Camping in Dorset AONB

·

In Dorset, campers can enjoy some of the most spectacularly scenic camping in England thanks to the 95-mile, World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast (which spills over into Devon). Here, golden beaches sit between rock-formed arches and chalk-white cliffs—and tents and caravans are perfect for soaking up the divine coastal views. In addition, over half of Dorset is protected by the 1,000-square-mile Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where endlessly varied countryscapes await inland. Open-air adventures swing from kayaking to horse riding to coasteering and more, though the best way to explore is to strap on some walking boots and hit the trails (including the long-distance South West Coast Path).

96% (2.3K) 1,300 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Dorset AONB

Stockbridge View Campsite

1. 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
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

2. 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
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. 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
Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

4. Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

England · 1 unit
The Birch Bell at Manor Farm Cottage Escape to our charming smallholding and micro-flower farm in the heart of Somerset for a truly wonderful camping experience. Nestled near the stunning Mendip Hills and the serene Somerset Levels, this idyllic little campsite invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the restorative peace of this place. Along the way you'll meet our sheep, and be welcomed by the camp Guardians (Frodo, our friendly little Jack Russell and Nemo, our very agile mouse-hunting cat). With easy access to both the Somerset levels and surrounding Mendip Hills, and with the wonderful city of Wells just a short distance away, this spot makes a great base from which to explore the outstanding and unique countryside and nearby places of interest and attractions. From Manor Farm Cottage you can take in some gorgeous walks along the lanes and public footpaths. A short walk from us you'll find our local vineyard at Fenny Castle where you can book a vineyard tour and wine tasting to sample their award winning English wines, or pop over to Wookey Farm where you can meet the very friendly rare-breed goats and buy their incredible goats cheese. There are 3 local pubs within walking distance, and if you head out onto the Levels, you can enjoy a cider by the river at The Sheppey, a great riverside pub in the nearby village of Godney. If you want to venture a little further, discover the breathtaking beauty of local RSPB nature reserves, ideal for peaceful walks and bird watching. Wander through the historic city of Wells, marvelling at its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Just a short drive away, experience the mystical allure of Glastonbury and its famous Tor, and then of course there is the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge to explore. For a dose of culture and history, visit the elegant city of Bath with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making your stay in Somerset truly magical. And if you want to indulge in a day of learning about flowers, how to grow them, and floristry tricks and techniques, get in touch to find out about the workshops that are on offer at Manor Farm Cottage Flowers on the smallholding.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£60
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

5. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Teddy's Farm

6. 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
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
Hardyes Countryside Camping

8. 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
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
from 
£40
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

10. 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
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

11. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%
(39)
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
from 
£18
 / night
Forest Edge

12. Forest Edge

100%
(24)
Sidbury, England · 44 units · Tents, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Gurt Yurts

13. 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
Benville Manor Camping

14. 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
Southover Wood and Camping

15. 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
Ebborways Farm

16. 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
from 
£10
 / night
Coppet Hill

17. Coppet Hill

100%
(88)
Bridport, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£65
 / night
Flowerdew Farm

18. Flowerdew Farm

100%
(18)
Bridport, England · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Wookey Farm

19. Wookey Farm

98%
(181)
Wookey, England · 45 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
from 
£16
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

20. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
Sherborne, England · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night

In Dorset, campers can enjoy some of the most spectacularly scenic camping in England thanks to the 95-mile, World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast (which spills over into Devon). Here, golden beaches sit between rock-formed arches and chalk-white cliffs—and tents and caravans are perfect for soaking up the divine coastal views. In addition, over half of Dorset is protected by the 1,000-square-mile Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where endlessly varied countryscapes await inland. Open-air adventures swing from kayaking to horse riding to coasteering and more, though the best way to explore is to strap on some walking boots and hit the trails (including the long-distance South West Coast Path).

96% (2.3K) 1,300 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Dorset AONB

Stockbridge View Campsite

1. 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
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

2. 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
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. 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
Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

4. Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

England · 1 unit
The Birch Bell at Manor Farm Cottage Escape to our charming smallholding and micro-flower farm in the heart of Somerset for a truly wonderful camping experience. Nestled near the stunning Mendip Hills and the serene Somerset Levels, this idyllic little campsite invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the restorative peace of this place. Along the way you'll meet our sheep, and be welcomed by the camp Guardians (Frodo, our friendly little Jack Russell and Nemo, our very agile mouse-hunting cat). With easy access to both the Somerset levels and surrounding Mendip Hills, and with the wonderful city of Wells just a short distance away, this spot makes a great base from which to explore the outstanding and unique countryside and nearby places of interest and attractions. From Manor Farm Cottage you can take in some gorgeous walks along the lanes and public footpaths. A short walk from us you'll find our local vineyard at Fenny Castle where you can book a vineyard tour and wine tasting to sample their award winning English wines, or pop over to Wookey Farm where you can meet the very friendly rare-breed goats and buy their incredible goats cheese. There are 3 local pubs within walking distance, and if you head out onto the Levels, you can enjoy a cider by the river at The Sheppey, a great riverside pub in the nearby village of Godney. If you want to venture a little further, discover the breathtaking beauty of local RSPB nature reserves, ideal for peaceful walks and bird watching. Wander through the historic city of Wells, marvelling at its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Just a short drive away, experience the mystical allure of Glastonbury and its famous Tor, and then of course there is the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge to explore. For a dose of culture and history, visit the elegant city of Bath with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making your stay in Somerset truly magical. And if you want to indulge in a day of learning about flowers, how to grow them, and floristry tricks and techniques, get in touch to find out about the workshops that are on offer at Manor Farm Cottage Flowers on the smallholding.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£60
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

5. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Teddy's Farm

6. 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
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
Hardyes Countryside Camping

8. 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
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
from 
£40
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

10. 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
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

11. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%
(39)
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
from 
£18
 / night
Forest Edge

12. Forest Edge

100%
(24)
Sidbury, England · 44 units · Tents, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Gurt Yurts

13. 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
Benville Manor Camping

14. 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
Southover Wood and Camping

15. 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
Ebborways Farm

16. 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
from 
£10
 / night
Coppet Hill

17. Coppet Hill

100%
(88)
Bridport, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£65
 / night
Flowerdew Farm

18. Flowerdew Farm

100%
(18)
Bridport, England · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Wookey Farm

19. Wookey Farm

98%
(181)
Wookey, England · 45 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
from 
£16
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

20. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
Sherborne, England · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night

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Camping in Dorset AONB 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.