Camping in Wareham Forest

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

95% (1841 reviews)
  1. Wareham Forest
95% (1841 reviews)

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12 top campsites in Wareham Forest

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Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

16 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
Potable water
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from 
£11.50
 / night

Summers Camp

51 units · Tents9 acres · England
Whether you’re exploring down the local footpaths that crisscross the countryside or tracking down ponies and canoeing ventures in the New Forest National Park, a stay at Summers Camping by Pitching It will help you tune into your adventurous side. This spacious site is spread over 10 acres of Dorset countryside, with many corners left over to nature. That means you can expect to see wildflowers and birds around the place and find lots of opportunities to get out and explore more. This pop-up site is in the small village of Burton, a 10-minute drive from England’s south coast and the New Forest National Park. Summers Camping by Pitching It is an off-grid site so you should get dark skies at night, but LED fairy lights create laidback festival-style vibes (as well as making a great backdrop for your holiday selfies). Acoustic entertainment is also occasionally on the agenda. It’s safe to say that this friendly site also has good amenities including hot showers, toilets, a coffee cart and an occasional pop-up bar. Food vans often visit the site, which is good news for those seeking easy meals at the end of a busy day. If you'd rather cook for yourself, hire a firepit and get grilling (logs and firewood are also sold on site). As for the location, well, things are indeed convenient. The site is under a mile from two pubs, a post office and a convenience store, and there’s a pick-your-own farm shop and bakery five minutes’ drive away. Nearby seaside spots like Avon beach and Highcliffe Castle can be reached in about 10 minutes, while the stunning South West Coast Path starts about 10 miles west in Poole (30 minutes’ drive).
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from 
£24.96
 / night

Under £50

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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

  1. 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. 
  2. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  3. 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.