Camping in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

·

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.

96% (2.5K) 1,225 campsites

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

Woodlands Camping

1. Woodlands Camping

97%
(104)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

2. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
Wareham, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

3. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%
(47)
Minchinhampton, England · 9 units
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£300
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

5. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(61)
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
from 
£12
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

6. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(90)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

7. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Teddy's Farm

8. Teddy's Farm

99%
(154)
Boldre, England · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

9. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Southover Wood and Camping

10. Southover Wood and Camping

95%
(100)
Dorchester, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Benville Manor Camping

11. Benville Manor Camping

98%
(24)
Dorchester, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers! We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit. The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore. Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

12. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
New Forest, England · 20 units
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Park Farm Campsite

13. Park Farm Campsite

98%
(24)
Malmesbury, England · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Gurt Yurts

14. Gurt Yurts

100%
(23)
Churchill, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

15. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
Cirencester, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

16. 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
from 
£35
 / night
Old Litten

17. Old Litten

99%
(60)
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
from 
£40
 / night
Spring Hill Wild Camping

18. Spring Hill Wild Camping

97%
(86)
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
from 
£10
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

19. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
Newbury, England · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

20. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
Woolton Hill, England · 6 units
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night

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.

96% (2.5K) 1,225 campsites

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

Woodlands Camping

1. Woodlands Camping

97%
(104)
Ropley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

2. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
Wareham, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

3. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%
(47)
Minchinhampton, England · 9 units
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£300
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

5. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(61)
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
from 
£12
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

6. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(90)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

7. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Teddy's Farm

8. Teddy's Farm

99%
(154)
Boldre, England · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

9. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Southover Wood and Camping

10. Southover Wood and Camping

95%
(100)
Dorchester, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Benville Manor Camping

11. Benville Manor Camping

98%
(24)
Dorchester, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers! We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit. The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore. Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

12. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
New Forest, England · 20 units
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Park Farm Campsite

13. Park Farm Campsite

98%
(24)
Malmesbury, England · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Gurt Yurts

14. Gurt Yurts

100%
(23)
Churchill, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

15. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
Cirencester, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

16. 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
from 
£35
 / night
Old Litten

17. Old Litten

99%
(60)
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
from 
£40
 / night
Spring Hill Wild Camping

18. Spring Hill Wild Camping

97%
(86)
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
from 
£10
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

19. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
Newbury, England · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

20. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
Woolton Hill, England · 6 units
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night

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Camping in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB 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.

Top towns in and near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB