95% (2.3K) • 3,906 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Dorset AONB
Stockbridge View Campsite
1. Stockbridge View Campsite
94%
(116)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
2. 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
Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
3. Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
100%
(32)
Sidbury, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Sopley Farm Camping
4. 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
Crooked Willows Farm
5. 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
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
6. 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
Sweet Hill Farm
7. 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
Ebborways Farm
8. 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
Lepe Beach Campsite
9. 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
Watersmeet farm Campsite
10. Watersmeet farm Campsite
100%
(1)
Axbridge · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
We are a small, family run farm surrounded by stunning Somerset countryside views. We are proud to share our large, flat, grassy, campsite with you.
10 minutes from Junction 22 of the M5 with a quiet field of almost 3 acres, it's an ideal base to explore the area for walking, cycling, caving and rock climbing activities. Enjoy the wonderful view of Crook Peak from the Caravan and Tent pitches. Caravan storage also available, please contact us to discuss your requirements
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Old Airfield
11. 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
Rocombe Valley Retreat
12. Rocombe Valley Retreat
97%
(17)
Lower Rocombe, England · 5 units
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Cider Farm Orchard Campsite
13. 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
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
the willow yhurt
15. the willow yhurt
100%
(2)
Blandford Forum, England · 1 unit
The Ibberton Yurt
Tucked away in the peaceful Dorset village of Ibberton, at the foot of Bulbarrow Hill, our traditional Mongolian yurt offers a private countryside escape within the grounds of The Ibberton.
The yurt sleeps up to four guests and combines the character and simplicity of glamping with proper home comforts. Inside there is a double bed and two single beds, along with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a fridge and space to relax. Guests also have their own separate private shower room with walk-in shower and toilet.
Outside, the yurt has its own deck and private garden area with a covered cookhouse, gas hob and BBQ facilities. The setting is particularly peaceful, with mature trees, a running stream and very little passing traffic. On clear nights, guests can lie in bed and look up through the yurt’s central crown at the stars.
The Ibberton pub is only a short walk away, serving homemade seasonal food, local ales and Dorset cider. It gives guests the choice of cooking something simple outside or wandering over for lunch, dinner or a drink without needing to drive.
The area is especially good for walkers and cyclists. Footpaths and quiet lanes begin almost from the door, while the Ibberton Millennium Path runs through the parish and is waymarked locally. Maps are available from The Ibberton. Bulbarrow Hill and Ibberton Hill are close by, with far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale and surrounding Dorset countryside. The ancient Wessex Ridgeway also passes nearby.
A popular local walk links Ibberton with Bulbarrow Hill, taking around two hours and covering roughly 6–7km, while longer routes can take guests through Woolland, Milton Abbas and the surrounding chalk downland. (Tess Of The Vale)
For days out, guests can explore Sturminster Newton and the North Dorset Trailway, Sherborne and its Abbey, Shaftesbury and Gold Hill, Blandford Forum and Dorchester. The Jurassic Coast is also within reach for a full day out.
Guest capacity
Up to 4 guests.
Sleeping arrangements
* 1 double bed
* 2 single beds
* Travel cot available
Facilities
* Private shower room with walk-in shower and toilet
* Wi-Fi
* Electricity
* Bed linen and towels
* Fridge
* Covered outdoor cookhouse
* Gas hob
* BBQ facilities
* Private garden and sitting-out area
* Garden furniture
* Welcome pack
* No smoking
Check-in and check-out
* Check-in from 3:00pm
* Check-out by 10:00am
Dogs
Up to 2 dogs are welcome and stay free of charge.
Parking
Private on-site parking for up to 2 cars.
