Lake 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).

98% (67)

Top-rated campgrounds

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).

98% (67)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Glastonbury Wild Glamping

100%

(7)

2 units · Glamping · England

Yurt stays with wild swimming and views of Glastonbury Tor

2. Hobby Farm

96%

(45)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

3. Crooked Willows Farm

88%

(17)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wimborne. Dorset, England

Adults-only, back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm

4. Everdene Hut

1 unit · Glamping · England

Everdene Hut is a traditional shepherd’s hut on wheels located in a secluded location beside the pond at Laverstock which offers far reaching countryside views with a private space to enjoy the fire pit and star gazing. The hut has a cosy double bed, small table with stools and is heated by a wood burner, perfect for a relaxing comfortable stay. Rechargeable lanterns are provided and found in the washroom. There is a separate kitchen shed hut next to the Everdene Hut which has a generous supply of crockery, cutlery and pots and pans. A two-ring gas hob, kettle, barbecue, and fire pit are available for cooking. Water is provided in the hut kitchen. There is a shared washroom located at the farm (approximately 100m from the Hut) with a walk-in shower, WC and a small kitchen unit with a sink and draining board for washing up. The washroom also has a washing machine, tumble dryer plus a fridge with freezer compartment, trolleys and electricity for charging.

5. North End Farm

94%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

North End Farm is situated in the spectacular Dorset countryside, yet only a couple of miles from the Jurassic Coast, beaches, pubs, restaurants. Wonderful walks are available on and beyond the farm. The Pavilion is a great place to rest and strike out from. The beach is 1.5 miles away. It is on a network of footpaths in the middle of it's own organic farmland. Bridport and Lyme Regis offer plenty of art and culture and are reknown for food, River Cottage and the Jurassic Coast. There is nothing better than being warm and cosy around the wood burner looking out at the great views. The Pavilion is good for couples, solo adventurers, art lovers, foodies and furry friends (pets)..

6. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

7. Henstridge Golf and Leisure

100%

(3)

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England

Set in the heart of rural Blackmore Vale, Henstridge Golf Resort is the perfect retreat providing the best of leisure and relaxation. Over 70 stunning acres. Acquired by Lee Park Estates for being in one of the most peaceful and picturesque parts of England. Close to the Sherborne and Shaftesbury and right on the border of Dorset and Somerset. We have a well stocked coarse fishing lake full of natural wild fighting fish and extending to approximately 2 acres. Within our stunning resort lies our caravanning and camping area with spectacular views of our golf course. We are open for 12 months, 365 days a year, and we have seasonal pitches available for touring caravans and motorhomes. Please note that our electrical hook-ups are limited, and come with an additional charge, please contact us prior to booking to see availability.

8. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

9. Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

100%

(7)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Welcome to our peaceful 190 acres of glorious Dorset countryside. Here we operate a working farm where we grow apples for award-winning cider makers, along with keeping a range of animals. We are also well located for the Jurassic Coast, with Bridport ten minutes away and West Bay Beach within a 15 minute drive. Our location is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the outdoors, whilst enjoying a relaxing break. We have a limited amount of pitches, along with a communal barn for unwinding (and sheltering from the unpredictable English weather). Both families and dogs are welcome too Facilities onsite include toilets and showers. There is also a communal barn with an equipped kitchen, seating, table tennis, darts and more. We also offer wood-fired pizza during peak season, with licensed premises too! For grabbing something to eat, we have The Half Moon just a ten minute walk away. A Lidl is also a five minute drive away for picking up any essentials. 9 x Non Electric Grass Pitches Spacious 10m x 10m grass pitches without electric. Suitable for tents or campervans up to 6m in length.

10. Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

11. Yurt and Walled Garden

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Unique & enchanting a lush walled garden on the edge of a quiet village provides the perfect place to relax & recharge. Unwind in a wood-fired hot tub or around the fire in the spacious & comfortable yurt. Cook up a feast in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Explore the adjoining historic land; meadows, waterfalls & swimming ponds. Book the off-grid spa with horse-box sauna & Swedish hot-tub. Take a dip or paddle-board & enjoy spotting deer. Enjoy great food at the local pub just a short walk away Then explore Somerset. Enjoy staying in a beautiful organic 21 ft yurt nestled in a magical walled garden exclusively for your use. Your stay includes: A beautiful garden with pizza oven, bbq, hand-made swing, reclining chairs, fire pit A wood- fired ‘dip-tank hot-tub for two (or 2 adults and a child) A fully equipped outdoor kitchen A further indoor kitchenette with fridge-freezer, toaster & oven A monsoon shower & 2 flushing toilets A further garden room with double-bed and electricity A 21 ft Yurt with king-sized bed, sofa, dining table, vinyl collection with turntable & blu-tooth. A wood-burning fire with a complementary basket of logs Quality linen, towels, and toiletries, Eye-masks & dressing gowns Sleeping arrangements are flexible for four people as there is an extra double bedroom in the garden room on the terrace or extra beds can be put in the yurt. The walled garden sits away from but has access to The Brew Somerset with 25 acres of private land. The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the spring-fed ponds. These ponds once served the Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which comes down from the Mendip Hills. In the 18th century Oakhill Stout was thought to have ‘magical‘ healing properties. Now you can take a dip in these waters. The beady-eyed can spot kingfisher, heron, buzzard, kite, cormorant & much more in the way of wildlife. Walled garden guests have access to this larger site in the afternoons, between 1pm and 5pm. The retreat site is not suitable for young children. Coming soon: Don't miss the uniqueness of the pop-up off-grid spa with horse-trailer sauna, wood-fired hot tub and treatment tent. Enjoy a sauna or hot-tub whilst watching deer browse.....seriously! Booking essential. All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub. Relax, unwind, enjoy - a breathing space.

12. At Goathill Farm

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A lovely lakeside shepherd’s hut on a working farm in Dorset

13. Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Camper favorites in and near Dorset AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Henstridge Golf and Leisure

100%

(3)

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England

Set in the heart of rural Blackmore Vale, Henstridge Golf Resort is the perfect retreat providing the best of leisure and relaxation. Over 70 stunning acres. Acquired by Lee Park Estates for being in one of the most peaceful and picturesque parts of England. Close to the Sherborne and Shaftesbury and right on the border of Dorset and Somerset. We have a well stocked coarse fishing lake full of natural wild fighting fish and extending to approximately 2 acres. Within our stunning resort lies our caravanning and camping area with spectacular views of our golf course. We are open for 12 months, 365 days a year, and we have seasonal pitches available for touring caravans and motorhomes. Please note that our electrical hook-ups are limited, and come with an additional charge, please contact us prior to booking to see availability.

Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

100%

(7)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Welcome to our peaceful 190 acres of glorious Dorset countryside. Here we operate a working farm where we grow apples for award-winning cider makers, along with keeping a range of animals. We are also well located for the Jurassic Coast, with Bridport ten minutes away and West Bay Beach within a 15 minute drive. Our location is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the outdoors, whilst enjoying a relaxing break. We have a limited amount of pitches, along with a communal barn for unwinding (and sheltering from the unpredictable English weather). Both families and dogs are welcome too Facilities onsite include toilets and showers. There is also a communal barn with an equipped kitchen, seating, table tennis, darts and more. We also offer wood-fired pizza during peak season, with licensed premises too! For grabbing something to eat, we have The Half Moon just a ten minute walk away. A Lidl is also a five minute drive away for picking up any essentials. 9 x Non Electric Grass Pitches Spacious 10m x 10m grass pitches without electric. Suitable for tents or campervans up to 6m in length.

Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Yurt and Walled Garden

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Unique & enchanting a lush walled garden on the edge of a quiet village provides the perfect place to relax & recharge. Unwind in a wood-fired hot tub or around the fire in the spacious & comfortable yurt. Cook up a feast in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Explore the adjoining historic land; meadows, waterfalls & swimming ponds. Book the off-grid spa with horse-box sauna & Swedish hot-tub. Take a dip or paddle-board & enjoy spotting deer. Enjoy great food at the local pub just a short walk away Then explore Somerset. Enjoy staying in a beautiful organic 21 ft yurt nestled in a magical walled garden exclusively for your use. Your stay includes: A beautiful garden with pizza oven, bbq, hand-made swing, reclining chairs, fire pit A wood- fired ‘dip-tank hot-tub for two (or 2 adults and a child) A fully equipped outdoor kitchen A further indoor kitchenette with fridge-freezer, toaster & oven A monsoon shower & 2 flushing toilets A further garden room with double-bed and electricity A 21 ft Yurt with king-sized bed, sofa, dining table, vinyl collection with turntable & blu-tooth. A wood-burning fire with a complementary basket of logs Quality linen, towels, and toiletries, Eye-masks & dressing gowns Sleeping arrangements are flexible for four people as there is an extra double bedroom in the garden room on the terrace or extra beds can be put in the yurt. The walled garden sits away from but has access to The Brew Somerset with 25 acres of private land. The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the spring-fed ponds. These ponds once served the Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which comes down from the Mendip Hills. In the 18th century Oakhill Stout was thought to have ‘magical‘ healing properties. Now you can take a dip in these waters. The beady-eyed can spot kingfisher, heron, buzzard, kite, cormorant & much more in the way of wildlife. Walled garden guests have access to this larger site in the afternoons, between 1pm and 5pm. The retreat site is not suitable for young children. Coming soon: Don't miss the uniqueness of the pop-up off-grid spa with horse-trailer sauna, wood-fired hot tub and treatment tent. Enjoy a sauna or hot-tub whilst watching deer browse.....seriously! Booking essential. All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub. Relax, unwind, enjoy - a breathing space.

