up, settle in, and enjoy being together.

Bell tents, your way

We are also expanding our bell tent options so you can choose what suits you best.

Rusty’s Retreat is our fully equipped luxury bell tent for adults only. A proper bed, cosy furnishings, fairy lights, and a firepit. All the camping magic with none of the effort.

Rusty’s Canvas Camp is an empty bell tent. Perfect for campers who love canvas and space, but do not want to own or store one. Bring your own kit, enjoy the bell tent experience, and leave the heavy lifting to us.

We are also continuing Rusty’s Rest, our bell tent space dedicated to free respite stays, offering families who are facing excpetionally challenging times, a peaceful place to pause and reset in a calm meadow setting.

Same meadow, more ways to enjoy it

At its heart, Rusty Meadow has not changed. It is still about open space, fresh air, and that feeling of exhaling the moment you arrive. We are simply offering more ways to experience it.

If you camped with us before, thank you. If you are new here, welcome. 2026 is shaping up to be a really good one.

Keep an eye on the website, follow along on social, and get ready for another season of relaxed Isle of Wight camping with a bit of personality.

Mud optional. Fun guaranteed.