Bell tents in Wareham Forest

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.

97% (326)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

97% (326)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Teddy's Farm

99%

(154)

95 units · Tents, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

2. Charisworth Farm

97%

(99)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet

3. Forest Edge

100%

(24)

44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon

4. Jurassic Airstreams Spa Glamping

4 units · Glamping · England

Hartridge Springs – Jurassic Glamping with Rare Vintage Trailers Tucked into wildflower meadows and ancient woodland, Hartridge Springs is a soulful glamping retreat near the World Heritage Jurassic Coast — home to one of the UK’s rarest collections of original American trailers from the 1940s and ’50s. These aren’t just vintage caravans — they’re icons of travel history. Stay in a 1946 Spartan Manor, once owned by Roger Daltrey of The Who, with a twinkle-effect starlight ceiling, plain wing seats, wood fractal-burn tables, air conditioning, and hand-finished birch details. Or step inside the 1949 Silver Streak “Minnie” Clipper, believed to be one of only seven ever built, personally crafted by Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream. We also have two larger Silver Streak Clippers from 1950 — aerodynamic beauties nicknamed the “Twin Alien” for their space-age curves. With fewer than 200 left in the world, these trailers are considered some of the coolest-looking caravans ever made. Each has been lovingly restored by hand. Elegant domes and luxury canvas tents complete the site — each with its own fire pit / barbecue, perfect for slow evenings under the stars. Facilities include a luxury eco toilet block with hydrotherapy showers, incinerator toilets, and a large wood-fired sauna adds to the off-grid indulgence. All water comes from our own borehole, providing pure Jurassic spring water filtered through 180-million-year-old rocks — crisp, mineral-rich, and flowing throughout the site. Just 20 minutes from the coast, we offer exclusive night fossil hunts to what many call the best beach in the world for finding golden pyritized ammonites, revealed under torchlight and tide and due to it being at night you get the whole beach to yourself. Nearby, explore a peaceful monks’ monastery, enjoy the region’s amazing local food — fresh, seasonal, and lovingly prepared by local restaurants and pubs. Hartridge Springs is where vintage Americana meets ancient Earth — a place to unplug, reconnect, and experience something truly rare.

5. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

6. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%

(44)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand

7. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

8. Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

9. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

10. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

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

11. Haddon Copse Farm

99%

(49)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs

12. Marshwood Farm Camping

100%

(53)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · Wiltshire, South West England

Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside

13. Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%

(3)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · 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!

14. Liberty Farm Camping

100%

(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

15. Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

16. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

17. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%

(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.

18. Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

19. Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

20. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Camper favorites in and near Wareham Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%

(3)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · 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!

Liberty Farm Camping

100%

(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%

(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.

Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Stories from the community

A

Anup

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

We loved staying at tams land. The views are absolutely beautiful as is the sound of nature and wildlife. We stayed in the otter tent which was well equipped for a family of 3 and a dog! Tam is an excellent host, unfortunately due to traffic we arrived late than planned on Friday night however tam was understanding and accommodating anf helped us settle in quickly. On the Saturday night it was a complete wash out and tam offered to let us stay in another one of their lodges as it had a log burner - this was excellent, appreciated and well timed (we'd been on the beach all day and were completely soaked)! We would definitely recommend staying here! Thanks again Tam!

H

Hubert

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Charisworth Farm

I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay. The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨ Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!

J

Jade

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Charisworth Farm

Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly. We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese. It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.

K

Kelvin

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Teddy's Farm

Teddy was an amazing host, and was so helpful on every occasion. I thouroughly enjoyed cooking the lamb sausages made at the farm. Well deserving of any campsite awards they earn.

B

Benjamin

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Teddy's Farm

Great spot. Teddy and Mrs Teddy (sorry!) were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Massive fields. Load of space. Good showers and toilets. 👍

H

Hannah

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping and Camping near Bath

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Fox Talbot Glamping tent at Piccadilly campsite! Everywhere was spotlessly clean, we didn't have to queue to use any of the facilities and my children loved the play area. The tent itself was beautiful! Freshly cut flowers! The beds were comfortable and warm, the biscuits were delicious and I breathed a sigh of relief seeing a electric kettle for the tea and coffee (I hate boiling water on a camping stove) Thank you Rachel for a lovely stay!

R

Rebecca

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

The campsite is gorgeous, along the river in a little secluded valley surrounded by trees with countryside views. The kitchen is perfectly equipped and the hot shower is a great amenity. The beds are comfy and the tents are nicely furnished.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents in Wareham Forest guide

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.