Riverside Caravan Parks Near Poole, Dorset

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.

85% (130)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

85% (130)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(147)

145km from Poole · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

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

2. The Slips

91%

(85)

120km from Poole · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside

3. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

127km from Poole · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital. The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.

4. Wolf Meadows Farm

100%

(1)

142km from Poole · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Umberleigh, England

Relaxed camping in a riverside meadow in north Devon

5. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

99%

(59)

82km from Poole · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

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

6. Aldridge Mill

95%

(22)

115km from Poole · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.

7. Baldwins Brook Glamping

100%

(7)

121km from Poole · 6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill. This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock. From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal. When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.

8. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

21km from Poole · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast

9. Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%

(17)

124km from Poole · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Littlehempston, England

Adult-only camping and glamping within striking distance of Totnes and the South Devon coast.

10. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

88km from Poole · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

11. Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

52km from Poole · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

12. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

20km from Poole · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

13. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%

(13)

118km from Poole · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people

14. Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

28km from Poole · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shillingstone,, England

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

Camper favorites near Poole

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

88km from Poole · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

52km from Poole · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

20km from Poole · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%

(13)

118km from Poole · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people

Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

28km from Poole · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shillingstone,, England

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

Stories from the community

Grass Campsite with wooden jetty access to River Brue

J

James

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

1 night at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.

F

Finty

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Aldridge Mill

We loved our stay at Aldridge Mill! It was so peaceful and lots of lovely walking spots near by :) It was so refreshing having space for ourselves and our dogs - We arrived at the end of September so was very quiet and spacious.

B

Bob

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club

Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host

a

andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

A very spacious campsite with well-maintained composting facilities. The scenic drive down to the site is beautiful, and the clear night skies make it perfect for stargazing. Martins and owls were active both day and night, adding to the atmosphere. On some alternate nights, music played nearby from around 10 pm to 4 am. While noticeable, it was at a consistent and tolerable volume, and importantly, it wasn’t accompanied by disruptive behaviour.

Carree

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Snelling Farm Campsite

Fantastic campsite, heavenly amount of space, great atmosphere and brilliant facilities 😊👍

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

E

Elspeth

August 2025

7 m Class A

Weekend Trip to The Slips

This is a beautiful area and we have stayed at The Slips before.

M

Maria

August 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Slips

Very relaxed campsite, lots of space and good facilities as advertised! Thanks for a lovely stay!

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.

V

Vladislav

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

Beautiful setting, camp fires allowed, not too busy!

David

August 2025

6 m Class B

2 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Just spent a lovely short two day break at the riverside. A simple site with some nice touches. Loved the games room complete with candelabra and wall tapestry ! All facilities quirky and rustic but everything clean. Would happily stay again.

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Old Airfield

An amazing site for young children. Would definitely come again, and for longer. Staff were great, really helpful.

Snowdonia

August 2025

3 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Lovely tranquil camp site in a nice location in the Cotswolds. Good pitches with plenty of space. Shame the local pub was closed for renovation works. All in all a fabulous couple of days chilling, thank you Sally 😀

T

Tala

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

Had a great time at Snelling Farm. It's spacious, clean, quiet, and very scenic. The directions were clear, and the location was easy to find. Would definitely recommend!

D

David

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Very relaxing, unspoilt, charming spot by the river, fires permitted - other guests were quiet, respectful and friendly - loos and showers, kitchen and fridge available for campers if required - less than an hour from Bristol - a hidden gem.

E

Emma

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

We’ve stayed here many times and it’s a great spot for a peaceful weekend. The site is very pretty with the surrounding orchard and green hills, and well situated for country walks and visits to nearby towns. The facilities are great - everything you might need (including hammocks!) - and everyone we met was so relaxed and friendly.

H

Helen

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

My son and I had a very peaceful weekend here, despite it being packed! A really clean and tidy, well equipped site and although we felt that the pitches were quite close together, the long grasses made it feel private enough and fellow campers were very respectful and quiet! Oh ... and we LOVED the church bells! 😄 We'll definitely be going again and highly recommend for an 'almost wild' and restful camping experience! Special thanks to Antonia who came to greet us when we first arrived, was very helpful and then left us to it!

Vanessa

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

We camped during the week and on the Saturday. It had clean facilities and it was nice and peaceful during the week, but on the Friday night, it got slightly busier and others pitched their tents a little too close to ours (even when there was plenty of space in the middle) and were not told to move. I was woken up early by the sound of them hitting the shuttlecock (not even by them talking) that’s how close they were!

J

Jacob

August 2025

3 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Great small site with just enough essentials but carefully crafted ones, really like the vibe of this site, me and my son had a great time and we’ll be back for sure, thanks andy

s

sasha

August 2025

4 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Super relaxed campsite, kids were so happy running about and exploring. Guna recommend it to everyone!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside caravan parks 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.