94% (239) • 161 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Poole
Abbey Home Farm
1. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
111km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
The Barn KT9
2. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
133km from Poole · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Brig's Farm
3. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
67km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Liba Vineyard
4. Liba Vineyard
48km from Poole · 3 units · Glamping
Liba Vineyard is a biodynamic vineyard and luxury woodland glamping site on the edge of Salisbury, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge.
Our vineyard, hand planted in Spring 2024, has nearly 4,000 vines of four different varieties. We manage our vines in line with organic and biodynamic principles, working hand-in-hand with nature and avoiding the use of any herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers. We hope to take our first (small) harvest in 2026, by which time we will be fully certified (organic and biodynamic) and will be able to make our wine on-site.
Our glamping pods, brand new for Autumn 2025 seek to give guests an eco-luxurious stay in an area of native woodland bordering the vineyard. These pods are perfect as a base for exploring Salisbury, nearby historic sites such as Stonehenge and Old Sarum, or the beautiful countryside of the New Forest National Park, Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, North Wessex Downs or the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty slightly further afield.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£187
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
5. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
88km from Poole · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
6. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
39km from Poole · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
7. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
79km from Poole · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
8. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
145km from Poole · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Homemade Holidays
9. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
79km from Poole · 2 units · Glamping
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
10. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
121km from Poole · 4 units · Glamping
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Tom's Field (New Forest)
11. Tom's Field (New Forest)
99%
(44)
28km from Poole · 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
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
12. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
139km from Poole · 9 units · Glamping
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Forest Edge
13. Forest Edge
100%
(24)
89km from Poole · 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
The Old Airfield
14. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
20km from Poole · 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
from
£30
/ night
Southwood Park Estate
15. Southwood Park Estate
93%
(7)
77km from Poole · 12 units · Glamping
Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to.
We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate
We are family and pet friendly site.
All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
The Secret Campsite
16. The Secret Campsite
99%
(91)
141km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£26
/ night
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
17. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
98%
(20)
94km from Poole · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Harry's Meadow
18. Harry's Meadow
97%
(73)
30km from Poole · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
The High Nature Centre
19. The High Nature Centre
92%
(19)
138km from Poole · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£10
/ night
Walnut Farm Glamping
20. Walnut Farm Glamping
97%
(39)
53km from Poole · 8 units · Glamping
Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£116
/ night
94% (239) • 161 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Poole
Abbey Home Farm
1. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
111km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
The Barn KT9
2. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
133km from Poole · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Brig's Farm
3. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
67km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Liba Vineyard
4. Liba Vineyard
48km from Poole · 3 units · Glamping
Liba Vineyard is a biodynamic vineyard and luxury woodland glamping site on the edge of Salisbury, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge.
Our vineyard, hand planted in Spring 2024, has nearly 4,000 vines of four different varieties. We manage our vines in line with organic and biodynamic principles, working hand-in-hand with nature and avoiding the use of any herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers. We hope to take our first (small) harvest in 2026, by which time we will be fully certified (organic and biodynamic) and will be able to make our wine on-site.
Our glamping pods, brand new for Autumn 2025 seek to give guests an eco-luxurious stay in an area of native woodland bordering the vineyard. These pods are perfect as a base for exploring Salisbury, nearby historic sites such as Stonehenge and Old Sarum, or the beautiful countryside of the New Forest National Park, Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, North Wessex Downs or the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty slightly further afield.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£187
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
5. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
88km from Poole · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
6. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
39km from Poole · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
7. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
79km from Poole · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
8. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
145km from Poole · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Homemade Holidays
9. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
79km from Poole · 2 units · Glamping
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
10. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
121km from Poole · 4 units · Glamping
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Tom's Field (New Forest)
11. Tom's Field (New Forest)
99%
(44)
28km from Poole · 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
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
12. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
139km from Poole · 9 units · Glamping
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Forest Edge
13. Forest Edge
100%
(24)
89km from Poole · 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
The Old Airfield
14. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
20km from Poole · 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
from
£30
/ night
Southwood Park Estate
15. Southwood Park Estate
93%
(7)
77km from Poole · 12 units · Glamping
Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to.
We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate
We are family and pet friendly site.
All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
The Secret Campsite
16. The Secret Campsite
99%
(91)
141km from Poole · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£26
/ night
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
17. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
98%
(20)
94km from Poole · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Harry's Meadow
18. Harry's Meadow
97%
(73)
30km from Poole · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
The High Nature Centre
19. The High Nature Centre
92%
(19)
138km from Poole · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£10
/ night
Walnut Farm Glamping
20. Walnut Farm Glamping
97%
(39)
53km from Poole · 8 units · Glamping
Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£116
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Dom
November 2025
4 nights at Homemade Holidays
Absolutely amazing Holiday, Jan was super helpful and we will definitely be back
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See more
C
Christine
September 2025
With kids
My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury.
The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
See more
J
Julian
September 2025
With pets
This was a super last-minute booking, despite knowing that it was going to be pretty wet all weekend. Despite the rain, this was a magical place and my son and I had a special time together. The rain maybe made it even more special.
Anna is lovely and very helpful and their dog spent quite a lot of time with us because he realised we would continue to throw a stick for it until we went to sleep. Which was bliss!
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A
Ade
August 2025
With pets
We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!.
The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond.
The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored.
Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!
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J
Joana
August 2025
With kids
Amazing stay with beautiful views. The tent is equipped with everything you need and beds are comfortable.
The environment is very calm and pizza night really is a success, not only the pizza's are very nice but you get to know the other people staying - amazing if you have kids as they start playing together.
We had an amazing time and would definitely return and recommend the stay.
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See more
S
Selma
August 2025
With kids
This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.
See more
H
Hannah
August 2025
Group trip
Wow, wow, wow.
So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect.
Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely.
Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.
See more
Philippa
August 2025
With kids
Beautiful spot! I love that each plot has it's own BBQ and fire pit, this really made a difference to our stay. The games are a great touch and being able to walk to the cafe for a coffee and sausage roll in the morning was the icing on the cake. Honesty box for wood and coal, drinking water, clean (flushing!) toilets and showers, everything you could need. Can't wait to come back.
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M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See moreC
Cameron
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!
See moreB
Barb
August 2025
2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.
See more
A
Alison
August 2025
3 nights at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
The campsite was quiet and private and all the other campers respected the rules about noise. The airstream caravan was screened from other campers in its own little area which gave more privacy
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R
Rezaur Rahman
August 2025
4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot.
The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity.
One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day.
Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation.
I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!
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K
Kamlesh
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Second time here. Fantastic place. Must try. Ever so helpful. Great access to Ashford Common.
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Hayley
August 2025
With pets
We absolutly would recommend a stay in the Yurt, it had everything we needed for the perfect stay. The location is ideal for a quiet, reflective break in nature. Listening to the owls and nightjars calls from the woods of an evening was a particular highlight. If you need a detox from the hectic world to relax and restore its the perfect space to do so.
The salad, steak and cheese hamper was amazing value, and the coffee and pancake stuff provided made us feel so welcome.
Thanks Anna, i am sure we will be back again, Hayley, Andy & Greta doggo 🐶
See moreF
Fiona
July 2025
3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut.
A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊
See moreV
Victoria
July 2025
1 night at The Barn KT9
We absolutely loved our stay at the Barn KT9. It really is a little slice of camping heaven. The bell tent was beautiful and very comfortable for our family. The shower and bathroom facilities were clean and the on site cafe is a lovely bonus with great coffee!
See more
Woodland glamping near Poole guide
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.