Minimum stay
Short breaks and full-week stays are available, with minimum stay requirements varying by date and season through the booking system.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Bredy Farm
16. Bredy Farm
88%
(79)
Bridport, England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hardyes Countryside Camping
17. Hardyes Countryside Camping
96%
(52)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Loves Hill Camping
18. Loves Hill Camping
99%
(37)
Somerset, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A tents-only, dog-friendly site with campfires allowed in Somerset.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Primrose Fields Campsite
19. Primrose Fields Campsite
97%
(290)
Wareham, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Camping5Acres
20. Camping5Acres
93%
(22)
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
Stockbridge View Campsite
Stockbridge View Campsite
94%
(116)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
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
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
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
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
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
Primrose Fields Campsite
Primrose Fields Campsite
97%
(290)
Wareham, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Wookey Farm
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
Stockbridge View Campsite
Stockbridge View Campsite
94%
(116)
Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
100%
(32)
Sidbury, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Sopley Farm Camping
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
Crooked Willows Farm
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
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
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
Sweet Hill Farm
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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Vitor
1 week ago
Tent
Very calm place, good facilities, I recommend
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Gillian
2 weeks ago
8 m campervan
We were pleasantly surprised with the site. Lovely little spot just a 15 minute walk into Stockbridge. Clean facilities and a lovely park for the kids. We loved the fact that there bbq’s and fire pits scattered about for anyone to use (great touch) with a small charge for bbq coals or wood for the fire pits. Would I return, most definitely it’s an hour drive from me so a cheeky little retreat when you need a little peace and quiet. Thank you Dave 👍🏼
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Helena
2 weeks ago
5 m campervan
Really friendly hosts and very nice site. Great value for the cost
See more
Jayne
3 weeks ago
3 m campervan
With pets
Lovely level campsite with wildlife and wild swimming. Very friendly and charming hosts, and great atmosphere. Some lovely walks in a beautiful area and friendly locals. Will definitely visit again and recommend.
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Emma
3 weeks ago
7 m campervan
Fabulous little site with the best showers I’ve ever been to on a campsite!
See more
Chris
3 weeks ago
6 m campervan
With kids
Fantastic, quiet location away from it all. Amazing to unwind if only for one night. The rustic appeal of the shower and toilets was great. Also, being able to paddleboard from the pitch was amazing!
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Kiara
September 2026
Tent
With pets
A decent striped back camp field. On the doorstep of Holt Heath which made dog walking a breeze.
Visited out of season so I was the only tent camper for the weekend although there seem to be some residents on site.
Did get awoken when one resident came returned to the site at midnight and talking quite loud there on.
But otherwise a nice overnight.
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Harriet
September 2026
With pets
The yurt is absolutely beautiful and so well equipped - the hosts have thought about absolutely everything you might need- and everything you hadn't thought of! It's in a fantastic location too, with the pub nearby serving delicious food if you're not inclined to cook yourself. The hosts are lovely and go out of their way to help. Definitely 5* and can't wait to go back.
See moreSam
September 2026
Weekend Trip to the willow yhurt
We booked a last minute one night away to stay in the yurt and everything was perfect.
The yurt is clean, cosy and has everything you need. A comfy double bed and two singles; one single bed pulls out from under the other, which made a great floor bed for our toddler. We had the option of using an electric heater, but we didn't need it as was plenty warm enough. Towels and bedding were provided, along with milk, tea and coffee. The shower room and toilets are a very short walk away; the toilets are inside The Ibberton pub and the showers are next to it (brand new and clean).
We cooked our breakfast (provided by the owners) on the gas stove in the covered outdoor kitchen area. Plenty of plates and utensils, including everything needed to wash up. There is an outside table and two camping chairs which we found very useful.
The surrounding area is quiet and peaceful. We enjoyed a walk up the hill behind the yurt and went to the local church. That night we had a lovely meal at the pub - delicious food and options for little ones too.
Highly recommend!
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Jeanne
September 2026
4 m campervan
Lovely site without too much there! Fabulous views near to coast walks
See moreLauren
September 2026
Tent
We loved our stay. Everyone was so helpful & friendly. The weekend pizza was delicious! And the coffee van in the mornings a great addition!
We love wild swimming so the direct access into the river was a real selling point for us, and it did not disappoint!
Loved the ducks and cat wandering round and coming to say hello.
Overall, a really great stay and we will be returning with the kids in tow next time!
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Liz
September 2026
Tent
Great little site, good location.Rustic/basic but all fine.Very quiet when I was there- end of holidays- I imagine the 2 shower/toilet cubicles might be very different when busy!
