Camping in Wareham Forest

Walk, cycle, and camp in these ancient Dorset woodlands.

95% (1790 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Wareham Forest

95% (1790 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wareham Forest

Community favorites in and near Wareham Forest

Stories from the community

Grass Campsite with wooden jetty access to River Brue

Frances

4 days ago

5 m Class B

1 night at Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

Lovely place, very serene spot near the river and easy to get to Avalon Marshes and Brent Knoll. Great for a little swim in the river and sitting around in the evening enjoying the birdsong. Only one other van when we were there (a Sunday night) so it was very quiet. The little kitchen was nice for washing up and would be great for cooking if it was a rainy day! There is a road nearby but it's not very busy and there was no noise at all at night. Currently only one toilet and shower but both were clean and worked well, and they were installing more. Andy was lovely and welcoming, and the general vibe was very chilled. Thanks a lot, we will be back!

Weekend Trip to Goren Farm

Dream campsite. Perfect pitch, surrounded by wildflowers. Just right hot showers, compost loos and wash up. Great welcome, lovely cafe, and cider. 5*

1 night at The Barn KT9

We had a great time at The Barn. The site was very peaceful and the pitches were well maintained. We had a nice walk to the pub for dinner and had a great coffee in the morning on the onsite cafe.

2 nights at Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

Andy was lovely and the camping spot is great. Stairs down into the river to make getting in and out easy. It was lovely and quite while I was there and so peaceful!

1 night at Sweet Hill Farm

Magical place for nearly wild camping with sauna, amazing views and lovely people. Will be returning very soon!

1 night at Penn Meadow Farm

Lovely spot, allowed to pick our own 'pitch' - nothing marked out, just go where you want. It's a back to basics campsite as advertised and that's what I like. We recevied a friendly welcome and everyone on the site was plesant and stuck to the no music after 10 rule. Lots of families and a good atmosphere.

1 night at Bredy Farm

Absolutely loved my trip here! Campsite was peaceful really well maintained. Bar and restaurant area was amazing and all the staff were really friendly and attentive. Managed to get myself a fresh pizza from the restaurant and eat it back at camp. Would absolutely stay here again!

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Lovely campsite with great views. Plenty of space - over the BH weekend it was quite busy, with a whole range of different groups etc, everyone very friendly. my kids loved the resident sheepdogs, and the pigs. The toilet/shower block is very nicely done and kept as clean as possible, recognising it was very busy when we went. We'd definitely go back.

Weekend Trip to Ditchling Boutique Camping

We loved our stay, the pitch was easy to find and ideal for us and our dog. Conrad was a great host. It's only a few minutes walk to great pubs and cafes (all very dog friendly!). We got lucky and had clear sky's with stunning views of the stars. I'd definitely stay again

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was fantastic, but I would hesitate recommending it because I love how private and secluded it is and it wouldn’t feel the same if it was busy

1 night at Ditchling Boutique Camping

Great spot! We only had time to meet friends there for one night but had a really good time. Kids loved it and had plenty of spaces to explore. Not far from the South Downs and only a short drive from Brighton. Near to a road but you really don't notice. Found time to sit around the fire at night chatting and looking at the stars.

4 nights at Bredy Farm

Great place to camp! We had such a good time and the bar is brilliant on the weekends! Very dog friendly. We had the river right behind out pitch and the dogs loved it! Not somewhere to go if you’re looking for somewhere quiet on the weekend though😂

Weekend Trip to Littleton Farm Campsite

Fab location, beautifully unspoilt, quiet, great for kids to explore around the campsite.

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

I loved my time there! The campsite is easily accessible by public transport and the nature surrounding it is breathtaking.

Weekend Trip to Housedean Farm Campsite

Housedean Farm is a lovely site in the rolling hills of the South Downs and I'd recommend it. I'd also recommend booking directly with the site rather than through Hipcamp who will not stop emailing me. I need one email when I book a campsite - the booking confirmation. No matter if you opt out of marketing emails, you'll get at least five unnecessary emails as follows: "Enhance your trip with extras" "Your trip is coming up! Here's who's onboard." "Reminder for your trip to Grass Pitch" "Time to pack your bags!" "What did you think of Housedean Farm Campsite?" There's just no stopping the spam from this company

Weekend Trip to Radcot Leisure on Thames

We had a great weekend camping with our 2 children - the setting was really lovely and a great addition being so close to a pub! The campsite is a nice size and there was a lovely chilled atmosphere when we stay. The facilities could do with an update as they are very basic and compact but other than that we thoroughly enjoyed our camping trip!

