Camping in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

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This 380-square-mile (980-square-kilometre) chalk plateau on the borders of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire boasts undulating hillside, historic landmarks, steep valleys, and traditional villages, making it a favourite for outdoor adventurers. Bridleways, footpaths, cycle routes, and wheelchair-friendly trails cut their way across the region’s fields, reserves, and ridges, while working farms and secluded glampsites provide plenty of spots to sleep beneath the stars at any time of year.

95% (2.6K) • 4,292 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

Woodlands Camping

1. Woodlands Camping

97%
(121)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Sopley Farm Camping

2. Sopley Farm Camping

96%
(12)
Christchurch, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our camping field is set on the grounds of a pick your own fruit and veg farm, we have acess to one end of the lake, views over it and plenty of nature. There is a small kids play and picnic tables at the farm shop and bakery. Our pods and huts are dotted around the lake shore and some in small private clearings. Situated on the edge of the New Forrest National Park and within 20 minutes of the beaches of Christchurch. There is easy access to walking and cycling. With plenty of good pubs and restaurants, some withing walking distance of the site. The farm itself is home to a farm shop and delicious bakery. So you can easily garb a coffee and pastries for breakfast. Or some local farm produce. Walking around the lake is reserved for those who wish to book our huts or pods on the lakeside to preserve their privacy and tranquility of the lake and it's nature.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Stockbridge View Campsite

3. Stockbridge View Campsite

94%
(115)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Sweet Hill Farm

4. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(330)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Spring Hill Wild Camping

5. Spring Hill Wild Camping

96%
(104)
Andover, England · 15 units
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

94%
(97)
England · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Crooked Willows Farm

7. Crooked Willows Farm

90%
(40)
Wimborne. Dorset, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Adults-only, back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

8. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(74)
Newbury, England · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

9. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%
(54)
Trowbridge, England · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Old Airfield

10. The Old Airfield

85%
(143)
Burley, England · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Haywards Bridge Farm

11. Haywards Bridge Farm

85%
(20)
Shillingstone,, England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. A five acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Primrose Organic Produce

12. Primrose Organic Produce

100%
(1)
Stour Row, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Stay on a small organic family farm in the heart of the North Dorset countryside, surrounded by open fields, big skies and the gentle rhythms of farm life. Our simple, spacious campsite sits within our 90-acre Soil Association certified organic farm, home to our Red Devon cattle, pastured hens, vegetable gardens and Primrose Organic Produce farm shop. This is relaxed, grown-up camping rather than a highly serviced commercial campsite. There are no regimented rows of pitches — choose a spot in the field, settle in and enjoy having space around you. Cars can be parked alongside tents, and campervans are welcome too. Facilities are deliberately simple, with toilets, hot showers and drinking water provided close to the camping field. In the mornings, wander over to the farm shop and café for proper organic coffee, pastries and produce grown and reared here on the farm. Depending on the season, you may find our own organic beef and mutton, eggs, vegetables, flowers and other carefully chosen local food and drink. Days here are wonderfully unhurried. Explore the surrounding Dorset countryside, visit nearby villages and market towns, then come back to cook supper, watch the sun go down and, on a clear night, enjoy some fabulous dark skies. We keep the campsite adults only and dog free, helping us maintain the peaceful atmosphere we want Primrose to have. It’s not about bells and whistles. It’s about fresh air, good food, plenty of space and the rather lovely experience of spending a few days on a working organic farm.
Showers
Potable water
Ebborways Farm

13. Ebborways Farm

97%
(31)
Wells, England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Proper camping where everyone is welcome in Somerset’s Mendip Hills
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

14. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%
(153)
Frome, England · 12 units
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
Tom's Field (New Forest)

15. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%
(44)
Fordingbridge, England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Camping5Acres

16. Camping5Acres

93%
(21)
Taunton, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. We no longer sell logs. Nearest supplier is Knight Bros Garage. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 16m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

17. Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

98%
(125)
Waytown, England · 14 units
Adult-only camping amid the apple blossom of an award-winning cider orchard
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Wookey Farm

18. Wookey Farm

98%
(198)
Wookey, England · 44 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Old Litten

19. Old Litten

99%
(84)
Petersfield, England · 1 unit
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hobby Farm

20. Hobby Farm

95%
(47)
Whitchurch Canonicorum, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB camping guide

Where to go

Shaftesbury

Lined by steep, cobblestone streets and surrounded by rolling fields, this hilltop parish on the edge of Cranborne Chase is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. No-frills farmland, eco retreats, and fancy glampsites provide plenty of camping options, while hiking and biking routes through the AONB and Blackmore Vale offer adventurers an intimate glimpse of England’s famous West Country.

Warminster and Longleat

Home to the UK’s most famous safari park, this rural region to the north of Cranborne Chase is a great destination for Hipcampers with kids. Overnight options include campervan parks, glamping lodges, and back-to-basics campgrounds, while sights like the River Wylye, Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve, and Shearwater Lake are ideal for rambling, riding—and even sailing!

Salisbury

This historic city just east of Cranborne Chase is convenient for car-free Hipcampers, at just 90 minutes from London and 2 hours from Cardiff via train. Take advantage of the region’s caravan parks, traditional tent grounds, and exclusive glampsites to enjoy easy access to the cathedral city itself as well as the Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs AONB, Stonehenge, and New Forest National Park.

Fordingbridge

Nestled between Cranborne Chase and the New Forest, this riverside destination has something for every Hipcamper. Ancient archaeological sites, water parks, and archery centres provide plenty of thrilling daytrip options, while a network of riding routes and footpaths guide adventurers between the AONB and National Park. Outdoor accommodation includes pet-friendly touring parks, glamping huts, and traditional farmland campsites.

Wimborne

At the southerly tip of the Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs AONB, this market town and its scenic surrounds are home to holiday parks, back-to-basics campgrounds, and glamorous yurt sites, providing easy access to AONB attractions such as the Kingston Lacy Country Estate and iron-age Badbury Rings. Plus, the Dorset coast is just a 20-minute drive away, making it easy to tick off multiple landscapes in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB offers a variety of camping options including pet-friendly touring parks, glamping huts, and traditional farmland campsites. You can also explore different options for camping near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB on Hipcamp.

Attractions near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB include the Kingston Lacy Country Estate, iron-age Badbury Rings, the Dorset coast, and the UK’s most famous safari park. You can also explore different options for camping near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB on Hipcamp.

Outdoor accommodation near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB includes holiday parks, back-to-basics campgrounds, glamorous yurt sites, pet-friendly touring parks, glamping huts, and traditional farmland campsites.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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