At Goathill Farm

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A lovely lakeside shepherd’s hut on a working farm in Dorset

Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Stories from the community

G

Geert

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Hobby Farm

Beautiful spot. Clean sanitair. On walking distance there is a really nice pub with excellent food.

C

Callum

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Henstridge Golf and Leisure

Lovely place lovely people would definitely recommend

B

Bob

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Crooked Willows Farm

Still open this late in the season, with a convivial host. You need to be prepared for the composting loos but they were clean

m

marty

September 2025

3 nights at At Goathill Farm

Great quiet, scenic site on the side of a lake, just idyllic. Had a wonderful time de-stressing and will definitely be back.

T

Tom

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

Great campsite, pitches have a wonderful view, lovely clean showers and toilets. Great barn to shelter from the elements.

M

Mark

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Willows Farm

Large site with plenty of space for yourselfs, kept well, quiet location which is perfect for us,, really enjoyed it, will be back. Probably with a fishing rod, beautiful lake.

D

Donna

August 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Willows Farm

Peaceful, relaxing evening. Great value for money, l great wildlife

a

andrew

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

We have stayed in 50+ campsites, we know what we like and this site was amazing. If you like friendly, non-wardened, relaxed, quiet with an outstanding barn and full kitchen facilities. this is the place for you!! Pitches have plenty of space and beautiful surroundings, with lots of wildlife. With cider made from their own apples and sausages made from their own pigs, it’s a real treat! Thanks for an incredible stay - we will be returning.

D

Dan

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glastonbury Wild Glamping

The yurt was thoughtfully decorated and incredibly cozy with a comfy bed, from which you can see the stars. The yurt is on a secluded and serene piece of land, perfect for getting away from it all

N

Nicholas

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

A brilliant, peaceful, idyllic place. Terrific barn, with well-equipped kitchen for all to use, makes for a dry and comfortable alternative to the camping stove! The hosts are superbly welcoming. Highly recommend. Lovely cider too.

a

anna

August 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Crooked Willows Farm

Really lovely, very spacious. Nice host and good facilities

M

Maxwell

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crooked Willows Farm

Richard is incredibly helpful! If you are looking for a site that allows you to be at one with nature this is it! Beautiful lake onsite too

fino

July 2025

3 nights at Glastonbury Wild Glamping

stunning spot and so comfortable. worth it, i loved it.

M

Matt

July 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Willows Farm

Nice and friendly, compost loos are fine. Good local pub and walking trails.

A

Alison

June 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Hobby Farm

It was a really peaceful site with large well spaced pitches close to Lyme Regis. Pub within walking distance, we didn’t try it and you’d need a torch. Facilities well thought out with access to a fridge as a nice touch. Showers were cold at 6am but too early to ask anyone if this was a one off problem.

K

Karen

June 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

Really beautiful peaceful campsite with fantastic facilities. We picked pitch 9 with the best views down the valley and across to the woodland. It was so peaceful that all we heard was the birds singing and the wind blowing. Frida was so welcoming and showed us round when we arrived. The field has been left to grow so is full of wildflowers and insects, and the individual campsites are their own mown circle up their own mown track. The toilets and showers are lovely and clean - great hot showers! The indoor area in a barn is a real bonus with tables and chairs, board games, a table tennis table and a dartboard. The kitchen is very well-equipment and in poor weather good for indoor cooking. Eggs, sausages and cider are available for purchase. There is a lovely walk around the farmland including the large apple orchards with gorgeous views along the way. All in all highly recommended.

E

Emma

April 2025

3 m Class B

1 night at Hobby Farm

Beautiful, quiet campsite. Big pitches, clean, brilliant facilities and a great night's sleep. I'll definitely be back!

S

Simon

April 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Henstridge Golf and Leisure

Great land and views, very well kept. The people in the clubhouse running the site were very friendly and helpful. Facikities were ample. We had a great long weekend.

D

Denise

March 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hobby Farm

Had a beautiful stay. The hut was clean and well equipped. The shower was a bit lacking but better than nowt. I particularly loved that the hut was enclosed in its own paddock so my dog was contained and I could relax. The bed was comfortable and I slept like a log. Had a visit from a peacock as the sun went down each evening, how cool!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lake 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.