Happy New Year!

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

Happy New Year from all of us at Rusty Meadow. If 2025 was the year we found our feet, 2026 is the year we lace up our boots properly and crack on.We have been quietly plotting over cups of tea, walking the meadow, and asking ourselves one big question. How do we make camping on the Isle of Wight even better, without losing the laid-back, slightly scruffy, everyone-welcome magic that makes Rusty Meadow what it is?

The answer is simple. More choice, more comfort, and more ways to camp that suit real people, not just Instagram.

A longer season, done properly!

We know you want more chances to camp with us. We hear you. This year we are working on extending our opening season while fully respecting the 60-day pop-up camping rule. That means smarter planning, better use of dates, and more opportunities to enjoy meadow camping without us breaking any rules or losing sleep over paperwork.

Maybe a shower?

We love a back-to-basics wash as much as the next campsite, but sometimes you just want a proper hot shower. So we are looking at adding a gas shower to the site. Still outdoor, still simple, still Rusty Meadow. We can't promise this one but we are going to try our best!

Camping without the faff!

For 2026 we are introducing Rusty’s Ready Tent. A ready-pitched tent with airbeds included, so you can turn up, unload, and get straight on with the important things like marshmallows and doing absolutely nothing. You bring bedding and food. We handle the setup. Everyone wins.

Bell tents, your way

We are also expanding our bell tent options.

Rusty’s Rest is getting a little glow-up so it continues to offer free respite stays in a space that feels extra special.

We are adding an empty bell tent too, perfect for campers who love canvas but do not want to own or store one. Bring your own kit, enjoy all the bell tent fun, and leave the heavy lifting to us.

Same meadow, more ways to enjoy it

At its heart, Rusty Meadow is still about simple camping, open space, and feeling like you can exhale the minute you arrive. We are just giving you more ways to do that.

If you camp with us already, 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.