Discover the best lakeside campsites near Bournemouth, Dorset with campfires

United Kingdom
—
England
—
South West England
—
Dorset
—
Bournemouth

96% (49 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bournemouth

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top lakeside campsites near Bournemouth with campfires

89%

(256)

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

96%

(103)

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

Crooked Willows Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Wimborne. Dorset, England

Crooked Willows Farm offers an ideal country break with a range of desirable features. Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.

Hobby Farm

16 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

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

100%

(5)

Oakhill Ponds, spring-fed swim

6 units · Glamping25 acres · Somerset, South West England

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

The Blue Pool

8 units · Glamping300 acres · Wareham, England

Treehouses on the edge of Dorset’s Blue Pool

Wild Swim2Sauna Safari Tipis

35 units · Glamping6 acres · Devon, South West England

Wild swimming and off-grid living in tipis and tents on the banks of Devon's River Avon

95%

(54)

The View Camping

53 units · Tents14 acres · Poole, Dorset, South West England

Welcoming family camping with campfires and far-reaching views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills

100%

(1)

Glastonbury Wild Glamping

2 units · Glamping2 acres · England

Glastonbury Wild Glamping offers two beautiful 18ft yurts tucked away in a wildflower meadow overlooking the historic Glastonbury Tor. The site is in a magical location and provides the perfect opportunity to switch off and find total peace and tranquillity. There is natural wild swimming pond, shower facilities with hot water, compost toilets, and and a shared outside kitchen, with cutlery, pans, fridge, camping hob. The Yurts are furnished with India-inspired interiors and offer panoramic and uninterrupted views of Glastonbury Tor from your luxury super king sized bed! Crisp warm linen, wood burner and hot water bottles for the chillier nights. This is an opportunity to switch off your devises and stay connected to nature and your surroundings and totally re charge.

100%

(5)

Mangerton Lake

4 units · Glamping17 acres · Bridport, England

Offering amazing views over the valley and lake it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Fall asleep to the sound of the spring bubbling and wake up to beautiful views in one of Dorsets areas of outstanding natural beauty. If you are an angler our lake is well stocked with Carp, Roach and Tench, fishing is included with your stay. We are 3 miles from the nearest beaches or you can walk straight onto the footpaths and explore the countryside. We are about 1.5 miles from the historic market town of Bridport which is well know for its antiques and vintage markets. We are also close to some fabulous restaurants, cafes and pubs.

89%

(9)

Camping at Brandiers Farm

2 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Wiltshire, South West England

Bucolic rural glamping in a beautiful natural beauty spot on the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

100%

(3)

Noxon Farm

1 unit · Tent2 acres · Lydney, England

Surrounded by the lush, ancient woodlands in the Forest of Dean forest, this serene and spacious 2 acre field offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday celebration or a mates getting together, set up camp under canopy of stars. The field is part of an old dairy farm with beautiful fishing lake. Our camping facilities are eco friendly and we have 2 compost toilets along with wash basins and washing up sinks. Two hot showers as well. Solar lighting is at the facilities and there is a fire pit available.

Lakeside campsites near Bournemouth with campfires guide

Overview

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

The rocky peninsula known as the Isle of Purbeck juts out south of Poole Harbour and is part of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. A hike along part of the South West Coast Path is the best way to discover the coast, passing landmarks such as the Durdle Door, Old Harry’s Rocks, and Kimmeridge Bay. Afterwards, ride the Swanage steam railway to Corfe Castle, stop at a country pub to sample Dorset’s local ale, or spot wildlife on a cruise to Brownsea Island.

East Dorset

Dorset’s rural landscapes are dotted with ancient woodlands, magnificent castles, and Victorian gardens. Picnic on the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, explore miles of hiking and cycling trails in the Cranborne Chase AONB, and camp on rural farms far from the crowds. Further north, the verdant Salisbury Plains are home to one of the UK’s most famous landmarks—the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.

Hampshire

East of Bournemouth, the pretty coastal towns of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are popular destinations for summer campers, and lie on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park. Head into the park to enjoy woodland walks and scenic bike rides, stopping to explore traditional villages and dine at country pubs along the way. For a change of pace, ferries set sail to the Isle of Wight, where you can enjoy sea-cliff walks, blue flag beaches, and ocean-view camping.

When to go

Bournemouth’s coastal micro-climate has long been its unique selling point—the city has one of the warmest and driest climates in the UK. Beachgoers arrive en masse in peak season (July-August), but waters are often warm enough to swim in spring and autumn, which is the best time to avoid the crowds. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in winter and the city’s holiday festivities are worth a winter caravan trip.

Know before you go

Bournemouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Bournemouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.