Discover the best lakeside campsites near Poole, Dorset with campfires

99% (62 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Poole

Dog-friendly getaways

89%

(240)

Star Hosts in Poole

95%

(30)

Hobby Farm

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

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

Woodfrys Farm

7 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Dorset, South West England

A sustainable, family-run smallholding in rural Dorset with a small lakeside campsite

100%

(7)

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

1 unit · Glamping40 acres · Devon, South West England

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

The Blue Pool

8 units · Glamping300 acres · Wareham, England

Treehouses on the edge of Dorset’s Blue Pool

97%

(87)

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

11 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.

12 top lakeside campsites near Poole with campfires

100%

(5)

The Blue Pool

8 units · Glamping300 acres · Wareham, England

Treehouses on the edge of Dorset’s Blue Pool

Radcot Leisure on Thames

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

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

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

Crooked Willows Farm

12 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.

Woodfrys Farm

7 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Dorset, South West England

A sustainable, family-run smallholding in rural Dorset with a small lakeside campsite

100%

(1)

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.

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

11 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.

Hobby Farm

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

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

100%

(2)

Oakhill Ponds

5 units · Glamping25 acres · Somerset, South West England

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

Secret garden & spring-fed swim

2 units · Glamping25 acres · 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.

100%

(5)

At Goathill Farm

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Dorset, South West England

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

88%

(8)

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.

Under £50

89%

(240)

Radcot Leisure on Thames

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

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

Crooked Willows Farm

12 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.

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

Woodfrys Farm

7 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Dorset, South West England

A sustainable, family-run smallholding in rural Dorset with a small lakeside campsite

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

11 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.

Lakeside campsites near Poole with campfires guide

Overview

Perched on the shores of Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in the world, there are plenty of ways to get on the water in Poole. Swim and build sandcastles at the 3-mile long Sandbanks beach, take a wildlife-watching cruise around Brownsea Island, or try kitesurfing, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding around the harbor. Even camping comes with a view of the water, and there are several holiday parks and camping grounds along the seafront. Away from the coast, explore miles of cycling trails, picnic in the gardens of Upton Country Park, or enjoy wine tasting at a Dorset vineyard.

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

Forming the southern coast of Poole Harbour, the Purbeck peninsula is fringed by steep limestone cliffs and spectacular coastal walks. Hike across the sea cliffs of Old Harry Rocks, discover the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle, or admire the views from the Swanage steam railway. Camping along the peninsula takes you back to nature, whether staying in a forest lodge or parking your motorhome on a working farm.

Jurassic Coast

West of Purbeck, Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast—so-called for the dinosaur fossils found on its beaches—stretches all the way to Orcombe Point. The coastal hikes here are some of the most impressive in the UK, with soaring cliffs, crumbling castle ruins, and sandy coves. Marvel at landmarks such as the Durdle Door, stay at ocean-view campsites along the way, and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous ale, a staple in local pubs.

Cranborne Chase

Escape to the countryside in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Area AONB, just a 30-minute drive north of Poole. Enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides through the downlands, admire wildflowers and rare orchids, and camp amid patchwork farmlands. To the north, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is within day-trip distance, while to the south, the Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is a favorite for families.

When to go

May through October has the most pleasant weather for camping in Poole, and the beaches draw big crowds in July and August. Be sure to book ahead if you plan to visit at this time. Winter campers can keep Poole on their itinerary, too. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing and sunny days are still common—just swap your tent for a motorhome or caravan.

Know before you go

Poole has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Poole 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 many campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.