Riverside Caravan Parks Near Swanage, Dorset

Nestled along the enchanting coastline of England on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage offers a variety of camping options among a perfect blend of coastal beauty and rich history. Campers will find a variety of attractions around the Isle of Purbeck to explore, including hikes along South West Coast Path as well as a coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic landmarks like Corfe Castle. Lulworth Cove is great for coastal walks, swimming in turquoise waters, and kayaking through the cove. It also offers private grass pitches, holiday homes, or cottage rentals close to its waters. Or camp in New Forest National Park and embark on scenic hikes through ancient woodlands and cycling adventures along picturesque routes.

85% (130)

Top-rated campgrounds

Nestled along the enchanting coastline of England on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage offers a variety of camping options among a perfect blend of coastal beauty and rich history. Campers will find a variety of attractions around the Isle of Purbeck to explore, including hikes along South West Coast Path as well as a coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic landmarks like Corfe Castle. Lulworth Cove is great for coastal walks, swimming in turquoise waters, and kayaking through the cove. It also offers private grass pitches, holiday homes, or cottage rentals close to its waters. Or camp in New Forest National Park and embark on scenic hikes through ancient woodlands and cycling adventures along picturesque routes.

85% (130)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Slips

91%

(85)

123km from Swanage · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Henfield, England

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

2. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

136km from Swanage · 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.

3. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

99%

(59)

91km from Swanage · 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

4. Wolf Meadows Farm

100%

(1)

145km from Swanage · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Umberleigh, England

Relaxed camping in a riverside meadow in north Devon

5. Aldridge Mill

95%

(22)

119km from Swanage · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Devon, South West England

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

6. Baldwins Brook Glamping

100%

(7)

134km from Swanage · 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.

7. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

23km from Swanage · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

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

8. Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%

(17)

121km from Swanage · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Littlehempston, England

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

9. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

93km from Swanage · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

10. Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

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

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

11. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

27km from Swanage · 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

12. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%

(13)

131km from Swanage · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

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

13. Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

38km from Swanage · 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 Swanage

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

23km from Swanage · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

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

Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%

(17)

121km from Swanage · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Littlehempston, England

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

Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

93km from Swanage · 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 Swanage · 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)

27km from Swanage · 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)

131km from Swanage · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England

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

Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

38km from Swanage · 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.

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.

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!

S

Sue

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Bredy Farm

I arrived on a Monday afternoon as I wanted to miss the noise and busyness at the weekend. The site was immaculate and just what I needed for a few days away. There was plenty of room to not be bothered by neighbours and plenty of the orchard pitches are close to the river which is perfect for paddling. The showers are clean and I got a decent time for £1. I didn’t have a pizza from the restaurant but they looked amazing. I loved Bredy’s Farm and will definitely come back.

J

James

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Snelling Farm Campsite

Any campsite is as good as the people who greet and help you to enjoy your stay, this place is great. Good quality clean and accessible facilities set in a large field ensuring you are never too close to anyone else allowing you to soak up the peaceful natural setting. We had good weather for our stay but I don’t think a change in weather would have dampened our stay. Would recommend this place for a visit, especially if you’re looking for a very quite location to spend your evening after exploring the local Dorset attractions

R

Rowan

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

Great site, had an amazing weekend. Fantastic fire pit and the sheltered kitchen area really came in handy.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside caravan parks near Swanage guide

Where to go

Lulworth Cove

Set some 16 miles from Swanage in Dorset is Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campers can set up tents or hook up the motorhome to nearby private campsites along the Jurassic Coast that provide clean shower and toilet facilities, picnic areas, and easy access to the cove’s turquoise waters. Or rent a cottage or go glamping in a shepherd’s hut for a bit more comfort. Created by melted ice overflow from nearby seas and rivers, the cove waters are popular for swimming and kayaking. Then, enjoy land activities like coastal walks along rugged cliffs for sea views or explorations to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.

Corfe Castle

Northwest of Swanage lies Corfe Castle, a historic ruin built by William the Conqueror that exudes medieval charm. Nearby private farm campsites and holiday parks in villages offer a range of amenities, including tent pitches and campervan spaces, as well as clean shower and toilet facilities, electrical hookups, on-site shops, and wifi access. Cottage and cabin rentals are also available near the castle. Then wake up and enjoy Corfe Castle’s ancient walls that are over 1,000 years old. Afterward, take a hike along Purbeck Hills on the Purbeck Ridgeway to get views of Old Harry and the Swanage Railway.

New Forest National Park

Just a short drive northeast of Swanage sits the enchanting New Forest National Park. Wilderness explorers can hike the park's trails, including the scenic routes of Lyndhurst Circular Walk and Tall Trees Trail, which offer views of the forest’s ancient woodlands and open heathlands. Find cycling adventures and exciting wildlife sightings—most notably of the free-roaming New Forest ponies. Afterward, unwind at a tent or caravan park run by Camping in the Forest with amenities like full electric hookups and toilet and shower facilities.

When to go

Summers in Swanage bring pleasant temperatures and are popular for coastal walks, swimming, and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and a vibrant display of foliage, creating a colourful backdrop for hiking and exploring. Winter in Swanage brings a different charm, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.