Weekend Trip to Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

We had a lovley stay, thank you! We had a beautiful secluded woodland pitch and really enjoyed the campfire.

Weekend Trip to Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

It’s a beautiful, quiet campsite by the river. There were lots of spring blossoms when I went. The shower and toilet facilities were well maintained and the kitchen looked good too. Andy was really friendly. It would be a great place for cycling as it is very flat. The river was also calm for paddleboarding and swimming (at your own risk).

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Absolutely stunning spot. So peaceful and quiet. Incredible views from the pitch... The moors, lake, wild ponies, sheep. Beautiful starry skies. Reservoir, viaduct, bluebell woods, clear rivers and so much more wildlife all around.

Weekend Trip to Bredy Farm

A lovely setting, with a nice laid back feel, pull up and pick a nice spot, which is the kind of camping I like. Enjoyed the fact there’s a bar on site and The Parlour is a fantastic place to eat. Would definitely stay again

Available this weekend

94%

(18)

Holyrood Farm Campsite

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Shaftesbury, England

Wild camping half a mile from Shaftesbury Spectacular views over the Blackmore Vale Campfires allowed As is the setting: small and secluded Holyrood Farm Campsite is in Dorset countryside overlooking the Blackmore Vale, within easy walking distance of the pubs and shops of Shaftesbury. It's close to several good footpaths for walking too. 10 minute walk to the famous Gold Hill.

77%

(82)

Lagnersh camping

75 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Bognor Regis, England

Dog-friendly camping near Chichester and the West Sussex coast

100%

(7)

Noxon Farm

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 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. 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.

99%

(69)

Spring Hill Wild Camping

15 units · Tents13 acres · Andover, England

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.

85%

(123)

The Old Airfield

114 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Hampshire, South East England

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

Star Hosts in Wareham Forest

100%

(16)

Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

40 units · Motorhomes, Tents40 acres · Martinhoe, England

Lovely wild camping pitches on the North Devon coastline. You will be one of a maximum of 6 pitches in a large field on the beautiful North Devon coast with incredible sea views. We can provide a firepit to borrow and you can purchase logs onsite so you can stargaze and chatter around the fire - back to nature! We are based just outside the pretty hamlet of Martinhoe in North Devon, a stone's throw from the SW Coast Path. There is a historic Roman Beacon closeby and plenty of wildlife around, we'd be surprised if you didn't see deer in the neighbouring fields! There is a compost loo and a water point, but no electricity / wifi - delightfully off-grid. Situated on an organic working farm this is the perfect place to escape!

100%

(21)

Lordington Park Camping

19 units · Tents5 acres · East Ashling, West Sussex, South East England

Set on glorious parkland in the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park really is a wonderful countryside escape. A 15 minutes’ drive from Chichester, our rustic camping field has views over rolling countryside. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can be expected on cloudless days. Escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in our peaceful rural campsite, with spacious grass pitches big enough for you to have lots of private space. Each pitch has a firepit for barbecues, and there is access to composting toilets, a shower block with warm water, and fresh drinking water. Please note there is no electricity on this simple site. Vehicles are not allowed to park on the camping field, but parking is provided a stone’s throw away. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you get your kit from car to tent. Countryside walks and cycle paths lead directly from your pitch. There are several pubs in the local area – the nearest being 10 minutes’ stroll away. We have a tea room on site, open Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm. Near by local attractions: Goodwood Weald and downland museum West wittering beach Hayling island Portsmouth historic dockyard Chichester festival theatre Arundel castle Cowdray park Various national trust property’s And many more…

96%

(25)

Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

5 units · Glamping, Tents6 acres · Sherborne, England

Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset

100%

(29)

Hardyes Countryside Camping

35 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

98%

(160)

Wookey Farm

45 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Somerset, South West England

Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep

12 top campsites in Wareham Forest

97%

(191)

The Barn KT9

22 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

95%

(109)

Primrose Fields Campsite

30 units · Motorhomes, Tents11 acres · Wareham, England

Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow

90%

(179)

Penn Meadow Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents145 acres · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

98%

(263)

