The best campsites in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB with horseback riding

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% (605)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (605)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sweet Hill Farm

94%

(296)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

2. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

3. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%

(148)

15 units · Tents · Frome, Somerset, South West England

Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!

5. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

6. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

7. Woodlands Camping

97%

(104)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

8. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

9. Gurt Yurts

100%

(23)

9 units · Tents, Glamping · Churchill, England

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.

10. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%

(10)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

11. Southover Wood and Camping

95%

(100)

18 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

12. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

13. Goren Farm

100%

(85)

7 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Seaton, Devon, South West England

Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows

14. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

15. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

16. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

17. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

18. Wydale Farm Tipis

100%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Weston Super Mare, England

Grown-up glamping in riverside tipis with views of the Mendip Hills

19. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

20. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Camper favorites in and near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Goren Farm

100%

(85)

7 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Seaton, Devon, South West England

Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows

Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

Wydale Farm Tipis

100%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Weston Super Mare, England

Grown-up glamping in riverside tipis with views of the Mendip Hills

Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Stories from the community

A

April

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!

A

Angela

October 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

I have always loved Sweet Hill Farm. It’s a lovely relaxed campsite with sea views and amazing walks nearby. Also, being able to have a camp fire is fantastic. The showers are brilliant too. The only disappointment for me this year is that the compost loos have been replaced with horrible portaloos! Please bring back compost loos, they are so much nicer!

V

Victoria

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!

A

Abi

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers. Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need. There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing! Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here. (There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.) The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sweet Hill Farm

This was my first time camping here and I will definitely return again. Whilst SatNav got me most of the way, the directions on Hipcamp made the last little bit of the journey much easier. I was welcomed warmly at the well-stocked little cafe, and given a map to show my how to get to the field I pitched in. The tracks on-site are full of large potholes - so definitely something to be mindful of, especially if you have extremely low-suspension on your car! However, take it slow and easy and all is well here. I had the most amazing view, from where I pitched up, over to Portland Bill lighthouse. Both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Facilities here are extremely basic - but it’s enough for those that simply need to get away from life for a while and sleep under the stars without all the creature comforts of home. Of course, there is a place for being able to have all the mod-cons available, but this is camping the way it should be done! I wasn’t here long enough to speak to any of the other campers, but everyone seemed relaxed and there was no loud music or anything played into the night, meaning I could drift to sleep easily enough at the end of the day. Thank you all.

S

Sally

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!

D

Dominic

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

What a great experience! The staff were very friendly and accommodating with an amazing ray of amenities. The showers are basic but really clean and hot, lovely! Such good value for money I would highly recommend this campsite! Thanks guys!

D

David

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sweet Hill Farm

This was my first time ever camping and I had a great time at this site, it's the perfect mix of rural, real camping with local amenities near enough especially for someone doing camping for the first time. Located right near the coast, it's a beautiful view, excellent facilities including showers and cafe. The only downside is that when I did arrive in the evening there was no one to greet us, even though the cafe should've been open at that time but other than that no complaints, wonderful hosts and would definitely go again.

s

sophie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Goren Farm

Beautiful campsite surrounded by nature. Peaceful and quiet it felt wild but with some nice comforts like a hot shower. Will definitely be back!

E

Emma

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Yellow Submarine!

My 2 boys (13 and 9) and I stayed 2 nights in the Yellow Submarine and it was great fun! The controls and labels and various flashing lights were hilarious and the hatches and portholes were brilliant, all very authentic. My boys were convinced it had been a real sub once and totally loved the ‘history’ section of the welcome pack. The beds and sofa bed had comfy mattresses and it was good to have a little sink, fridge and hob inside. Really well stocked with sheets and duvets, plates, cutlery and pan and there was a lovely care package including tea coffee cereal boxes and marshmallows for the fire. There was even a heater/cooler so we didn’t get cold at night. Toilets are in the nearby wash block which was kept nice and clean and the showers were great. We didn’t use the BBQ and instead grilled over the top of our fire drum (tip - bring a grill if you have one, or they sell them in the excellently stocked campsite shop). The bunk bed was a bit too small for my tall 9-year old so he slept in the big bed with me and the sofa bed was comfy but narrow for my 13 yr old so 2 nights was about right. Sleeping would’ve been tricky if there’d been another person. The site was excellent and we’d love to come back - maybe to check out the school bus! Cheddar village is in easy walking distance and the site itself has lots of room for playing and football. Loved it!

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Goren Farm

We had another wonderful stay at Goren Farm, it’s beautiful and very peaceful. This place is very special!

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

G

Gwyn

August 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Goren Farm

Very helpful team and beautiful site. We stayed at Bank Holiday and it was managed so well it wasnt busy and an enjoyable cmaping experience - thank you we would definelty come again.

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍

C

Charlotte

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Park Farm Campsite

Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!

B

Bethan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Goren Farm

We loved the open, spacious and quiet camping spots at Goren Farm. The showers were hot and the toilets, communal fridge and sink were clean. We went to the farm shop and cafe on our last day and had scrumptious food. Cheese scone with extra cheese and brie panini. Yum! We are going to come back to camp again and definitely for the Goren Children's festival next year! We went to Tukers Arms on the recommendation of another review and loved it. Also the Beer Light Railway is worth a visit. :D

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.

M

Meeru

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

Nice and good location and good space love to see again

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB with horseback riding 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.