See moreAmy Olivia
August 2026
3 m campervan
With pets
Being Bank Holiday it was very busy but enjoyed my stay. Its a good location, 15min walk down to Stockbridge, yes its by an A road but it wasn't noisy and I was parked close to the gate. Facilities were amazing and clean and loved the little shed to do your washing up in. Bonus for me was the dog wash at the top of the field - my dog decided this weekend was the first time she wanted to roll in cow poo!!! Super simple campsite with all you need for a carefree stay. Will be back :)
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kris
August 2026
8 m campervan
With pets
Great owners, nice clean site with plenty of space, clean toilets, showers and washing up area. Fresh water easily accessible. And simple sensible rules.
See moreAlice
August 2026
Tent
With pets
We had a lovely few days camping at Primrose Fields Campsite. The field was large and quiet - plenty of space - pretty woods nearby with nice woodland trails - great location near Wareham in Dorset (Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck all within easy reach) and a friendly team running the campsite - the showers, loos and wash areas were kept very clean!
See moreVictoria
August 2026
4 m campervan
With pets
The site was amazing. Facilities were lovely and clean, I loved how the sinks were old bathroom sinks, the showers were in their own little areas, the ability to choose your own area, the direct access on to miles of woodland walks… couldn’t fault it, just a shame the weather wasn’t a bit nicer!!
See moreDavid
August 2026
Tent
With kids
This is a wonderful off grid site on an open meadow. Great for children as they can roam safely. Lots of space.Woodland to explore. Rope swing. Great showers with lots of space. Washing up facilities. Lovely host. Firepits when climate permits. Always our site of choice in the Purbecks. Near Monkey world and the Tank Museum and great beaches.
See moremoira
August 2026
4 m campervan
With pets
I absolutely loved being on Christina’s beautiful Field at Primrose Fields - such a warm and friendly welcome and Christina’s warmth and kindness radiates through the whole campsite and adds such positive energy to the experience- the adjacent wood is a wonderful place to explore and walk and spot the Sika deer- close by is a bus stop which services swanage, corfe, Durdle Door, Lulworth, the Blue Pool, Wareham - all the beautiful places nearby - I will definitely be returning- a truly lovely clean, tidy, peaceful campsite with a wonderful hostess
See moreAudrey
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Peaceful setting, the facilities are very clean and well maintained. The staff are friendly and helpful. Child friendly, and the site felt very safe.
Christina is a wonderful host.
See morejanesimms
August 2026
Tent
A super, little friendly campsite run by attentive people. A pretty setting that is quiet and relaxing. Highly recommend!
See moreDorset AONB camping guide
Where to go
Jurassic Coast
From Lyme Regis near the Devon border, Dorset’s fantastical Jurassic Coast sweeps east along the 18-mile-long Chesil Beach, around the Isle of Portland, and on to Lulworth, Swanage, and Studland. Whether kayaking between bays, hiking along the jagged shoreline or hunting for hidden fossils, there are countless opportunities for outdoor fun, with campsites perched beside cliffs, tucked into peaceful valleys, and scattered around seaside towns.
West Dorset
Inland from the western half of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, the Dorset AONB sprawls across miles of heathlands, bluebell-filled woodlands, and wide-open country views, especially around landmark Colmers Hill near Bridport. Go cycling, hiking, and horseback riding, then explore Thomas Hardy’s Dorchester before bedding down on a local farm campsite or in the comfort of a garden glamping pod.
Bournemouth, Poole, and East Dorset
Nowhere epitomises seaside-holiday Dorset quite like its southeast corner, where sunny Bournemouth has been drawing visitors to its sprawling sandy beach since Victorian times. Neighbouring Poole Harbour is a watersports hub, while the wild, trail-threaded New Forest National Park sits just over the border in Hampshire, and campsites and caravan spots dot the surrounding countryside.
North Dorset
Up on the border with Wiltshire and Somerset, blissfully rural and often-overlooked northern Dorset feels worlds away from the coastal buzz, opening up enormous potential for tranquil escapes under the stars, whether you’re camping on a family farm or kicking back in a hillside glamping hut. Green fields and hills give way to lavish country estates, prehistoric hill forts, and Sherborne town, known for its 8th-century abbey.