South Dean Camping

70 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

100%

(9)

Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

12 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · 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

99%

(137)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Bredy Farm

31 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Bridport, England

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

89%

(275)

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

95%

(10)

Littleton Farm Campsite

20 units · Tents10 acres · Upwaltham, England

Nestled in a valley on the South Downs Way, Littleton Farm Campsite offers a secluded spot for enjoying the countryside. Welcoming tent campers only, the site offers non electric pitches with plenty of space for everyone to have some peace and quiet. Grab breakfast from the onsite Cadence Cafe, spend days exploring picturesque walking routes and evenings by the campfire. Arundel and Chichester are within 20 minutes drive. A great base for exploring the South Downs and all that West Sussex has to offer. For events at Goodwood or for walkers and cyclists on the South Downs Way, the site is also an ideal spot for escaping the crowds. There are 20 non electric grass pitches onsite, each welcoming tents only. Each pitch allows up to six guests, with plenty of space for tents and gazebos with no extra charges other than on a per-person basis. Unloading is allowed by the pitches with parking in the designated car park. Wake up to fantastic rural views and grab a bite to eat from the onsite cafe, which also serves a delicious cup of coffee. Days can be spent enjoying long walks in beautiful open countryside, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages, or down by the coast, only 25 minutes away. In the evenings, guests can cook up a BBQ or relax by the campfire. Please note, the site is dog free.

97%

(128)

Brig's Farm

21 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

100%

(16)

Ditchling Boutique Camping

101 units · Tents6 acres · Ditchling, East Sussex, South East England

Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out. Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens. The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally). On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk. Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.

93%

(267)

Sweet Hill Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Dorset, South West England

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

Under £50

93%

(68)

Stockbridge View Campsite

62 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Stockbridge, England

A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge

100%

(2)

Laleham Camping Club

100 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · 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.

98%

(80)

Woodlands Camping

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents200 acres · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

99%

(76)

Wytch Wood Camping

21 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Somerset, South West England

A small, quiet, eco-friendly campsite on a working sheep farm

98%

(63)

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Devon, South West England

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills, with campfires, big views and homegrown produce for sale

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(17)

Park Farm Campsite

3 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

99%

(34)

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

100%

(2)

Glamping and Camping near Bath

15 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · England

Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!

97%

(16)

Aldridge Mill

5 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents45 acres · Devon, South West England

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

94%

(148)

Heritage Coast Campsite

29 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Simple camping (with glamping options) just a stroll from the nearest Glamorgan beach – plus a brilliant little café to boot

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Wareham Forest guide

Overview

With more than 1,500 hectares of woodlands and heathlands to explore, Wareham Forest provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike the 13-mile Wareham Forest Way through the heart of the forest, or choose from several short walks and circuits such as the Woodlark Trail, a favourite for families. Cyclists won’t want to miss the tree-lined Sika Trail, after which you can picnic among the trees or enjoy lunch at a country pub. The forest is well known for its wildlife, so keep a lookout for Sika deer, rare birds, and sand lizards.

Notable campgrounds

Best for a 5-star camping experience: Wareham Forest Tourist Park has grass pitching for tents and powered hard-standing sites for caravans and motorhomes. There’s also a heated swimming pool and children’s playground on-site and a country pub within walking distance.
Best for caravans and motorhomes: Birchwood Touring Park has a choice of grass, hard-standing, and gravel pitches, all with direct access to the forest trails. Electric hook-ups and TV aerials are available too.
Best for peace and quiet: Wooders Campsite has spacious grass pitches, bell tents for hire, and fire-pits, set on a rural working farm.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Holiday parks and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Book at least three months in advance if you plan to visit at this time.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from Easter through October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Summer is peak season in Wareham Forest, and parking can fill up quickly—make an early start to snag a spot. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but the woodlands are particularly photogenic in the autumn months, with their ever-changing canopy of fall foliage. Wildlife watching is often most rewarding in the early morning and early evening.

Know before you go

Wareham Forest is located in central Dorset, about a 20-minute drive west of Poole. Trains run from Poole to Wareham (a 10-minute journey), from where it’s a half-mile walk to the forest.
There is free parking at Sika Trail, Woolsbarrow, Stroud Bridge, and Sugar Hill, all with direct access to Wareham Forest.
Many trails at Wareham Forest are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.