The best campsites in Wareham Forest with horseback riding

·

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.

96% (495) 132 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wareham Forest

Sweet Hill Farm

1. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

2. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Southover Wood and Camping

3. Southover Wood and Camping

95%
(100)
Dorchester, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
England · 1 unit
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
The Old Airfield

5. The Old Airfield

85%
(143)
Burley, England · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

6. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%
(148)
Frome, England · 15 units
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Small Trees Campsite

7. Small Trees Campsite

97%
(38)
West Wellow, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

8. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 16 units
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Harry's Field New Forest

9. Harry's Field New Forest

92%
(60)
Fordingbridge, England · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£32
 / night
Goren Farm

10. Goren Farm

100%
(85)
Seaton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£21
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

11. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%
(6)
Wareham, England · 6 units
West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£100
 / night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite

12. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%
(10)
Ryde, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

13. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%
(21)
New Forest, England · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£80
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

14. Buckland Farm Camping

95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

15. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%
(8)
Shepton Mallet, England · 1 unit
Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night
Stud Farm

16. Stud Farm

100%
(4)
Brockenhurst, England · 1 unit
A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Romantic Country Glamping

17. Romantic Country Glamping

92%
(12)
Bradford On Avon, England · 2 units
A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£110
 / night
Lickham Bottom Camp

18. Lickham Bottom Camp

100%
(9)
Taunton, England · 3 units
Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

19. Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

Bournemouth, England · 12 units
Set on the Parley Estate near Bournemouth, with a Georgian mansion sitting in four-acres of lovely Dorset parkland, Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt offers pre-erected bell tents on level grass meadows. No fuss, no puzzling tent poles to mess around with. Just arrive on site, move in and your holiday has started. Local attractions and activities include: - Bournemouth Beach & town centre for shops and restaurants 5min drive - Golf: on site 18 hole course and driving range! - Local pub short 10 min walk - Adventure Wonderland (kids’ theme park): five minutes’ drive - Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre: 10 minutes - Go Ape Moors Valley (tree-top zipwires): 15 minutes - Bournemouth Beach: 15 minutes - Splashdown (water park): 20 minutes - Moors Valley Country Park and Forest: 20 minutes - Mudeford Sandbank: 20 minutes - Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum: 20 minutes - Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park: 25 minutes.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£80
 / night
Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

20. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%
(10)
Honiton, England · 2 units
A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£68
 / night

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.

96% (495) 132 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wareham Forest

Sweet Hill Farm

1. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

2. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Southover Wood and Camping

3. Southover Wood and Camping

95%
(100)
Dorchester, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
England · 1 unit
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
The Old Airfield

5. The Old Airfield

85%
(143)
Burley, England · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

6. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg

99%
(148)
Frome, England · 15 units
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Small Trees Campsite

7. Small Trees Campsite

97%
(38)
West Wellow, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

8. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 16 units
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Harry's Field New Forest

9. Harry's Field New Forest

92%
(60)
Fordingbridge, England · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£32
 / night
Goren Farm

10. Goren Farm

100%
(85)
Seaton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£21
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

11. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%
(6)
Wareham, England · 6 units
West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£100
 / night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite

12. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%
(10)
Ryde, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

13. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%
(21)
New Forest, England · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£80
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

14. Buckland Farm Camping

95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

15. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%
(8)
Shepton Mallet, England · 1 unit
Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night
Stud Farm

16. Stud Farm

100%
(4)
Brockenhurst, England · 1 unit
A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Romantic Country Glamping

17. Romantic Country Glamping

92%
(12)
Bradford On Avon, England · 2 units
A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£110
 / night
Lickham Bottom Camp

18. Lickham Bottom Camp

100%
(9)
Taunton, England · 3 units
Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£100
 / night
Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

19. Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

Bournemouth, England · 12 units
Set on the Parley Estate near Bournemouth, with a Georgian mansion sitting in four-acres of lovely Dorset parkland, Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt offers pre-erected bell tents on level grass meadows. No fuss, no puzzling tent poles to mess around with. Just arrive on site, move in and your holiday has started. Local attractions and activities include: - Bournemouth Beach & town centre for shops and restaurants 5min drive - Golf: on site 18 hole course and driving range! - Local pub short 10 min walk - Adventure Wonderland (kids’ theme park): five minutes’ drive - Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre: 10 minutes - Go Ape Moors Valley (tree-top zipwires): 15 minutes - Bournemouth Beach: 15 minutes - Splashdown (water park): 20 minutes - Moors Valley Country Park and Forest: 20 minutes - Mudeford Sandbank: 20 minutes - Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum: 20 minutes - Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park: 25 minutes.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£80
 / night
Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

20. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%
(10)
Honiton, England · 2 units
A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£68
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best campsites in Wareham Forest with horseback riding 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

  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.